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Can vitamin K help to fight osteoporosis? |
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A 56-year-old reader from Cambridge broke her wrist falling down the stairs and was told that she has osteoporosis. The reader has heard that vitamin K may be of some use in combating osteoporosis and wonders if this was good advice.
This may well be true. Two years ago in the Archives of Internal Medicine (American Medical Association) a group of British scientists reviewed the role of vitamin K in the prevention of fractures. Their conclusion was that a low intake of vitamin K may be associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture in later life. Similarly, supplements of vitamin K may reduce bone loss and reduce the incidence of fractures from osteoporosis.
There are two types of vitamin K: K1 and K2. Vitamin K has a role in the creation of blood coagulation factors in the liver, it plays an important part in adolescent and adult bone structure by activating the protein osteocalcin that helps the body to utilise calcium, and it is involved in the action of GLA protein in the creation of blood vessel walls in vascular health. Vitamin K may therefore help to provide protection against coronary arterial disease in older people.
Dr Susan Lanham-New, from the University of Surrey, has written extensively on the role of vitamin K in preventing osteoporosis. Her teaching emphasises that if bone structure is not laid down effectively in adolescence the ability to achieve peak bone mass later may be compromised: more than a third of adult peak bone mass is determined in adolescence. She says: “A healthy lifestyle, including regular vigorous weight-bearing exercise and a diet that includes lots of calcium and vitamin K in adolescence may have a key role in the prevention of osteoporosis.”
The natural sources of vitamin K are green leafy vegetables. Abnormally high intakes of vitamin A and E in some antibiotics may reduce the levels of vitamin K. One of the best supplements of vitamin K is menaquinone 7, which is derived from the Japanese breakfast food Natto: the richest known source of vitamin K2 is sold as MenaQ7.
MenaQ7 Vitamin K2
DESCRIPTION:
Helps to maintain a healthy heart and healthy bones
MenaQ7 contains a special form of vitamin K2: menaquinon-7. This comes from natto, a traditional Japanese food from fermented soy. Natto is rich in vitamin K2.
MenaQ7 helps to maintain a healthy heart and healthy bones. Enriched with vitamin D to ensure strong bones.
Dietary supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Consult with your physician before using MenaQ7 if you are taking anti-coagulant medication such as Warfarin.
Keep out of reach of young children. Store in a cool, dry place.
DIRECTIONS:
As a dietary supplement take one capsule daily preferably with a hot meal. People over 60 may take 1 to 3 capsules daily. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
INGREDIENTS:
Linseed oil, potato starch, sunflower oil, natto extract, iron oxide, leaf wax, and ergocalciferol.
Per capsule 45 mcg vitamin K2 (56% RDA) *
5 mcg vitamin D (100% RDA)
* recommended daily dosage.
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Products sold or supplied by The Nutri Centre are not intended for the treatment,
prevention and cure of any medical conditions. Never exceed recommended intake unless
professionally advised.
Keep out of reach of children