Vitamin K and bone health in adults
Vitamin K plays a key role in bone health, especially for older adults. It helps activate osteocalcin, a protein essential for bone formation and mineralization. When vitamin K is deficient, the risk of fractures rises. Research summarized in Nutrients highlights this connection and points to the potential benefits of adequate vitamin K levels for skeletal strength.
As a fat‑soluble vitamin, vitamin K participates in blood clotting and also offers antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. These functions may contribute to cardiovascular health and may have implications for cancer risk as well. A recent review examined how vitamin K intake relates to bone health and regeneration, clarifying how a sufficient supply supports ongoing bone maintenance.
The core mechanism involves activating osteocalcin, which helps embed calcium into the bone matrix. Animal studies using ovariectomized models have shown that vitamin K supplementation increases activated osteocalcin, supporting bone resilience under conditions simulating menopause. This evidence aligns with the broader idea that maintaining adequate vitamin K status supports bone turnover and fracture resistance.
Dietary sources rich in vitamin K include leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables such as lettuce and kale, as well as rapeseed, olives, soybeans, natto, pork, and cheese. Natto, in particular, has been associated with higher blood levels of vitamin K and greater bone mineral density at the hip and femoral neck in observational data. These findings suggest that sufficient vitamin K intake may be linked to a reduced risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures in older adults when combined with a balanced diet.
Some studies indicate that current vitamin K intake recommendations might fall short for optimal bone health, underscoring the need for further clinical trials to refine guidance. As science evolves, clinicians may consider individual dietary patterns, absorption, and potential interactions with medications when evaluating vitamin K needs for bone protection.
Past research in related fields has highlighted how certain lipid markers are associated with cognitive outcomes, illustrating the complexity of nutrition and overall health. The evolving picture of vitamin K fits into this broader context of how micronutrients influence age-related health risks and marrow integrity [citation: Nutrients].