Role of vitamin K on biochemical markers, bone mineral density, and fracture risk.
Osteoporosis is a multifactorial chronic disease that may become even more prevalent and more of a public health problem in the decades to come. Recent research has indicated that a number of macro- and micronutrients are involved in the development of bone health. In the past decade it became evident that vitamin K played a significant role in human health beyond its well-established function in blood clotting. In fact, among the proteins known or suspected to be involved in bone and vascular biology there are several members of the vitamin K dependent or gamma-carboxyglutamic acid protein family. Based on the current evidence from epidemiologic and intervention studies, there are insufficient data to recommend a routine supplementation of vitamin K for optimal bone health. New experimental and placebo-controlled studies in humans should clarify our understanding of the role vitamin K plays in improving bone health.
Francucci
C M
CM
Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy. cm.francucci@ao-umbertoprimo.marche.it
Rilli
S
S
Fiscaletti
P
P
Boscaro
M
M
D015055:1-Carboxyglutamic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism*; D015519:Bone Density; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000378:metabolism*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000378:metabolism*
D015415:Biomarkers; D014815:Vitamins; D014812:Vitamin K; D015055:1-Carboxyglutamic Acid