Vitamin K and bone health in older adults

J Nutr Gerontol Geriatr. 2014;33(1):10-22. doi: 10.1080/21551197.2014.875818.

Abstract

Vitamin K is one of several nutrients that have been linked with bone health. In particular, there is an emerging literature regarding the questionable efficacy of vitamin K supplementation in reducing age-related bone loss. This review aims to summarize the role of vitamin K in bone health in older adults and discuss the clinical implications from a select few human studies. The evidence for vitamin K supplementation in older adults is mixed. Although the observational studies have shown linkages between vitamin K intake and lower risk of fractures in this population, the current evidence from randomized controlled trials is not strongly supportive of vitamin K supplementation in older adults for the intent of improving bone health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging*
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism*
  • Diet* / adverse effects
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Evidence-Based Medicine*
  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Nutrition Policy
  • Osteoporosis / etiology
  • Osteoporosis / prevention & control*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Vitamin K / metabolism
  • Vitamin K / therapeutic use*
  • Vitamin K Deficiency / diet therapy*
  • Vitamin K Deficiency / metabolism
  • Vitamin K Deficiency / physiopathology
  • Vitamin K Deficiency / prevention & control

Substances

  • Vitamin K