Vitamin K1 supplementation retards bone loss in postmenopausal women between 50 and 60 years of age

Braam LA, Knapen MH, Geusens P, Brouns F, Hamulyák K, Gerichhausen MJ, et al.

Published in Calcif Tissue Int, Vol. 73 (1), pp. 21-6

Methodology

Three-year randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 181 healthy postmenopausal women aged 50-60 (155 completed): placebo, a supplement of calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D (8 mcg/day), or the same supplement with 1 mg/day vitamin K1.

Key Findings

The group given vitamin K1 with minerals and vitamin D lost less femoral neck bone density: 1.7% less than placebo (95% CI 0.35-3.44) and 1.3% less than minerals and vitamin D alone (95% CI 0.10-3.41). Lumbar spine bone density did not differ.

Conclusions

Given with minerals and vitamin D, vitamin K1 may reduce postmenopausal bone loss at the femoral neck.

Limitations

Effect at one of two primary sites; vitamin K1 was always given with a mineral and vitamin D supplement; healthy women without osteoporosis; no fracture outcomes.