Vitamin K and bone metabolism: the myth and the truth

ABSTRACT

Several natural/syntheticproducts, containing different metabolites of vitamin K, are freely available and their use is suggested for non-specific ‘bone health’. It is therefore necessary and useful to address this specific aspect of their use, describing the state of the art in basic, translational, and clinical studies, reported in the literature. In fact, we do not have any certainty about a real effectiveness of vitamin K in preventing fragility fractures. To date, published clinical trials have been conducted on different ethnicities, with different dietary habits, different supplementations and doses of vitamin K, and with different fracture risk factors. This review aims to provide basic cultural tools to improve the knowledge of readers concerning the use of vitamin K for bone health, helping them to develop an independent critical spirit.

KEYWORDS:

• Vitamin K
• bone metabolism
• fragility fractures
• gut microbiota
• osteoporosis

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.