Vitamin K, osteoarthritis, and joint pain

Authors: Shea, Kyla - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University; Booth, Sarah - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/16/2016
Publication Date: 1/13/2017
Citation: Shea, K., Booth, S.L. 2017. Vitamin K, osteoarthritis, and joint pain. In: Watson, R.R. and Zibadi, S., editors. Nutritional Modulators of Pain in the Aging Population. Kidlington, Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier Inc. p. 225-233. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-805186-3.00019-9.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of joint pain and lower extremity disability in older adults and there is no known cure. Vitamin K has been implicated on osteoarthritis because vitamin K dependent proteins are present in joint tissues, such as cartilage and bone. In order to function, vitamin K dependent proteins must be carboxylated, which requires vitamin K. Ex vivo experiments found vitamin K dependent proteins in joint tissues from patients with osteoarthritis were undercarboxylated (less functional) and several observational studies found lower vitamin K nutritional status was associated with more osteoarthritis, as summarized in this review. Because there are no clinical trials that have been designed specifically to test the effect of vitamin K supplementation on osteoarthritis, whether vitamin K supplementation improved osteoarthritis and related pain and disability remains to be determined.