Issues related to the research on vitamin K supplementation and bone mineral density

Authors: ZHANG, YIJIA - Columbia University; SHEA, KYLA - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University; JUDD, SUZANNE - University Of Alabama At Birmingham; D'ALTON, MARY - Columbia University; KAHE, KA - Columbia University

Submitted to: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/12/2021
Publication Date: 5/28/2021
Citation: Zhang, Y., Shea, K., Judd, S., D'Alton, M., Kahe, K. 2021. Issues related to the research on vitamin K supplementation and bone mineral density. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 76:335-339. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-021-00941-2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-021-00941-2

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The potential effect of vitamin K on skeletal health has been investigated for decades. Most RCTs focused on BMD and the findings were inconsistent and inconclusive. This perspective discussed the issues associated with this area of research from various angles: the selections of outcome and exposure factors, scientific rigor, and scientific integrity. Future rigorously designed studies should: (1) focus on the clinical endpoint, i.e., risk of fracture, or a combination of biomarkers for bone structure, bone strength, and bone turnover; (2) implement the concept of precision nutrition and engage in development and use of genetic biomarkers such as SNPs or miRNAs; (3) examine the comparable dosages among various forms of vitamin K to determine the optimal dose and type of vitamin K with respect to skeletal health; (4) target individuals with low vitamin K status.