Bone Health – What Now?

MORRISTOWN, NJ – A newly published analysis in the Annals of Internal Medicine concluded that 400 IU or less of Vitamin D3 and 1000 mg or less of calcium are no longer advocated for prevention of fractures in non-institutionalized postmenopausal women. No conclusion was made for doses of D3 and calcium beyond these amounts due to lack of sufficient data. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) based their decision on evaluation of systematic reviews of the available data on vitamin D supplementation alone or in combination with calcium on bone health outcomes and adverse events associated with supplementation.

A 2011 publication of NHANES III data (1988-1994) reported that 56% of women aged 60 years and older take supplemental vitamin D and 60% take a supplement containing calcium.

“In the wake of recommendations against vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation, there will be confusion about how to reduce fracture risk,” comments Barbara Davis, PhD, a Registered Dietitian and Director of Medical & Scientific Affairs for PL Thomas. “Bone health is a top health concern for consumers, so these recommendations are going to be impactful.’

A growing body of evidence supports a role for vitamin K2 in bone health and may prove this vitamin to be an important option for bone health. Vitamin K mediates the synthesis of proteins that regulate bone metabolism. Observational studies show that vitamin K2 levels are associated with lower risk of bone fracture in Japanese women. Both the menaquinone-4 (MK-4) and menaquinone-7 (MK-7) forms of K2 have been studied for their role in bone health. Clinical studies in both European and Japanese populations demonstrate the importance of K2 for bone strength.

Presently there are three forms of K vitamins available in dietary supplements: vitamin K1, synthetic vitamin K2 MK-4 and natural vitamin K2 MK-7. Both forms of vitamin K2 are absorbed better than vitamin K1 but recent evidence shows that the MK-7 form of K2 has better availability and much longer half-life in the blood than the MK-4 form. As a natural extract derived from the Japanese food natto, or fermented soy, Natural Vitamin K2 MK-7 provides a food extract of MK-7.

Additional rigorously conducted trials will be needed to further clarify the role of this vitamin in bone health. J-Oil Mills continues its active research on the various benefits of Natural Vitamin K2 MK-7.

To learn more about Natural Vitamin K2 MK-7, please stop by the P.L. Thomas booth #354 at Engredea this week (March 8-10).