A longitudinal study of the effect of vitamin K 2 on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women a comparative study with vitamin D 3 and estrogen–progestin therapy

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the effect of vitamin K 2 treatment for a year on spinal bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women, comparing with vitamin D 3 hormone replacement therapy and to determine the factors which affect the efficacy of vitamin K 2 therapy. Subjects and methods: Seventy-two postmenopausal women were randomized into four groups and treated with respective agents. Before the therapy, 6 and 12 months after the treatment, their lumbar spine BMD were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The rates of change in BMD (ΔBMD) were calculated. Correlations of BMD with age, year since menopause and the initial BMD were determined. Results: Vitamin K 2 suppressed the decrease in spinal BMD as compared with no treatment group. BMD in women treated with vitamin K 2 was inversely correlated with their age ( r=−0.54; P<0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin K 2 therapy may be a useful method for preventing postmenopausal spinal bone mineral loss. In addition, the therapy should be started early in postmenopausal period.