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July 29, 2005
Does a multi- vitamin a day keep osteoporosis away?
Citation:Adams J, Pepping J.; Vitamin K in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and arterial calcification. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2005 Aug 1;62(15):1574-81
Findings: Vitamin K is essential for the activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins, which are involved not only in blood coagulation but in bone metabolism and the inhibition of arterial calcification. Vitamin K deficiency causes reductions in bone mineral density and increases the risk of fractures. Concurrent use of menaquinone and vitamin D may substantially reduce bone loss.
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Citation: Morris MS, Jacques PF, Selhub J.Relation between homocysteine and B-vitamin status indicators and bone mineral density in older Americans.Bone. 2005 Aug;37(2):234-42
Findings: Authors examined data collected on older adults ( >55 years) who underwent DEXA scans of the hip as participants in phase 2 of the third U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 1550). They noted an association between hyperhomocystinemia and low Vit B12 levels and osteoporosis. Hyperhomocystinemia is known to be associated with hip fractures.
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Citation: Rude RK, Gruber HE, Norton HJ, Wei LY, Frausto A, Kilburn J. Dietary magnesium reduction to 25% of nutrient requirement disrupts bone and mineral metabolism in the rat. Bone. 2005 Aug;37(2):211-9.
Findings: Magnesium deficiency (Mg intake of 25% NR) was noted to be associated with loss of bone density in rats.
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Food for thought: It is well known that Calcium and Vit D are essential for preventing osteoporosis. Above studies seem to indicate that Vitamins K and B12, Folate and Magnesium are also essential for preventing osteoporosis. More studies are required to differentiate between association and causation of these factors on Osteoporosis. Meanwhile, providers carrying for older adults may want ensure that their patients are taking sufficient amounts of Vit K, B12 and Folate and Mg in addition to the well publicized Calcium and Vit D.
VJ Periyakoil, MD
Posted by VJ@stanford at July 29, 2005 09:39 AM
