[Vitamin K and bone quality]

Meta-analysis involving previous clinical studies showed that VK(2) decreased the incidence of fracture. In particular, the results based on the data on bone mineral density and fracture suggested that VK(2) improves bone quality. Preclinical studies regarding bone quality reported that VK(2) improved the trabecular microarchitecture (connectivity and width) in an ovariectomized model, and that VK(2) increased the bone strength without influencing the bone mineral content in a model fed a low-Mg diet and a vitamin C deficiency model, increasing the collagen level and proline hydroxylation. Thus, improvement in bone quality via actions on the bone geometry and collagen level/quality may be involved in a VK(2)-related decrease in the incidence of new fracture in clinical studies.