Vitamin K intake and health, consideration from the epidemiological studies

The most fundamental function of vitamin K is to activate the blood coagulation factors in the liver. Despite the recent recognition of its extra-hepatic actions, the current Dietary Reference Intakes for vitamin K is based on the amount necessary for maintaining the normal blood coagulation in many countries. To define the Dietary Reference Intake for vitamin K, appropriate biomarkers well-reflecting the vitamin K status are essential. Unfortunately, however, no markers are currently available with properties enabling us to properly define the vitamin K status; i.g., no interference by other factors and the presence of widely approved cut-off values. Thus, Adequate Intake is determined, which is an index based on the representative dietary intake data from healthy individuals. Recently, epidemiological studies have been reported regarding the relationship between vitamin K and noncommunicable diseases including osteoporotic fracture. Furthermore, studies focusing on the relationship between vitamin K intake and metabolic syndrome, physical function, depression, cognition, and all-cause mortality have become available, although limited in number. This review summarizes the recent findings in favor of the novel functions of vitamin K. More epidemiological studies are needed to define the appropriate vitamin K intake value based on the prevention of various disorders.