Effect of vitamin K and calcium in bone loss in ovariectomized rats

Osteoporosis compromises bone mineral composition and microarchitecture. Given the limited ability of current treatments to restore lost bone mass, prevention remains crucial in clinical practice. In the present study, we investigated the effect of vitamin K2, administered alone or in combination with calcium and vitamin D3, on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats. We assessed serum parameters, bone mineral content, bone strength, histomorphometry, radiography, and microtomography to evaluate trabecular volume and bone microarchitecture. Serum calcium levels were similar between ovariectomized rats supplemented with either vitamin K2 or calcium. Vitamin K2 protected against the loss of trabecular bone volume in ovariectomized rats. Supplementation with calcium and/or vitamin D3 showed inconsistent effects on bone mass. Histologic, microtomographic, and radiographic analyses provided similar results; however, microtomography was more effective in detecting differences between groups. In our study vitamin K2 helped in the treatment of bone loss, while calcium and vitamin D3 continued to demonstrate inconsistent effects.