Vitamin K — A Possible Help For Bone Health

Thursday, November 06, 2003

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Vitamin K, known for its ability to help coagulate blood, has traditionally had a low profile in the world of vitamins. That's starting to change because of information that shows Vitamin K might be important in keeping bones strong and healthy.

The November issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter explains that while results aren't conclusive, some studies have found a positive relationship between Vitamin K and bone health. Low Vitamin K has been associated with increased incidence of hip fractures in the elderly. Likewise, women on Vitamins D and K for two years experienced increased levels of bone density.

Vitamin K is found in many food sources including spinach, broccoli and brussels sprouts. It's in multivitamins and some calcium supplements. For women, the recommended daily dose is 90 micrograms (mcg); for men, it's 120 mcg. People who take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) should take Vitamin K with caution. It can thwart the effectiveness of the medication.

Carol Lammers
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville
Erik Kaldor
904-953-2299
Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale
Anne Tewksbury
480-301-4368

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll-free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

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