Vitamin K2 supports bone healthSuppressive effect of vitamin K (menatetrenone) against bone mineral density loss after radiotherapy in uterine cancer patients.
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We explored whether vitamin K2, specifically menatetrenone, can help prevent the loss of bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with uterine cancer after they underwent radiotherapy. Our study included 34 patients who received whole pelvic irradiation, divided into two groups: one that took vitamin K2 for at least a year and a control group that did not.
We measured BMD at various intervals—before treatment, immediately after, and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-radiotherapy. While we found no remarkable changes in BMD at L3-L4, which was outside the irradiated area, we did see significant reductions in BMD at L5-S1, within the irradiated field, for those in the control group who did not receive vitamin K2. Conversely, patients taking vitamin K2 displayed a more stable BMD, suggesting that it may help mitigate some of the adverse effects of radiotherapy.
Our findings included some complications, such as insufficiency fractures, but they were evenly distributed across both groups. This indicates that while vitamin K2 may not directly attack the cancer, it shows promise in preserving bone health during and after treatment, which is crucial for improving the patient's overall quality of life. More extensive studies are needed to confirm these results.