Overview
Top Medical Research Studies
The findings suggest that vitamin K2 significantly improves bone mineral density (BMD) and reduces certain bone markers.
While there were increased adverse reactions, they were not serious. Overall, this suggests that vitamin K2 can be a beneficial and safe option for postmenopausal women managing osteoporosis.
Our analysis revealed that vitamin K2 supplementation positively influences bone mineral density, particularly in the lumbar spine, and can potentially lower fracture rates.
However, while we noted improvements in bone density, the overall difference in fracture incidence was not consistently significant. Importantly, vitamin K2 seems to reduce certain serum markers without increasing adverse reactions, making it a promising option for maintaining bone health in postmenopausal women.
Our findings revealed that MK-4 significantly boosted bone mineral density and improved bone structure compared to untreated mice. It also promoted bone formation while reducing bone resorption.
Overall, this research highlights the potential of MK-4 as a promising treatment option for osteoporosis.
Most Useful Reviews
Medical Researches
- All Researches
The findings suggest that vitamin K2 significantly improves bone mineral density (BMD) and reduces certain bone markers.
While there were increased adverse reactions, they were not serious. Overall, this suggests that vitamin K2 can be a beneficial and safe option for postmenopausal women managing osteoporosis.
Our findings revealed that MK-4 significantly boosted bone mineral density and improved bone structure compared to untreated mice. It also promoted bone formation while reducing bone resorption.
Overall, this research highlights the potential of MK-4 as a promising treatment option for osteoporosis.
In this study, 77 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were divided into two groups. One group received vitamin K2 alone, while the other group was treated with a combination of rhPTH (1-34) and vitamin K2. Over the course of the treatment, we looked closely at changes in bone mineral density (BMD), pain levels, and various markers related to bone metabolism, as well as any potential side effects.
Both treatments were effective in improving key parameters like BMD and pain scores. However, the combination therapy significantly outperformed vitamin K2 alone in enhancing BMD and other important markers. Importantly, we found no significant increase in adverse reactions with the combined treatment, which suggests that it is a safe option.
Ultimately, our findings indicate that while vitamin K2 has a positive effect, its benefits were notably enhanced when used alongside rhPTH (1-34). This synergy may offer a promising pathway for more effective osteoporosis management.
Our findings revealed that mice lacking UBIAD1 had significantly shorter femurs and lower bone mineral density, indicating a detrimental effect on bone formation. Additionally, we noticed that the production of important proteins involved in forming both bone and cartilage was markedly decreased in these mice. Further experiments on cultured chondrocytes—the cells responsible for cartilage—showed that their differentiation was also impaired without UBIAD1.
These results suggest that UBIAD1 is vital for promoting healthy bone and cartilage growth, underscoring its potential importance in treating osteoporosis. While the study focuses on the enzyme's role, it highlights how vitamin K2 may support bone health through its influence on UBIAD1 activity.
Our findings revealed that VK2 significantly helped in mitigating bone loss and reducing a type of cell death known as ferroptosis in these conditions. This was evidenced by lower levels of harmful molecules like mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, alongside increased protection from oxidative stress indicated by higher glutathione levels. Notably, VK2 treatment also restored bone mass and boosted essential markers related to bone health in the distal femurs of our models.
Delving into the mechanisms, VK2 appeared to activate a pathway known as AMPK/SIRT1. Crucially, when we used a technique to knock down SIRT1, the beneficial effects of VK2 were diminished in the high-glucose cultured stem cells. Overall, VK2 proves to be a promising agent in combating type 2 diabetic osteoporosis by activating the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway to inhibit ferroptosis and ultimately support bone health.
User Reviews
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterized by weakened bones, making them fragile and more prone to fractures. This condition occurs when the body loses too much bone mass, doesn't make enough bone, or a combination of both. As bones lose density, they can break more easily, often as a result of minor falls or injury. Osteoporosis is often referred to as a "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without any symptoms until a fracture occurs, often in the hip, spine, or wrist.
Risk factors for developing osteoporosis include age, gender (it’s more common in women), family history, low body weight, and certain medical conditions and medications. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a diet low in calcium and vitamin D can also contribute to bone loss. Regular weight-bearing exercise, ensuring adequate nutrition, and, in some cases, medications can help prevent or manage osteoporosis. If you believe you may be at risk, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate screening and intervention options.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for various bodily functions, particularly in the clotting process of blood. It exists in two primary forms: K1 (phylloquinone), which is primarily found in leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, and K2 (menaquinone), which is found in fermented foods and certain animal products. Vitamin K plays a significant role in the synthesis of proteins that regulate blood coagulation and is also essential for bone metabolism, assisting in the binding of calcium to bones and other tissues.
Deficiencies in vitamin K can lead to increased bleeding and bruising, and in severe cases, it may contribute to bone weakness. While most people can obtain adequate amounts of vitamin K through a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fermented foods, those with certain medical conditions or who are on specific medications may require monitoring and supplementation. Incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods into your diet is the best way to ensure you get enough vitamin K for optimal health.
Vitamin K has garnered attention for its potential role in bone health, particularly in relation to osteoporosis. Research suggests that vitamin K can help in the regulation of calcium in the bones, which is essential for maintaining bone density. Several studies indicate that adequate intake of vitamin K may support bone mineralization and reduce the risk of fractures in individuals with osteoporosis. However, while some evidence supports its benefits, more extensive clinical trials are needed to establish a definitive causal relationship and determine the optimal dosage.
If you’re considering adding a vitamin K supplement to your osteoporosis management plan, it’s crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your health status, dietary needs, and any other medications you might be taking, particularly anticoagulants, as vitamin K can interact with blood-thinning medications. Overall, while vitamin K appears to play a supportive role in bone health, it should be viewed as part of a comprehensive approach that includes a balanced diet, regular weight-bearing exercise, and, when necessary, prescribed medications to effectively manage osteoporosis.
Based on user reviews, the timeline for seeing results from this supplement for osteoporosis can vary significantly. Some users report experiencing noticeable improvements within just a couple of months. For example, one user mentioned improvements in their osteoporosis after just two months of taking the supplement alongside vitamin D3 and magnesium (Read Review). Another long-term user noted a remarkable improvement in bone health after consistently taking the supplement for a decade (Read Review).
However, results are not guaranteed for everyone. One user indicated they saw no improvement after using the product for three years, even reporting a significant decline in bone density during a recent scan (Read Review). Overall, while some experience benefits in a matter of months, others may take years to observe any changes, if at all.
Research indicates that Vitamin K, especially in its menaquinone forms (MK-4 and MK-7), may contribute positively to osteoporosis management. Several studies suggest that Vitamin K2 supplementation can enhance bone mineral density (BMD) and may help decrease fracture risks, particularly in postmenopausal women. For instance, a review of 16 randomized controlled trials involving over 6,400 participants showed that Vitamin K2 could significantly enhance lumbar spine BMD and positively influence bone health without increasing serious side effects [27]. Other studies indicated its role in promoting osteoblast activity and reducing bone resorption, making it a potential supportive treatment for osteoporosis [28].
However, the effectiveness of Vitamin K2 might depend on various factors, including the specific population being studied and the presence of other treatments. Some results have shown only modest impacts on bone density or hip geometry with Vitamin K supplementation alone [22]. While there is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of Vitamin K2 for osteoporosis, more extensive and long-term studies are required to conclusively establish its benefits and optimal usage in osteoporosis treatment.
Based on user reviews, many individuals report significant improvements in their osteoporosis symptoms after using the supplement, particularly when combined with vitamins D and calcium. For instance, a long-term user noted a remarkable enhancement in their bone health, achieving a status in the top 5% for bone density after nine years of usage (Read Review). Another user experienced noticeable improvements within just two months of starting the supplement, citing better bone conditions and reduced pain (Read Review). Regular use seems to yield positive results in bone density and overall skeletal health, with several reviewers emphasizing the efficacy of vitamin K2 in directing calcium to the bones where it’s needed (Read Review).
However, individual results can vary significantly. One user expressed disappointment, reporting no improvement over three years of use, even noting a decline in bone density during a recent scan (Read Review). While many users have found the combination of vitamins K, D, and calcium effective in managing osteoporosis, it's essential to remember that not everyone may achieve the same results, and some may need to explore additional treatment options to see improvements.
Users strongly recommend combining this supplement with vitamin D and calcium to enhance its effectiveness in managing osteoporosis. Many reviewers highlight the synergistic benefits of taking vitamin K alongside these supplements. For instance, one user sharing their experience over many years noted that this combination significantly contributed to improving their bone density and overall bone health, stating they went from being at risk of osteoporosis to ranking in the top 5% for bone density (Read Review). Another user also confirmed that taking vitamin K with vitamin D has proven effective in reducing bone pain (Read Review).
Moreover, some users pointed out that vitamin K is crucial for ensuring that calcium is directed to the bones where it is needed most. One user noted that “the combination of various types of vitamin K assists in utilizing vitamin D, which is crucial for me due to my osteoporosis” (Read Review). Overall, the consensus in user feedback suggests that integrating vitamin K with vitamin D and calcium can lead to better outcomes in the fight against osteoporosis, though individual results may vary (Read Review).
Users report a variety of approaches to determining the right dose of Vitamin K for osteoporosis treatment, with many emphasizing the importance of combining it with other vitamins, particularly Vitamin D. One user noted the effectiveness of taking high doses of Vitamin K2 (MK4) regularly, claiming impressive results in preventing osteoporosis (Read Review). Additionally, several users highlighted the significant benefits of taking Vitamin K alongside Vitamin D and calcium, suggesting that this combination is crucial for maximizing bone density and health (Read Review) (Read Review).
However, not all users reported positive outcomes, with some expressing dissatisfaction with the results after prolonged use. One review indicated that the user saw no improvement in their osteoporosis condition despite continuous use of the supplement (Read Review). On the other hand, a long-term user suggested that consistent supplementation over years resulted in a remarkable improvement in bone health, demonstrating the variability in individual responses to Vitamin K supplementation (Read Review). In summary, while many users support the use of Vitamin K in conjunction with Vitamin D and calcium for osteoporosis, individual experiences may vary significantly, and careful consideration of dosage and combination is advised.
Our findings indicated that VK2 supplementation appears to positively influence the maintenance and improvement of lumbar spine BMD. We noted significant improvements in bone density measurements when VK2 was administered, especially in combination therapies. In terms of fracture incidence, while overall data from multiple studies did not show a significant reduction, excluding one outlier revealed a meaningful decrease in fractures.
Additionally, VK2 was found to reduce levels of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (uc-OC), which is beneficial for bone health. However, we found no significant effect on carboxylated osteocalcin (cOC) levels. Importantly, we also observed that VK2 presented no increased risk of adverse effects compared to control groups.
Overall, our analysis suggests that VK2 can be a valuable tool for improving bone health and reducing fracture risks in postmenopausal women, supporting its use as a nutritional supplement in osteoporosis management.
Our results showed that VK2 significantly boosted alkaline phosphatase activity and increased levels of key osteogenic indicators such as osteocalcin and RUNX2. We also conducted RNA sequencing to identify how VK2 triggers these changes, uncovering numerous genes that were impacted by its administration.
Notably, we found that VK2 not only elevated signals associated with bone formation but also influenced specific signaling pathways. It seemed to work by reducing the expression of STAT1 through the Bcl-6 and IL-6/JAK signaling pathways. This means that VK2 may enhance bone growth by modulating the intricate network of biological signals involved in bone development.
Overall, our findings suggest that vitamin K2 could play a beneficial role in promoting bone health through its action on crucial biological pathways, hinting at its potential as a supportive treatment for osteoporosis.
Throughout the study, we measured key indicators such as bone mineral density (BMD), hip geometry, and bone turnover markers (BTMs). While we did not observe significant differences in bone density or turnover, vitamin K supplementation did lead to some modest improvements in hip geometry parameters. This suggests that while vitamin K2 may not drastically change BMD, it might contribute positively to bone structure.
Overall, our findings indicate that the addition of vitamin K2 has only a modest effect, and more research is needed to confirm these results and explore the full potential of vitamin K2 in osteoporosis treatment.
References
- Ding F, Zhang W, Liu T, Rong X, Cui Y, et al. MK-4 Ameliorates Diabetic Osteoporosis in Angiogenesis-Dependent Bone Formation by Promoting Mitophagy in Endothelial Cells. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2025;19:2173. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S503930
- Wang Q, Yu H, Kong Y. Association of vitamins with bone mineral density and osteoporosis measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry: a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024;25:69. doi:10.1186/s12891-024-07173-y
- Öz İ, Kochai A, Avan YL, Keskin D, Çınar BM, et al. The effect of pharmacological treatment in combination with vitamin K on healing in an experimental rat model of osteoporosis. Jt Dis Relat Surg. 2023;34:356. doi:10.52312/jdrs.2023.911
- Moore AE, Dulnoan D, Voong K, Ayis S, Mangelis A, et al. The additive effect of vitamin K supplementation and bisphosphonate on fracture risk in post-menopausal osteoporosis: a randomised placebo controlled trial. Arch Osteoporos. 2023;18:83. doi:10.1007/s11657-023-01288-w
- Li C, Liang C, Kong Z, Su Y, Ren W, et al. Determination of Vitamin K1, MK-4, MK-7, and D Levels in Human Serum of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Women Based on High Stability LC-MS/MS: MK-7 May Be a New Marker of Bone Metabolism. Ann Nutr Metab. 2023;79:334. doi:10.1159/000531065
- Giordani C, Matacchione G, Giuliani A, Valli D, Scarpa ES, et al. Pro-Osteogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Synergistic Effect of Orthosilicic Acid, Vitamin K2, Curcumin, Polydatin and Quercetin Combination in Young and Senescent Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24. doi:10.3390/ijms24108820
- Lee AS, Sung MJ, Son SJ, Han AR, Hong SM, et al. Effect of Menaquinone-4 on Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor B Ligand-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation and Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss. J Med Food. 2023;26:128. doi:10.1089/jmf.2022.K.0078
- Jin C, Tan K, Yao Z, Lin BH, Zhang DP, et al. A Novel Anti-Osteoporosis Mechanism of VK2: Interfering with Ferroptosis via AMPK/SIRT1 Pathway in Type 2 Diabetic Osteoporosis. J Agric Food Chem. 2023;71:2745. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.2c05632
- Tao X, Xu T, Liu L, Lin X, Zhang Z, et al. Case report: Clinical characteristics and treatment of secondary osteoporosis induced by X-linked congenital adrenal dysplasia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022;13:961322. doi:10.3389/fendo.2022.961322
- Ma ML, Ma ZJ, He YL, Sun H, Yang B, et al. Efficacy of vitamin K2 in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Public Health. 2022;10:979649. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.979649
- Zhou M, Han S, Zhang W, Wu D. Efficacy and safety of vitamin K2 for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at a long-term follow-up: meta-analysis and systematic review. J Bone Miner Metab. 2022;40:763. doi:10.1007/s00774-022-01342-6
- Zhang W, Li L, Zhou X, Li K, Liu C, et al. Concurrent Treatment with Vitamin K2 and D3 on Spine Fusion in Patients with Osteoporosis-Associated Lumbar Degenerative Disorders. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2022;47:352. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000004309
- Mandatori D, Penolazzi L, Pelusi L, Lambertini E, Michelucci F, et al. Three-Dimensional Co-Culture System of Human Osteoblasts and Osteoclast Precursors from Osteoporotic Patients as an Innovative Model to Study the Role of Nutrients: Focus on Vitamin K2. Nutrients. 2021;13. doi:10.3390/nu13082823
- Wang H, Zhang N, Li L, Yang P, Ma Y. Menaquinone 4 Reduces Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Mice through Dual Regulation of Bone Remodeling. Nutrients. 2021;13. doi:10.3390/nu13082570
- Wang B, Tang J, Weng S, Chen L, Wu Z, et al. Is vitamin K a treatment choice for atypical femoral fractures in patients with secondary osteoporosis?. J Int Med Res. 2021;49:3000605211001643. doi:10.1177/03000605211001643
- Solmaz I, Ozdemir MA, Unal E, Abdurrezzak U, Muhtaroglu S, et al. Effect of vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 on bone mineral density in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a prospective cohort study. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2021;34:441. doi:10.1515/jpem-2020-0637
- Zhang Z, Xia K, Gong W, Mai R, Liu P, et al. Efficacy of Recombinant Human Parathyroid Hormone 1-34 and Vitamin K2 Combination Therapy in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis. Horm Metab Res. 2025;57:33. doi:10.1055/a-2371-1642
- Hirashima S, Kiyooka Y, Kaetsu S, Nakagawa K. Vitamin K converting enzyme UBIAD1 plays an important role in osteogenesis and chondrogenesis in mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2024;702:149635. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149635
- Kong M, Gao C, Luan X, Fan C, Hao M, et al. Analyzing the factors associated with efficacy among teriparatide treatment in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024;25:109. doi:10.1186/s12891-024-07227-1
- Skalny AV, Aschner M, Tsatsakis A, Rocha JBT, Santamaria A, et al. Role of vitamins beyond vitamin D in bone health and osteoporosis (Review). Int J Mol Med. 2024;53. doi:10.3892/ijmm.2023.5333
- Cui Y, Zhang W, Yang P, Zhu S, Luo S, et al. Menaquinone-4 prevents medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw through the SIRT1 signaling-mediated inhibition of cellular metabolic stresses-induced osteoblast apoptosis. Free Radic Biol Med. 2023;206:33. doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.06.022
- Moore AE, Dulnoan D, Voong K, Ayis S, Mangelis A, et al. The additive effect of vitamin K supplementation and bisphosphonate on fracture risk in post-menopausal osteoporosis: a randomised placebo controlled trial. Arch Osteoporos. 2023;18:83. doi:10.1007/s11657-023-01288-w
- Li C, Liang C, Kong Z, Su Y, Ren W, et al. Determination of Vitamin K1, MK-4, MK-7, and D Levels in Human Serum of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Women Based on High Stability LC-MS/MS: MK-7 May Be a New Marker of Bone Metabolism. Ann Nutr Metab. 2023;79:334. doi:10.1159/000531065
- Giordani C, Matacchione G, Giuliani A, Valli D, Scarpa ES, et al. Pro-Osteogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Synergistic Effect of Orthosilicic Acid, Vitamin K2, Curcumin, Polydatin and Quercetin Combination in Young and Senescent Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24. doi:10.3390/ijms24108820
- Jin C, Tan K, Yao Z, Lin BH, Zhang DP, et al. A Novel Anti-Osteoporosis Mechanism of VK2: Interfering with Ferroptosis via AMPK/SIRT1 Pathway in Type 2 Diabetic Osteoporosis. J Agric Food Chem. 2023;71:2745. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.2c05632
- Tao X, Xu T, Liu L, Lin X, Zhang Z, et al. Case report: Clinical characteristics and treatment of secondary osteoporosis induced by X-linked congenital adrenal dysplasia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022;13:961322. doi:10.3389/fendo.2022.961322
- Ma ML, Ma ZJ, He YL, Sun H, Yang B, et al. Efficacy of vitamin K2 in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Public Health. 2022;10:979649. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.979649
- Wang H, Li L, Zhang N, Ma Y. Vitamin K2 Improves Osteogenic Differentiation by Inhibiting STAT1 via the Bcl-6 and IL-6/JAK in C3H10 T1/2 Clone 8 Cells. Nutrients. 2022;14. doi:10.3390/nu14142934
- Jadhav N, Ajgaonkar S, Saha P, Gurav P, Pandey A, et al. Molecular Pathways and Roles for Vitamin K2-7 as a Health-Beneficial Nutraceutical: Challenges and Opportunities. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:896920. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.896920
- Zhou M, Han S, Zhang W, Wu D. Efficacy and safety of vitamin K2 for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at a long-term follow-up: meta-analysis and systematic review. J Bone Miner Metab. 2022;40:763. doi:10.1007/s00774-022-01342-6
- Zhang W, Li L, Zhou X, Li K, Liu C, et al. Concurrent Treatment with Vitamin K2 and D3 on Spine Fusion in Patients with Osteoporosis-Associated Lumbar Degenerative Disorders. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2022;47:352. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000004309
- Hu L, Ji J, Li D, Meng J, Yu B. The combined effect of vitamin K and calcium on bone mineral density in humans: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Surg Res. 2021;16:592. doi:10.1186/s13018-021-02728-4
