Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Vitamin K and Osteoarthritis

A study reported at the World Congress on Osteoarthritis looked at 1200 patients without arthritis at baseline followed for 30 months. Those who developed osteoarthritis in both knees had a twofold incidence of vitamin K deficiency. Those who developed osteoarthritis in only one knee had a threefold incidence in vitamin K deficiency. There is no study yet that determines that taking vitamin K prevents osteoarthritis, but it might be a prudent thing to do, especially if you are at risk. Vitamin K can be measured with a simple blood test. Deficiency in vitamin K has also been linked to osteoporosis.

See Family Practice News (click here), November 15, 2010, p. 65. Dr. Tuhina Neogi(click here) from Boston University and the MOST study (click here).

3 comments:

kclblogs said...

Can you get enough vitamin K nutritionally, or do you need to supplement?

L Terry Chappell, MD said...

Most people can get enough nutritionally with green leafy vegetabels, brocoli, grages, etc. Sometimes patients with osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease can benefit from extra Vitamin K2. Dr Chappell

L Terry Chappell, MD said...

That should be vegetables and grapes!