Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin K (menaquinone)
For the health condition: Calcium Deficiency

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin K, particularly in its menaquinone (vitamin K2) form, has scientific evidence supporting its role in calcium metabolism, but it is not used to directly treat calcium deficiency. Rather, vitamin K2 is crucial for the activation of certain proteins, such as osteocalcin and matrix Gla-protein, which help regulate calcium deposition in the bones and prevent inappropriate calcification in soft tissues. Multiple studies and reviews, including randomized controlled trials, have shown that vitamin K2 supplementation can improve bone health by supporting the proper utilization of calcium, particularly in populations at risk of osteoporosis. For example, a 2017 meta-analysis published in Osteoporosis International found that vitamin K2 supplementation was associated with reduced bone loss and decreased fracture risk in postmenopausal women.

However, vitamin K2 does not address calcium deficiency in the sense of increasing calcium intake or correcting low serum calcium from dietary insufficiency. Instead, it works synergistically with calcium and vitamin D to ensure that ingested calcium is directed toward bone mineralization rather than vascular or soft tissue calcification. Therefore, while vitamin K2 supports healthy calcium metabolism and bone health, it is not a substitute for calcium supplementation in cases of true deficiency.

In summary, there is moderate scientific evidence for vitamin K2's role in supporting bone health and proper calcium utilization, but its use is not directly indicated for treating calcium deficiency, which is primarily managed by increasing dietary calcium or supplementation.

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