Vitamin K beyond coagulation: a role in bone health and disease

Abstract

Vitamin K has long been associated solely with its role in haemostasis. The last two decades brought new intriguing insights to the function of vitamin K. While the present recommendations for daily intake are based mainly on amounts required to maintain coagulation, they may not be high enough to ensure adequate functions of vitamin K not involved in blood clotting, In the present review the role of vitamin K on bone in health and disease is being discussed. Theoretical grounds connected with the function and diagnostic application of the vitamin K-dependent protein osteocalcin is described. Available clinical data related to the use of vitamin K in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis is provided.