Bones are formed by bone-forming cells called osteoblasts. The osteoblast cells synthesize osteocalcin, under the direction of the active form of vitamin D, calcitriol. Vitamin K is needed to enable osteocalcin to bind minerals to bones, as diagrammed in Figure 6-2. Vitamin K is used as a coenzyme to convert three glutamic acid residues in osteocalcin that enable bone mineralization.
Higher vitamin K levels may be protective against osteoporosis and age-related fracture. Several studies have found a correlation between higher vitamin K levels and lowered risk of hip fracture. However, since leafy green vegetables are the primary source of vitamin K, this protective effect could be from other nutrients, such as the calcium or magnesium in green leafy vegetables.
Figure 6-2 Vitamin K and bone mineralization.
Higher vitamin K levels may be protective against osteoporosis and age-related fracture. Several studies have found a correlation between higher vitamin K levels and lowered risk of hip fracture. However, since leafy green vegetables are the primary source of vitamin K, this protective effect could be from other nutrients, such as the calcium or magnesium in green leafy vegetables.
Figure 6-2 Vitamin K and bone mineralization.
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