When we think of strong bones, we usually think of milk, a rich source of the nutrients that promote bone density: calcium and vitamin D. But we may be overlooking another important nutrient created closer to home—in our own gut, to be exact.
Vitamin K produced by certain types of bacteria that colonize the gut could also bolster bones, according to scientists Kyla Shea of the Vitamin K Laboratory at the USDA’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University and Chris Hernandez of Cornell University’s Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
It is quite well researched that taking Vitamin K2 helps the body to direct calcium to the bones rather than it building up in blood vessels and the kidneys. Studies have been done in Japan and Australia, for example.
I have osteoporosis but prefer not to take bisphosphonates and choose to take a vitamin K2 supplement. I have learnt much about the benefit of vitamin K from members of the Bone Health forum for anyone who is interested.
I should add that I was also given information about Vit K 2 by members of this forum too and for which I am grateful.
Yes, the amount of steroids I've had to take over the years, for Cancer, for Lung exacerbations, for RA and especially for Vasculitis, have left me with crippling vertebral fractures due to Osteoporosis. I can't include K2 in my diet as my husband has DVT and can't have it. So it's Bisphonates for me, Zoledronate (although I'm on a drugs holiday ATM).
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Blackpool and now. just waiting.
Had to cancel my Lung function tests
Bad day made worse by reflecting on silly and stupid things.
Uncertainty over dad's condition.
