Vitamin K has long been associated with its role in bone metabolism. Lack of vitamin K intake has also been related to low bone density and osteoporotic fracture risk. 

A study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition postulates that vitamin K1 intake is related to bone mineral content, or BMC, and indicators of bone formation and resorption in girls. The study was conducted with a group of 245 girls, aged 3-16 years old.

 Osteocalcin, Cross-linked N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen breakdown, and bone-specific alkaline were measured to determine bone resorption and formation. The lumbar spine, BMC, hip, and dietary intake were also measured annually for a total of 4 years. The study found that better vitamin K status was associated with decreased bone turnover in healthy girls. 

The researchers suggest that more vitamin K1 supplementation trials are needed to further understand potential benefits to growing children concerning bone acquisition.

Works Cited:

Kalkwarf, Heidi J, Khoury, Jane C, Bean, Judy, Elliot, James G. “Vitamin K, bone turnover, and bone mass in girls”. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2004. Web. 8 Aug 2013. https://nattomk7.com/library/journals/