Vitamin K and Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women
Vitamin K and Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Women
This one year study of the K vitamers phylloquinone (K1) and menatetranone (MK4) will study
 supplementation effects on bone turnover and bone density. Women at least 5 years
 postmenopause with normal bone density who do not use estrogen therapy or the following
 medications may be eligible:

 alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), pamidronate (Aredia), etidronate (Didronel),
 zoledronate (Zometa), teriparatide (Forteo), raloxifene (Evista), tamoxifene, warfarin
 (Coumadin), anti-seizure medications, prednisone, or oral steroids. Eligible subjects will
 take calcium and vitamin D (Citracal) twice a day for the first two months and through-out
 the study. After the first two months, subjects are randomized to the K1, MK4 or placebo
 groups. Return visits occur at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Fasting blood and urine is collected at
 each visit and bone density is performed at 3 study visits.
-  Female, 5 years postmenopause.

 -  Ambulatory.

 -  Community dwelling.

 -  Able to ingest calcium and vitamin D supplements.

 -  Willing to restrict vitamin K intake.

 -  Stable thyroid dose if appropriate.

 -  No history of hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism or other metabolic bone diseases.

 -  Absence of hardware in hip and spine.

 -  History of malignancy within the last five years.

 -  Not currently using coumadin or warfarin.

 -  Vitamin D supplements must be less than 800 IU daily.

 -  Have not used estrogen or other bone-altering medications (see list in study
 description) within the last year.

 -  No history of liver disease or malabsorption.

 -  No known allergy to vitamin K.

 -  Have not participated in an investigational drug trial within the last month.