Osteocalcin & Vitamin K

Your bones are in a constant balance of formation and breakdown. Many vitamins, including vitamin K, can influence the buildup of your bones. An adequate intake of vitamin K, promotes the action of osteocalcin, a major player in the mineralization of your bones. A well balanced diet including vitamin K promotes bone health and can stave off bone diseases like osteoporosis.

Osteocalcin

Your bones form through osteoblast cells that synthesize organic matter and mineralize bone. Osteocalcin is a protein made by your osteoblast cells in order to form new bone. Osteocalcin contains 47 to 50 amino acids and a GLA alpha helix and COOH-terminal beta sheet, which may be the mechanism by which osteocalcin helps produce bone. Although scientists are unclear as to the mechanism of osteocalcin and bone formation, it is definite that bone formation relies on the activity of osteocalcin proteins.

Osteocalcin and Vitamin K

In order for osteocalcin to bind minerals together for bone formation, vitamin K must be present. Vitamin K allows osteocalcin to become carboxylated. When carboxyl groups are added to osteocalcin, it is then able to perform its job.

Vitamin K and Osteoporosis

A deficiency of vitamin K can cause low bone mineral density and fractures. When vitamin K is unavailable, uncarboxylated osteocalcin is high. According to the book "Nutrition" by Paul Insel and colleagues, a high level of uncarboxylated osteocalcin is associated with a higher risk of bone fracture. A lack of vitamin K may also contribute to the development of osteoporosis.

Sources and Recommendations

Recommended intake of vitamin K varies by age. From 14 to 18, you should strive to get 75 mcg of vitamin K each day, and from 19 years and on you should increase to 90 mcg each day. Most vitamin K can be supplied through dietary plants. Good sources of vitamin K include cabbage, leafy green vegetables, cereal and soybeans.