The health of your bones is important in order to help maintain joint function and prevent the risk of fractures as you age. One ailment that can affect your bones and joints are bone spurs. While often painless, bone spurs can have an affect on the daily activities of some individuals. While bone spurs should be examined by a physician, adequate levels of vitamin K may serve to prevent the formation of bone spurs.
Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are boney projections -- known as osteophytes -- that form on the edges of any bone in your body, according to MayoClinic.com. Bone spurs are not painful. However, bone spurs can rub on surrounding bones and nerves causing you pain. Bone spurs commonly form at joints, but can also occur near your tendons and ligaments. Many individuals with bone spurs often report no symptoms. For individuals that experience symptoms, joint pain and a limited range of motion are common symptoms. A physical exam as well as a X-ray can help your physician diagnose a bone spur. Bone spurs that cause pain may be treated with medication. For individuals who experience a loss of motion in an affected joint, surgery is an option to remove the bone spur.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin -- meaning this vitamin is stored in fat cells throughout your body. Vitamin K plays an important role in biochemical reactions that occur in your liver, according to "The Vitamin Book." Chemical reactions that occur in the liver modify proteins so that they are able to bind with calcium -- the most abundant mineral in your body that is essential for bone health. Vitamin K also plays an important role in allowing your bones to hold calcium and in allowing your blood to clot. Vitamin K can be supplemented -- at the discretion of your physician -- or received through a number of food sources. Food sources include leafy, green vegetables, dairy products, broccoli and soybeans.
Research
In a 2006 study found in the "Arthritis and Rheumatology" journal, the Arthritis Foundation indicates that low levels of vitamin K found in your body have been linked to abnormalities in bones -- including bone spurs. Individuals, who do not receive adequate amounts of vitamin K, are likely not to have the appropriate minerals -- especially calcium -- located in bones, joints and cartilage. As a result, you may experience joint pain, swelling and a loss of range of motion. This can eventually lead to osteoarthritis, or wear and tear on your joints.
Vitamin K Dosage
To help prevent bone spurs, researchers at the University of Maryland indicate that adult males over the age of 19 should consume 120 mcg of vitamin K daily. Adult females 19 years and older need 90 mcg. Adolescents ages 14 to 18 should consume 75 mcg. Children between the ages of 9 and 13 need 60 mcg of vitamin K daily. Children ages 4 to 8 should consume 55 mcg. Children ages 1 to 3 need 30 mcg. Infants ages 7 months to 12 months should consume 2.5 mcg daily. Newborns to infants ages 6 months should consume 2 mcg daily.
References
- "The Vitamin Book"; Harold M. Silverman et al.; 2003
- Arthritis Foundation: Low Vitamin K Status Associated with Osteoarthritis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin K
- MayoClinic.com; Bone Spurs; January 2010
