With World Osteoporosis Day (20 October) around the corner, Gnosis by Lesaffre is encouraged by a new Australian study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research that suggests that simple strategies to strengthen bones, implemented by healthy as well as at-risk populations, could lead to a substantial decrease in hip fractures.
Analyzing data from the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study, one of the longest-running studies on osteoporosis in the world, which includes more than 3,000 individuals over 60 years of age tracked over time for fracture incidence and risk factors, researchers found that between the first cohort in 1988–92 and the second in 1999–2001, bone mineral density (BMD) increased by 3%. During the same period, there was a 45% decrease in hip fractures, a decline typically associated with a 10% rise in BMD.
The authors concluded their findings "suggest that a population-wide strategy aiming at enhancing BMD across the entire population could lead to a substantial decrease in the incidence of hip fractures." [1]
Gnosis is excited about these findings because they emphasize the importance of the overall population paying closer attention to supporting their bone health – not just those who have discovered their bone health is compromised – and are indicative of how protecting against loss of BMD is critical to health and well-being.
"At Gnosis, we offer clinically validated ingredients that support health and well-being on numerous fronts," says Xavier Berger, Global Market Manager with Gnosis by Lesaffre. "From a bone-health perspective, our MenaQ7 Vitamin K2 as MK-7 is leading the charge."
A groundbreaking three-year study in healthy postmenopausal women showed that MenaQ7Ò K2 supplementation (180 mcg/daily) made a significant improvement in vitamin K status outside the liver and slowed down the age-related decline in bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) in crucial areas like the lumbar spine and femoral neck, which are the bones most prone to weakness. Furthermore, it had a positive impact on bone strength as well. [2]
"These findings strongly suggest that taking vitamin K2 in the form of MK-7 supplements can help inhibit bone loss and enhance bone strength," Berger adds, noting that these results also support the health claim endorsed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), affirming the vital connection between vitamin K and the maintenance of normal bone health. "MenaQ7 is the best-researched K2 as MK-7 for preserving bone health, not only in adults but children, too. This new study underscores the opportunity for the population to consume Vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 to protect their BMC and BMD as they age to remain active and vibrant in their later years."
