Bone density
Supplements studied for bone density.
Overview
Two supplements are indexed for bone density across 14 studies.
Vitamin K (WA 68; medium effect size, very high evidence, medium trust) is indexed with evidence referenced from osteoporosis research across 13 studies in the database. Calcium (WA 64; medium effect size, medium evidence, high trust) also carries medium ratings across the same dimensions but detailed trial summaries for this condition entry are not yet available in the index.
See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for full ratings, linked osteoporosis evidence for vitamin K, and individual trial summaries.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Vitamin K | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Calcium | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Yerba Mate | ★★★★★ | Low |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
3 supplements for and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
Vitamin KView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- See osteoporosis.
Browse 13 studies·3 meta-analyses
RCTEffect of Vitamin K on Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Risk in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2022n=7,092
In an RCT of 7,092 participants, VK decreases general fracture risk, and it can be an option to counter bone loss disorders.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Postmenopausal women
- Participants
- 7,092
- Ages
- 19+
MetaEffect of vitamin K on bone mineral density and fractures in adults: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials2019
In a meta-analysis in adults, for post-menopausal or osteoporotic patients, there is no evidence that vitamin K affects bone mineral density or vertebral fractures; it may reduce clinical fractures; however, the evidence is insufficient to confirm this.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
RCTLow-dose vitamin K2 (MK-4) supplementation for 12 months improves bone metabolism and prevents forearm bone loss in postmenopausal Japanese women2014n=24
In an RCT of 24 participants, 45 mg/day, for 12 months, these results suggest that low-dose MK-4 supplementation for 6-12 months improved bone quality in the postmenopausal Japanese women by decreasing the serum ucOC and pentosidine concentrations, without any substantial adverse effects.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 months
- Dose
- 45 mg/day
- Population
- Postmenopausal women
- Participants
- 24
- Ages
- 50–65
RCTThree-year low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation helps decrease bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women2013n=244
In an RCT of 244 participants, 180 µg MK-7/day, for 3 years, whether these results can be extrapolated to other populations, e.g., children and men, needs further investigation.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 years
- Dose
- 180 µg MK-7/day
- Population
- Postmenopausal women
- Participants
- 244
MetaEffect of vitamin K on bone mineral density: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2012
In a meta-analysis in adults, further studies are required to address factors relating to the observed effects of vitamin K on BMD.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
Controlled trialVitamin K treatment reduces undercarboxylated osteocalcin but does not alter bone turnover, density, or geometry in healthy postmenopausal North American women2009
In a controlled trial in postmenopausal women, 1 mg/day, for 12 months, phylloquinone and MK4 treatment reduced serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin but did not alter BSALP or NTX.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 months
- Dose
- 1 mg/day
- Population
- Postmenopausal women
RCTEffect of vitamin K supplementation on bone loss in elderly men and women2008n=401
In an RCT of 401 participants, 400 IU/day, for 6–12 months, the group that received the phylloquinone supplement had significantly higher phylloquinone and significantly lower percent undercarboxylated osteocalcin concentrations compared with the group that did not receive phylloquinone.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 6–12 months
- Dose
- 400 IU/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 401
RCTVitamin K, circulating cytokines, and bone mineral density in older men and women2008n=379
In an RCT of 379 participants, poor vitamin K status was associated with high concentrations of cytokines involved in bone turnover, but vitamin K supplementation did not confer a decrease in cytokine concentrations.
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 379
- Ages
- 60–81
RCTVitamin K2 supplementation improves hip bone geometry and bone strength indices in postmenopausal women2007
In an RCT in postmenopausal women, 45 mg/day, for 3 years, k(2) did not affect the DXA-BMD, but BMC and the FNW had increased relative to placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 years
- Dose
- 45 mg/day
- Population
- Postmenopausal women
- Ages
- 55–75
RCTFactors affecting bone loss in female endurance athletes: a two-year follow-up study2003
In an RCT in female athletes, supplementation with vitamin K did not affect the rate of bone loss.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Female athletes
RCTEffect of continuous combined therapy with vitamin K(2) and vitamin D(3) on bone mineral density and coagulofibrinolysis function in postmenopausal women2002n=172
In an RCT of 172 participants, for 2 years, furthermore, the increase in coagulation function observed during this therapy was within the physiological range, and no adverse reactions were observed.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 years
- Population
- Postmenopausal women
- Participants
- 172
RCTRandomized pilot trial of vitamin K2 for bone loss in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis2001
In an RCT in liver disease patients, randomized pilot trial of vitamin K2 for bone loss in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Liver disease patients
RCTA longitudinal study of the effect of vitamin K2 on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women a comparative study with vitamin D3 and estrogen-progestin therapy1999
In an RCT in postmenopausal women, in addition, the therapy should be started early in postmenopausal period.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 1 year
- Population
- Postmenopausal women
CalciumView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- No summary available.
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
MetaThe effect of calcium supplementation in people under 35 years old: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2022n=7,382
A meta-analysis of 43 RCTs (7,382 people ≤35 years) found calcium supplementation modestly increased bone density, especially at the femoral neck and total body, with moderate-certainty evidence.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 300 mg/day
- Population
- Women
- Participants
- 7,382
- Ages
- 20–35
Yerba MateView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Evidence is insufficient for this condition.
Browse 1 study
ObservationalYerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) consumption is associated with higher bone mineral density in postmenopausal women2011n=146
In an observational study of 146 participants, ≥1 L yerba mate tea/day, from a program for osteoporosis prevention and treatment, postmenopausal women who drank at least 1 L of Yerba Mate tea daily during 4 or more years (n=146) were identified, and matched by age and time since menopause with an equal number of women who did not...
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- ≥4 years
- Dose
- ≥1 L yerba mate tea/day
- Population
- Postmenopausal women
- Participants
- 146
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin K | ★★★★★68% | 13 | 3 | 87% |
| Calcium | ★★★★★64% | 1 | 1 | 7% |
| Yerba Mate | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 7% |