Gathering College Students' Interests in Bone Health by Promoting Vitamin K2 Consumption
Abstract
The human skeleton requires constant sources of nutrients (calcium, vitamin D3, vitamin K) for bone remodeling, maintaining bone mass, and bone density. While there is existing evidence regarding the benefits of calcium and vitamin D3 on bone health, there have been recent studies of the effects of vitamin K derivatives (vitamins K1 and K2) on bone maintenance. The growing popularity of the new over-the-counter supplement named "Vitamin D3 + K2" has initiated our interest in a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the vitamin K derivatives' roles in bone health regulation. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that naturally exists as phylloquinone (K1) and menaquinone (K2), which differ in sources and physiological function. Vitamin K1 is found in leafy greens and promotes liver production of blood-clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, while vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods and assists in the regulation of calcium deposition into the bones. As consumer interest in supplementation increases, we aim to promote the consumption of natural sources of vitamin K2 and provide explanations of the benefits of alternatives to over-the-counter supplements. Our research aims to raise awareness about preventative dietary care from a young age to build a strong skeletal system. Our population of interest is a group of students to whom we administer surveys to gather their opinions and reflections on our presentation on the holistic approach to maintaining bone health.
Project Type
Event
Start Date
4-1-2026 12:00 AM
Gathering College Students' Interests in Bone Health by Promoting Vitamin K2 Consumption
The human skeleton requires constant sources of nutrients (calcium, vitamin D3, vitamin K) for bone remodeling, maintaining bone mass, and bone density. While there is existing evidence regarding the benefits of calcium and vitamin D3 on bone health, there have been recent studies of the effects of vitamin K derivatives (vitamins K1 and K2) on bone maintenance. The growing popularity of the new over-the-counter supplement named "Vitamin D3 + K2" has initiated our interest in a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the vitamin K derivatives' roles in bone health regulation. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that naturally exists as phylloquinone (K1) and menaquinone (K2), which differ in sources and physiological function. Vitamin K1 is found in leafy greens and promotes liver production of blood-clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, while vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods and assists in the regulation of calcium deposition into the bones. As consumer interest in supplementation increases, we aim to promote the consumption of natural sources of vitamin K2 and provide explanations of the benefits of alternatives to over-the-counter supplements. Our research aims to raise awareness about preventative dietary care from a young age to build a strong skeletal system. Our population of interest is a group of students to whom we administer surveys to gather their opinions and reflections on our presentation on the holistic approach to maintaining bone health.
