Vitamin K Slows Insulin Resistance in Elderly Men

Results of a study published in the November issue of Diabetes Care showed that vitamin K supplementation slowed the progression of insulin resistance in men ages 60 to 80.

The 3-year clinical trial at the Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University (USDA HNRCA) included 355 non-diabetic men and women ages 60 to 80.

One group of men and women took daily multivitamins containing 500 micrograms of vitamin K, as well as calcium and vitamin D supplements. The control group took no vitamin K, but did receive a multivitamin, as well as calcium and vitamin D.

“Men who received vitamin K supplementation had less progression in their insulin resistance by the end of the clinical trial,” said Sarah Booth, PhD, senior author and director of the Vitamin K Laboratory at the USDA HNRCA. “Conversely, we saw progression in insulin resistance in women who received vitamin K supplementation, and in the men or women who were not given vitamin K supplements.”