Mk4 vs Mk7 for osteoporosis

Life extension Bone Restore Elite
Calcium supplement with super potent K2 has 45 mg vit K2

I use Life Extension Super K supplement to direct the Calcium to my bones rather than my arteries

@sbbb thanks. Thanks. That supplement looks good. With my Lp(a) elevated, however, I don’t want to take extra calcium. I am trying to eat my calcium. I have decided for now to go with Thorne D3 5000 units, and Thorne K which has MK4 5 mg and MK7 90 mcg. I will take the K twice a day. This is my step for the next month while I continue researching. I just want to make sure there are no harmful effects if taking MK4 15 mg three times a day.

@sbbb one more question. Do you take all 4 tabs at once or spread them throughout the day?

An elevated lp(a) is almost entirely a genetic, inherited condition determined by the LPA gene passed down from our parents. It is not significantly influenced by diet, exercise, or lifestyle. High levels are present in about 20% of the population and increase the risk of premature heart disease and stroke.

I also have an elevated Lp(a), but I am blessed with an extremely high HDL and low triglycerides. My doctor did suggest having a CAC scan to check for calcium/plaque in the cardio system. This showed no plaque in any but one artery and valve, both at very low levels. The doctor has now suggested a ultra scan to check the valve flow. This will check to make sure that this minor amount of plaque is not causing a problem with the valve as it opens and closes.

So far the elevated lp(a) is not a problem or it is countered by other good measurements.

A CAC scan might clarify this for you also.

Hello @crbarefoot,

I think you may find these studies helpful:

"Vitamin K and Osteoporosis"
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7760385/

Here are a few key conclusions:

"Several points of experimental evidence seem to outline that vitamin K play an important role for bone health."

"More evidence is needed about the effects of vitamin K supplementation at physiological and pharmacological doses and what the required dose of vitamin K is to ensure bone and vascular health."

This study was from 2020, but details that more pointed research is/was needed to derive better conclusions. It is important to note that there may be interactions with other supplements and medications that can alter its effects. There are certain conditions where Vitamin K may also be a risk factor. As with any supplement and its dosing, it is best to consult with your provider before making any changes to your diet or supplement routine.
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A more recent study "indicated that vitamin K yielded improvements in lumbar spine BMD, but did not have a statistically significant effect on femoral neck BMD, total hip BMD, ultra distal radius BMD, or femoral Ward’s triangle BMD based on pooled analysis."

"Effects of vitamin K supplementation on bone mineral density at different sites and bone metabolism in the middle-aged and elderly population"
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11631259/

@kathleen1314 that is very helpful. I have had a number of CTs for another condition and worry about another scan, radiation from a CAC scan. My trigs are 35 and HDL 65. But my LDL is 130. I see my cardiologist in June and will ask about this. I know statins can increase LPa but they do recommend a lower LDL than my 130. My diet cannot be improved much. Are you on a statin or other lipid treatment?
Thanks for your response. Very helpful.

@JustinMcClanahan
Thank you. I will look at those studies. I have already reviewed several. Seems the jury is out with no clear cut answer. Proceeding with caution and still considering the options.

@crbarefoot
No, I am not on a statin or other lipid treatment. My extremely high HDL and very low triglycerides have probably blinded doctors to any cardio concern.
I have two grandmothers who had strokes though, one died and the other lived mute in a bed for over a decade. So I have some concerns about my cardio health.
I asked the AI copilot to analyze and suggest any tests that might be helpful for me. I took the small list to my doctor and she agreed that the tests would be prudent.

@kathleen1314
My PCP went ahead and recommended getting my LDL down to a goal of at least 70 so I am on Crestor 5. Prior to menopause, my LDL was about 70. I have only been on Crestor 2 months and have labs next month and I have felt no adverse effects of it. I will discuss further with my cardiologist in June. What is an Ultra Flow test? Is that a heart cath?

@crbarefoot
AI tells me that An Ultra Flow test, more commonly referred to as uroflowmetry or a urine flow test, is a simple, non-invasive diagnostic procedure that measures the speed and volume of a person’s urine flow. It is used to evaluate how well the bladder and sphincter muscles are functioning and to detect blockages in the urinary tract.
Not sure if this is to what you are referring?
My husband uses statins and loves them.
I just finished a round of blood work and a CAC scan to evaluate my heart and put all the tests into context. I think that it is wise for all of us to be proactive and make sure that we are putting our health first. Congratulations!