Vitamin K supplementation and vascular calcification: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

2023-05-12
Frontiers in nutrition 10
- Te Li
- Yun Wang
- Wei-Ping Tu

PubMed: 37252246
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1115069

Study Design

Type: Systematic Review
Sample size: n = 533
Population: 1,533 patients
Methods: systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials

Background

Vascular calcification (VC) is a complex process that has been linked to conditions including cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease. There is an ongoing debate about whether vitamin K (VK) can effectively prevent VC. To assess the efficiency and safety of VK supplementation in the therapies of VC, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of recent studies.

Methods

We searched major databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase databases, and Web of Science up until August 2022. 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) describing the outcomes of treatment for VK supplementation with VC have been included out of 332 studies. The results were reported in the change of coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores, other artery and valve calcification, vascular stiffness, and dephospho-uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP). The reports of severe adverse events were recorded and analyzed.

Results

We reviewed 14 RCTs, comprising a total of 1,533 patients. Our analysis revealed that VK supplementation has a significant effect on CAC scores, slowing down the progression of CAC [I² = 34%, MD= -17.37, 95% CI (-34.18, -0.56), p = 0.04]. The study found that VK supplementation had a significant impact on dp-ucMGP levels, as compared to the control group, where those receiving VK supplementation had lower values [I² = 71%, MD = -243.31, 95% CI (-366.08, -120.53), p = 0.0001]. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the adverse events between the groups [I² = 31%, RR = 0.92, 95% CI (-0.79,1.07), p = 0.29].

Conclusion

VK may have therapeutic potential for alleviating VC, especially CAC. However, more rigorously designed RCTs are required to verify the benefits and efficacy of VK therapy in VC.

Research Insights

Vitamin K→Reduced Coronary Artery Calcification
VK supplementation has a significant effect on CAC scores, slowing down the progression of CAC [I² = 34%, MD= -17.37, 95% CI (-34.18, -0.56), p = 0.04].
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
not specified in abstract
Vitamin K→Reduced Dephosphorylated-Uncarboxylated Matrix Gla Protein Level
the study found that VK supplementation had a significant impact on dp-ucMGP levels, as compared to the control group, where those receiving VK supplementation had lower values [I² = 71%, MD = -243.31, 95% CI (-366.08, -120.53), p = 0.0001].
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
Dose
not specified in abstract

Adverse Events Reported

Vitamin K→Overall tolerability
there was no significant difference in the adverse events between the groups [I² = 31%, RR = 0.92, 95% CI (-0.79,1.07), p = 0.29]
Finding
No significant difference
Severity
Serious adverse event
Magnitude
RR = 0.92, 95% CI (-0.79,1.07), p = 0.29
Significant
No