Can low fat diets lead to osteoporosis? A hypothesis!

After reviewing information on Vitamin K2 and its beneficial effects on bone health last week I did review the scientific evidence on this matter. A fair amount of good studies have been published in the past 10 years and most of the research has been conducted by Japanese researchers. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2006, this systematic review suggests that supplementation with phytonadione and menaquinone-4 reduces bone loss. In the case of the latter, there is a strong effect on incident fractures among Japanese patients. Phytonadione is a man-made form of vitamin K (in this case Vitamin K1) whereas menaquinone-4 is vitamin K2. A study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology in 2008 demonstrates a significant correlation between hip fracture incidence and vitamin K intake suggesting that a review of the dietary reference value of vitamin K from the perspective of osteoporosis would be useful. Another study published by the international osteoporosis foundation in 2007 suggests that Vitamin K2 supplementation improves hip bone geometry and bone strength indices in postmenopausal women.
According to the journal of nutrition in 2006, natto intake may help prevent postmenopausal bone loss through the effects of menaquinone 7 or bioavailable isoflavones, which are more abundant in natto than in other soybean products.
According to the Weston A. Price foundation, natto, a fermented soy product contains by far the highest percentage of Vitamin K2 amongst a list of selected foods. Vitamin K2 is synthesized by animal tissues or by bacteria during the fermentation process. What is most intriguing about the list of foods is the fact that all foods are derived from animal products with the exception of natto and sauerkraut. Amongst the top foods listed we find goose liver paste, hard and soft cheeses, egg yolk, butter, chicken liver etc.
Given the strong association of bone health and the intake of fat soluble Vit K2 and D it appears plausible to raise the question about recommending a low fat diet for general health purposes especially in North America. Osteoporosis prevention certainly does encompass more than optimal calcium intake, that we know for sure.

for more information follow these links: http://www.vitamink2.org/ http://www.westonaprice.org/On-the-Trail-of-the-Elusive-X-Factor-A-Sixty-Two-Year-Old-Mystery-Finally-Solved.html#bone