A new study suggests that vitamin K2 supplements may offer an effective solution for reducing the frequency, duration, and intensity of nocturnal leg cramps in older adults. The findings, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, provide hope for individuals who suffer from this common condition, particularly those over the age of 65.
The study, conducted in China, involved nearly 200 participants who had experienced leg cramps at night in the two weeks prior to the trial. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 180μg of vitamin K2 or a placebo for eight weeks. Those with cramps related to metabolic diseases or neuropathies were excluded from the study.
At the start of the study, both groups had similar levels of nocturnal leg cramps. However, over the course of the eight weeks, participants who took vitamin K2 showed a significant reduction in the frequency of their leg cramps. The average number of cramps per week in the vitamin K2 group decreased from 2.60 to 0.96, while the placebo group saw no improvement, with their weekly average remaining at 3.63.
In addition to a reduction in frequency, the vitamin K2 group also experienced a decrease in both the duration and severity of their leg cramps. The duration of cramps in this group shortened by an average of 0.90 minutes, compared to a reduction of just 0.32 minutes in the placebo group. Additionally, the intensity of the cramps, as measured on a 1-10 scale, decreased by 2.55 points in the vitamin K2 group, compared to a reduction of 1.24 points in the placebo group.
The researchers noted that the effects of vitamin K2 were apparent as early as the first week of supplementation. “Daily vitamin K2 supplementation alleviates muscle cramps in older individuals, as evidenced by reduced frequency, shorter duration, and decreased intensity of cramps,” the study authors wrote.
Importantly, no adverse side effects were reported in relation to vitamin K2 use, although the researchers cautioned that individuals taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should avoid vitamin K2, as it can interfere with the drug’s effectiveness.
The exact mechanism by which vitamin K2 alleviates leg cramps remains unclear. However, prior research has shown that vitamin K2 plays a role in coagulation and in regulating calcium in the body, which may help prevent muscle spasms. The study suggests that vitamin K2 may work by inhibiting calcium intake into muscle cells, which could relax the muscles and reduce cramping.
This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting vitamin K2 as a potential treatment for nocturnal leg cramps, a condition that affects many older adults and for which there are few effective treatments available.
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