Every parent wants to keep their child safe from injury, and research suggests that keeping an eye on their vitamin K intake can’t hurt. According to the study—presented at the International Conference on Children’s Bone Health—bone fractures in kids may be associated with inadequate vitamin K status. NutraIngredients-USA reported on the study, which included 39 children, ages 5 to 15. Twenty of the participants had low-energy fractures (due to falls from standing height or lower) and nineteen had no fractures. The researchers assessed the children’s vitamin K status, as well as their calcium and vitamin D levels, since all of these nutrients are known to be associated with bone health. The results showed that:

• While there were no significant differences in the two group’s calcium and vitamin D levels, average vitamin K status was significantly poorer in the children with fractures than in the children without fractures.

Although this study was small and funded by a vitamin K supplement manufacturer, it does align with previous research that has found vitamin K is important for fracture prevention in adults. If you want to boost your child’s K intake, look to spinach, kale, broccoli, or olive oil. And if they turn their nose up at vegetables, get creative and try mixing them into casseroles, soups, or smoothies.

Source: NutraIngredients-USA