Vitamin K in Cystic Fibrosis

The importance of vitamin K to coagulation is well known but there is increasing evidence that vitamin K has a diverse role in the body including the maintenance of bone health, preventing inappropriate calcification in soft tissues, and a protective role in inflammation. There is evidence that most, if not all, of these non-coagulation functions require higher dietary intakes than those required to maintain coagulation. Disturbances in the intestinal absorption of vitamin K in people with CF (PWCF) are common and several studies suggest that the majority of PWCF have suboptimal vitamin K stores. At present there is no consensus on the need for routine vitamin K supplementation, or when implemented on the vitamin K preparation that should be used, its dosage and the frequency of administration. Modern laboratory tests for specific vitamin K status offer a way to resolve these dilemmas.