Compositions comprising vitamin k for treating or preventing age-related stiffening of arteries

Abstract

Vitamin K is effective in counteracting the reduction in arterial elasticity normally associated with the aging process. A pharmaceutical composition or nutritional formulation comprising vitamin K can be used to combat age-related stiffening of the arteries, and the consequences thereof, namely pulmonary congestion, hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, congestive (right sided) heart failure, left sided or left ventricular failure, chronic cardiac failure, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, Mönckeberg's sclerosis and stroke.

1 . Use of a composition comprising vitamin K or a derivative thereof, optionally together with vitamin D or a derivative thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament or nutritional formulation for treating or preventing age-related stiffening of arteries, not associated with arteriosclerosis.  
   
   
       2 . Use of a composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said vitamin K is vitamin K 1  (phylloquinone) or vitamin K 2  (menaquinone).  
   
   
       3 . Use of a composition according to  claim 2  wherein said vitamin K is vitamin K 1  (phylloquinone).  
   
   
       4 . Use of a composition according to  claim 1  wherein the daily dosage of vitamin K or a derivative thereof is in the range 50 μg-1000 μg.  
   
   
       5 . Use of a composition according to  claim 1  wherein the medicament or nutritional composition comprises vitamin D or a derivative thereof.  
   
   
       6 . Use of a composition according to  claim 5  wherein said vitamin D is vitamin D 3  (cholecalciferol).  
   
   
       7 . Use of a composition according to  claim 1  wherein the medicament or nutritional formulation is for administration to a postmenopausal woman.  
   
   
       8 . Use of a composition according to  claim 1  wherein the medicament or nutritional formulation is to be administered over a period of at least 12 months, preferably at least 36 months.  
   
   
       9 . Use of a composition according to  claim 1  wherein said arteries are the common carotid arteries.  
   
   
       10 . Use of a composition according to  claim 1  for promoting healthy arteries, comprising vitamin K or a derivative thereof, optionally together with vitamin D or a derivative thereof, further comprising one or more additional components selected from: polyphenols, vitamin C, vitamin E (tocopherols and/or tocotrienols), L-arginine, phytosterols, antihypertensive peptides, soluble fibers (e.g. guar, pectin), omega-3, omega-6 and/or omega-9 fatty acids, carnitine, taurine, coenzyme Q10, creatine, folic acid, folates, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.  
   
   
       11 . Use of a composition according to  claim 10  which comprises in a single dose: 0.5-1 mg vitamin K and 5-10 μg vitamin D.  
   
   
       12 . Use of a composition according to  claim 10  which comprises: 0.5-1.5 mg vitamin K; 5-10 μg vitamin D; 450-550 mg Calcium; 7-12 mg Zinc; and 100-200 mg Magnesium.  
   
   
       13 . Use of a composition according to  claim 12  which comprises about 1 mg Vitamin K 1 ; 8 μg vitamin D 3 , 500 mg Calcium, 10 mg Zinc; and 150 mg Magnesium.  
   
   
       14 . Use of a composition according to  claim 10  which is a food or beverage product or a dietary supplement.  
   
   
       15 . A method of preventing or treating age-related arterial stiffening, not associated with arteriosclerosis, comprising administering to a person in need of such treatment an effective amount of vitamin K or a derivative thereof and optionally vitamin D or a derivative thereof.