There is a high incidence of hip fractures in patients, especially female patients, with Parkinson's disease (PD), especially as an outcome of falls. It is well-established that osteoporosis (weakened bone strength) is related to immobility, which can be an outcome of Parkinson’s. It is also thought that the disease process of PD itself may lead to bone loss, although this hasn't been fully understood or explained.  In addition, studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency from lack of sunlight and inadequate dietary intake also decrease bone density.

A study done in Japan in 2000 looked at the role of vitamin K deficiency and osteoporosis among PD patients.  The subjects were females with mild to severe Parkinson’s disease.  The control group consisted of age-matched females with normal bone density.  The results indicated that vitamin K is essential to the body in the manufacturing of healthy bone structure.  The authors concluded that the incidence of hip fractures may be reduced by routine use of both vitamin D and vitamin K supplements.  (However, they also cautioned that patients who take Coumadin or any other anti-coagulants need to check with their physician before adding vitamin K supplements or foods to their diets, because vitamin K is a major factor in blood clotting and will reduce the effectiveness of these agents.

What’s the best way to get more of these important vitamins into your system? One way is through sun exposure, which is important to vitamin D production.  Other natural sources include fish and fish liver oils (e.g. cod liver oil), mushrooms, eggs, and vitamin-fortified milk, cereal, etc.  Natural sources of vitamin K include leafy green vegetables (e.g. spinach, lettuce), kale, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, wheat bran, organ meats, cereals, some fruits (avocado, kiwifruit, bananas), cow's milk and other dairy products, eggs, and soy products.  Parsley and olive oil also contain large amounts of vitamin K.

For further information: "Vitamin K Deficiency and Osteopenia in Vitamin D-Deficient Elderly Women with Parkinson's Disease," Sato, Y MD; Kaji, M MD; Tsuru, T MD; Satoh, K MD; Kondo, I MD, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, vol 83, no 1, January 2002.