Nocturnal leg cramps (NLCs) are a common issue among older adults, often disrupting sleep and diminishing quality of life. But what if there were a simple and safe way to alleviate this problem? A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that vitamin K2 could play a key role in managing these uncomfortable symptoms.
Key Findings of the Study
This multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trial conducted in China involved 199 participants aged 65 and older with documented episodes of NLCs. Over the course of eight weeks, one group took a daily dose of 180 μg of vitamin K2, while the control group received a placebo.
The results were remarkably promising:
- Reduction in cramp frequency: Participants taking vitamin K2 reduced their average weekly cramps from 2.60 to 0.96, while the placebo group experienced an increase in cramp frequency.
- Reduction in cramp intensity: The severity of cramps (measured on a scale of 1 to 10) decreased by 2.55 points in the vitamin K2 group, compared to just 1.24 points in the placebo group.
- Shorter cramp duration: Cramp duration also improved, with a reduction of 0.90 minutes in the vitamin K2 group versus 0.32 minutes in the placebo group.
Importantly, no adverse events related to vitamin K2 were reported, confirming its safety.
What Does This Mean for Older Adults?
The study suggests that vitamin K2 could become a key supplement in combating nocturnal leg cramps in the elderly. Given its safety and efficacy, this vitamin has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for this population.
What’s Next?
If you’re struggling with nocturnal leg cramps, it might be worth discussing the potential benefits of vitamin K2 with your healthcare provider. While further research is needed to fully integrate this treatment into clinical practice, these findings are certainly encouraging.
