Vitamin K to improve sway in older people (K-SWAY)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Vitamin K therapy to reduce falls – a pilot randomised controlled trial
IRAS ID
191572
Contact name
Miles D Witham
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN18436190
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
Vitamin K is important for the healthy function of several body systems, including blood vessels, bone, nerves and muscle function. Studies in people with thin bones (osteoporosis) suggest that vitamin K might be able to strengthen bones. Results from a previous study that we conducted also suggest that vitamin K supplementation may be able to improve balance in older people – and so reduce the risk of falls.
This randomised controlled trial will give a dummy tablet (placebo), 200 mcg or 400mcg per day of vitamin K2 as a single tablet to 96 older patients at high risk of falls. The primary outcome will be the change in postural sway at 1 year. Secondary outcomes will include, measures of walking and balance, lying and standing blood pressure, falls rates, adverse events, recruitment and retention rates, a blood test to measure the actions of vitamin K, and pilot data to inform future cost-benefit analysis.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
15/ES/0197
Date of REC Opinion
15 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion