The overall goal of this pilot randomized trial is to obtain necessary prerequisite data to conduct a randomized controlled intervention to test the effect of vitamin K supplementation on knee osteoarthritis progression and related functional decline. To address critical parameters required to design this larger RCT, we will conduct a double-blind, 2-armed, parallel-group intervention study, with a placebo run-in, in which 50 adults with mild to moderate knee OA and low baseline vitamin K status will be randomly assigned to 1 mg phylloquinone/day or matching placebo, and treated for 6 months. Specifically, we will: (1) compare the effects of 1 mg/day phylloquinone vs. placebo on the non-functional circulating form of MGP; (2) estimate rates of recruitment and retention, follow-up rates and reasons for loss to follow-up, response rates to questionnaires, adherence/compliance rates, and potential for site differences; and (3) determine the responsiveness of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI)-recommended performance-based tests of physical function in adults with low vitamin K status and mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. We will also obtain preliminary data on the distribution of MGP genotype at two clinical sites for effect size generation. As of February 2025, based on attrition rate below what was initially expected, we revised our planned enrollment from 50 to 35, to achieve the original goal of 30 completers. This was approved by the study sponsor.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
37
Tufts University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
UMass Memorial Medical Center
Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
Plasma uncarboxylated matrix gla protein
Plasma uncarboxylated matrix gla protein is considered a functional indicator of vitamin K status. We will evaluate how it changes in response to 1 mg/d vitamin K supplementation in adults with low vitamin K status at baseline and with radiographic knee OA.
Time frame: 24 weeks
Plasma phylloquinone
Circulating phylloquinone is considered a global indicator of vitamin K status. We will evaluate how it changes in response to 1 mg/d vitamin K supplementation in adults with low vitamin K status at baseline and with radiographic knee OA.
Time frame: 24 weeks
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