Reduced bone resorption by intake of dietary vitamin D and K from tailor-made Atlantic salmon: a randomized intervention trial

Suboptimal vitamin D status is common among humans, and might increase bone resorption with subsequent negative effects on bone health. Fatty fish, including Atlantic salmon, is an important dietary vitamin D source. However, due to a considerable change in fish feed composition, the contribution of vitamin D from salmon fillet has been reduced. The main objective was to investigate if intake of vitamin D-3 enriched salmon or vitamin D-3 tablets decreased bone biomarkers (urinary N-telopeptides, deoxypyridinoline, serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin) compared to a low vitamin D-3 intake. The 122 healthy postmenopausal women included in this 12 weeks intervention trial were randomized into four groups: three salmon groups (150 grams/two times/week) and one tablet group (800 IU vitamin D and 1000 mg calcium/day). The salmon groups also received calcium supplements. The salmon had three different vitamin D-3/vitamin K-1 combinations: high D-3+ high K-1, low D-3+ high K-1, or high D-3+ low K-1. Increased intake of salmon containing high levels of vitamin D-3 (0.35-0.38 mg/kg/fillet) and supplements with the same weekly contribution had a positive influence on bone health as measured by bone biomarkers in postmenopausal women. Consequently, an increased level of vitamin D-3 at least to original level in feed for salmonids will contribute to an improved vitamin D-3 status and may improve human bone health.