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.