The Claim
The undercarboxylated to carboxylated osteocalcin ratio (ucOC:cOC) is significantly higher in healthy prepubertal children than in young adults.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Healthy children before puberty have a higher ratio of undercarboxylated osteocalcin to carboxylated osteocalcin compared to young adults.
See the scientific wording
The undercarboxylated to carboxylated osteocalcin ratio (ucOC:cOC) is significantly higher in healthy prepubertal children than in young adults, suggesting suboptimal vitamin K status for bone protein activation in this age group.
Children's bones produce more inactive osteocalcin because their bodies don't have enough vitamin K to fully activate it, so more of the protein stays in a form that can't bind to bone mineral. When they get more vitamin K, their bodies make more active osteocalcin and less inactive form.
What the research says
1 studyThe study found that when kids took a vitamin K2 supplement, their inactive bone protein went down by 30%, meaning their bodies weren't using vitamin K well enough before the supplement. This suggests healthy kids naturally have more inactive bone protein than adults, which matches the claim.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.