Friday, March 10, 2017

Importance of Vitamin K2

What vitamin is lacking and is a contributing factor for why Calcium is not going into the bones as well as it should?  Most people think that Calcium and Vitamin D are the only nutrients that are important for bones.  Do you know the importance of K2?  The last blog talked about the importance of Magnesium and bone health.

Vitamin K2 plays a significant role in balancing the Calcium in the bone and arterial tissue.  There is a relationship between Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and osteoporosis.  The Rotterdam study studied 4,800 healthy elderly individuals.  Those with the highest one third of K2 intake had a 57% reduced risk of dying from CVD compared to those with the lowest intake.  They also had a 52% reduced risk of vascular calcification.  Vitamin K1 provided no cardiovascular protection.  The following websites provide additional research on K2: www.vitamink2.org and http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Vitamin-K2-shown-to-reduce-arterial-calcification-in-kidney-disease-model.


When you have adequate Vitamin D and Calcium but are deficient in Vitamin K2, the result may be an increase in vascular calcification and a decrease in bone matrix.  Several studies in the elderly indicate the effects of K2 supplementation on both bone mass and bone strength is related to the body's ability to increase osteocalcin activation.  K2 has a short shelf life (1-2 hours) and should be taken in divided doses for the best effect.  MK4 (menaquinone-4) is found in butter, egg yolk, and animal. MK7 (menaquinone-7) is found in fermented foods.  MK7 is the best K2 to supplement with your Calcium, Magnesium, D3, and K.  Taking mega-doses of D3 without sufficient K2 can lead to Vitamin D toxicity.  According to Rheaum-Blauc (nat uropathic physician who wrote the book Vitamin K2 and the Calcium Paradox! How a Little Known Vitamin Could Save Your Life) says that Vitamin K2 is thought to have no toxicity issues.  She says it is really important throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding for the development of strong teeth, bones, and proper facial form.   Please ask your doctor before taking any supplement.

K1 and K2 are two different forms of K.  K1 comes from the greens etc. that we eat and encourage blood clotting.  Vitamin K2 helps to incorporate the calcium and other minerals to go into the bone.  This helps to keep calcium from accumulating in other tissues where it doesn't belong.  If you are on a blood thinner - check with your doctor about taking any supplements.

I am not a doctor.  This explanation is for better understanding of what the literature is presently showing, thereby helping you to empower yourself for better health.

1 comment:

  1. Bibliography - Paul, B. 2018. “Vitamin K2 MK7 Testosterone: Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects Guide.” Testosteroneofficial.Com Ie. Testosterone Official. September 5. https://testosteroneofficial.com/research/vitamin-k2-mk7/.

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