Bones and cardiovascular system: vitamin K2 for calcium metabolism

Do you already know about vitamin K? Vitamin K is another important vitamin for our body. However, while vitamin D and other vitamins have become the centre of attention, vitamin K2 is still rather unknown to the general public. Yet it also deserves attention - because a vitamin K deficiency can have serious symptoms with long-term consequences. In this article, we will look at the most important aspects of K2, from its function in the body to its potential health benefits.

What is vitamin K2 and why is it so important?

Vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone, belongs to the family of fat-soluble vitamins. It differs from vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), which is mainly crucial for blood clotting [1]. Vitamin K2, on the other hand, plays a key role in the regulation of calcium in the body [1]. This is of particular importance as it helps to transport calcium into the bones and remove it from the arteries and tissues [4]. An imbalance can lead to calcium deposits in blood vessels and organs, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis [4].

Who can K2 be important for?

The vitamin may be important for the following groups of people:

(older) people with bone diseases/osteoporosis
People with blood vessel diseases/arteriosclerosis
People with blood clotting disorders
Women after menopause (consequences of hormonal changes)
Children (for normal bone development)

Prophylactic administration for certain patient groups and adults over 49 years of age, especially post-menopausal women, is still under discussion among experts [2].

What role does vitamin K2 play in the body?

The main role of K2 is to regulate the transport of calcium [1]. This is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of bones while preventing vascular deposits. Specifically, vitamin K2 activates proteins that help integrate calcium into the bones and remove it from the arteries [6]. Find out more about calcium here: https://vita-world24.de/en/blog/Calcium-or-calcium-the-important-thing-is-to-take-it

Which foods contain vitamin K2?

While vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is primarily found in green vegetables [3], vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods and animal products [1]. In a healthy body, K2 is also partly produced by the bacteria in the intestinal flora. The following foods contain vitamin K2:

Animal products:

Meat
Eggs
Milk
Butter

Fermented foods:

matured cheese
sauerkraut
fermented soya beans

To ensure you get enough vitamins, vitamin K1 and K2 in particular, a varied diet that includes fermented foods and high-quality animal products is recommended. Normally, you will get enough vitamin K in this way.

How does vitamin K2 affect bone health?

Vitamin K plays a crucial role in bone health. It activates osteocalcin, a protein that incorporates calcium into the bone matrix and thus maintains its strength and structure [6]. Adequate intake of vitamin K (K2) through food or supplements can help to compensate for vitamin K deficiency and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in old age.

What is the link between vitamin K2 and cardiovascular disease?

The importance of the vitamin for the cardiovascular system is an emerging area of research. Recent studies suggest that K2 helps to remove calcium from the arterial walls and thus prevent the development of arteriosclerosis [1,4]. This research is promising, and further studies are needed to clarify the exact links between vitamin K and calcium deposits in the blood vessels.

What other consequences can a vitamin K deficiency have?

In addition to a potential impact on bones and the cardiovascular system, a vitamin K deficiency can have other symptoms. It is suspected that there is a connection between a vitamin K deficiency and the following diseases [2]:

Type 2 diabetes
Arthrosis
(Pancreatic) cancer

A vitamin K deficiency can therefore probably have serious consequences. However, intervention studies are needed to support these assumptions about the consequences of a deficiency. You can find out more about osteoarthritis in our article: https://vita-world24.de/en/blog/Diet-for-osteoarthritis-how-supplements-can-help

How should vitamin K be dosed?

The recommended dosage of the vitamin is in the µg range and can vary depending on age, gender and state of health. As a rule, however, 75 µg to 120 µg per day is sufficient for adults to support normal bodily functions [5]. Vitamin K tablets should be taken with meals, as this facilitates the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

When taking supplements, it is advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist to determine the optimal µg dosage for adequate vitamin K levels. Vitamin K supplements are available in the form of tablets, capsules or drops. In addition to administering vitamin K alone, it is also possible to use it in the form of combination preparations with vitamin D or vitamin D3, for example, to compensate for a deficiency.

Why is K2 important when taking vitamin D3?

Vitamin D deficiency is not uncommon, especially in Europe. Taking vitamin D3 capsules, tablets or high-dose drops is one way of restoring vitamin D3 levels to the optimum range and combating the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. You can find more detailed information here: https://vita-world24.de/en/blog/Often-in-short-supply-in-winter-Vitamin-D

But be careful: vitamin D3 also influences calcium metabolism [1]. This can lead to calcium entering the bloodstream instead of the bones and calcification of the arteries due to calcium deposits [4]. The additional supply of K2, e.g. with vitamin K tablets, with vitamin D supplementation can ensure the maintenance of normal bones by transporting the calcium where it is needed and thus preventing damage to arteries and organs.

Are there any side effects or interactions when taking it?

Vitamin K2 is generally safe in the recommended doses, no side effects are known [5]. People taking blood-thinning medication should consult their doctor, as K2 can contribute to normal blood clotting and consequently affect blood coagulation [3].

However, there are some medications that can affect vitamin K levels and inhibit the absorption of the vitamin. These include anticoagulants, antibiotics and bile acid sequestrants, which lower cholesterol levels [5].

Summary

Vitamin K (here: K2) is an extremely important nutrient for health. The vitamin may be relevant for bone health and normal blood clotting and shows promising potential in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. It can also influence blood clotting and is therefore important for people with blood clotting disorders.

A balanced diet with foods containing the vitamin can prevent vitamin K deficiency and contribute to an optimal vitamin K supply. If the supply from food is insufficient, dietary supplements with vitamin K1 and K2 in the form of tablets and co. can be considered to prevent a deficiency or compensate for the symptoms of a deficiency.

As always, it is advisable to consult a doctor or naturopath before taking supplements to discuss the best options for your individual needs, including vitamin K.

Sources:

[1] https://www.osd-ev.org/osteoporose-therapie/osteoporose-ernaehrung/vitamin-k-k2/
[2] https://www.osd-ev.org/files/2315/3587/8430/Vitamin_K_Ernaehrung.pdf
[3] https://vitaminforschung. org/fileadmin/user_upload/Wissenissenswertes/Informationsblaetter/Informationsblatt_Vitamin_K.pdf
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18722618/
[5] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminK-HealthProfessional/#h2
[6] https://www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de/daz-az/2002/daz-6-2002/uid-5474#

Matching Products

Menaquinone Vitamin K2 MK7 (60 caps)

Valuable vitamin KIn the case of vitamin K, two forms are distinguished: K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone). They are one of the basic, fat-soluble vitamins, but the body can produce only a very small amount of vitamin K itself. Vitamin K2 is considered to be the more valuable of these two substances. On the one hand, unlike K1, it also has anti-inflammatory properties, on the other hand, because it appears to have a more important function for bone, cartilage and blood vessel health than K1 and is also distributed more rapidly in the body. The letter K in the title refers to the medical term coagulation, which describes the process of blood clotting. But vitamin K is not only very important here, but vitamin K is also important for bone metabolism and regulation of cell growth. In addition, recent research suggests that vitamin K also plays a role in protecting against vascular calcification. Supplemental intake should protect people with less saturated vitamin K from hardening of the arteries. Our vitamin K is produced by organic synthesis. Plant raw materials geraniol and farnesol are used. The advantage of this organic synthesis is that you only get vitamin K2 MK7 "all-trans". This means 100% bioavailability in the body. You should definitely prevent vitamin K deficiency for health reasons. Unfortunately, due to legal requirements, we are not allowed to provide any information about the use and effectiveness of our products. For more information, contact your doctor or healer or check the professional literature and websites on the Internet. Consumption recommendation Take 1 capsule daily with sufficient water. Best with a meal. Important information If you are taking anticoagulants, please consult your doctor before taking them.The recommended daily dose must not be exceeded. Keep out of reach of small children. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Storage information Keep the container tightly closed after use. Store in a cool, dry place, at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees. Contents Food supplement with vitamin K Filler: microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable capsule shell: hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, Vitamin K2 all-trans MK7 (contains menaquinone-7) Ingredients PRODUCT INFORMATION PER CAPSULE %NRV* Vitamin K2 100 µg 133 % * Nutrient reference value (NRV) according to Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011.

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Vitamin D3 2000 I.U. + K2 MK7 200 µg (120 tablets)

The optimal teamVitamin D is a very special vitamin - in several ways: It belongs to the group of fat-soluble vitamins and, unlike water-soluble vitamins, it can therefore be stored in the body. Because fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed along with fats, concomitant addition of fats may increase the absorption of these vitamins. However, this also means that people who eat very low-fat foods only get a small amount of these vitamins into their bodies. In addition, vitamin D is the only vitamin that the body can produce on its own - by staying in the sun. Vitamin D is important for a number of metabolic processes. However, for this, the so-called calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) must first be converted into a usable form in the skin, liver and kidneys. Vitamin D hormones, known as calcitriol derivatives, are needed mainly in the intestines and kidneys, as well as in the bones, muscles and nerves. They affect the balance of calcium and phosphates and ensure sufficient absorption and storage of calcium. However, the prohormone also plays an important role in many other biological processes, especially in relation to the immune system. Two forms of vitamin K are distinguished, K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone). They are one of the basic, fat-soluble vitamins, although the body can produce a very small amount of vitamin K on its own. Vitamin K2 is considered to be the most valuable of these two substances. On the one hand, unlike K1, it also has anti-inflammatory properties, on the other hand, because it appears to have a more important function for bone, cartilage and blood vessel health than K1 and also to be distributed more rapidly in the body. The combination of vitamin D and vitamin K plays an important role, especially when it comes to bone health. In bone mineralization, vitamin D is responsible for producing the protein osteocalcin. Vitamin K2 is needed to activate this protein. Vitamin K-activated osteocalcin can bind calcium and thus promote bone formation. Unfortunately, due to legal requirements, we are not allowed to provide any information about the use and effectiveness of our products. For more information, contact your doctor or healer or check the professional literature and websites on the Internet. Consumption recommendation Take 1 tablet daily with sufficient water. Best with a meal. Important information The recommended daily dose must not be exceeded. Keep out of reach of small children. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Storage information Keep the container tightly closed after use. Store in a cool, dry place, at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees. Contents Food supplement with vitamin D3 and K2 Fillers: microcrystalline cellulose, dextrin, filler and coating agents: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, filler: calcium stearate, menachinone, cholecalciferol Ingredients PRODUCT INFORMATION PER TABLET %NRV* Vitamin D3 50 µg 1000 % Vitamin K2 200 µg 267 % * Nutrient reference value (NRV) according to Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011.

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