Major benefits of vitamin K2
- Osteoporosis prevention and treatment – Vitamin K2 activates a proteinProteins are large molecules consisting of chains of amino acids. Proteins are essential nutrients for the human body – they are a building block of… called osteocalcin that directs calciumWhat it does: Promotes a healthy heart, clots blood, promotes healthy nerves, contracts muscles, improves skin, bone and dental health, relieves aching muscles and bones,… into bones and teeth. Vitamin K2, in conjunction with vitamin DWhat it does: Helps maintain strong and healthy bones by retaining calcium. Deficiency Signs: Joint pain or stiffness, backache, tooth decay, muscle cramps, hair loss…., has been shown to boost bone density far better than either nutrient alone. Perhaps more importantly, K2 has been shown to reduce fracture risk and improve bone health above and beyond bone mineral density. [2]
- Heart disease prevention and reversal – Vitamin K2 intake is inversely associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality while Vitamin K1 intake shows no correlation. [3] Animal studies show a reduction of up to 50% of atherosclerotic calcifications in only six weeks with vitamin K2 supplementation. [4] Results from the largest and most definitive human clinical trials will be released in June 2012. Vitamin K2 prevents and reverses heart disease by activating a protein called MGP, that essentially removes calcium deposits from arteries and other soft tissues where the mineral accumulates causing harm.
- Cancer protection – Vitamin K2 regulates a third protein that governs cellular growth. That makes this nutrient a potent inhibitor of cancer, especially lung and prostate – the two big cancer killers of men – but also breast cancer, liver cancer and leukemia. [5]
Other health benefits of vitamin K2
If osteoporosis, heart disease and cancer prevent aren’t enough, there are many other condition associated with K2 deficiency and documented health benefits of optimal K2 intake. These include improving insulinInsulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. It is responsible for making the body’s cells absorb glucose (sugar) from the blood…. sensitivity for diabetics, preventing brain damage in conditions like stroke, preventing kidney disease and boosting male fertility.
Who benefits from vitamin K2?
The benefits of vitamin K2 extend throughout life. Vitamin K2 is as important as folic acidWhat it does: Critical during pregnancy for the development of a baby’s brain and nerves. Also essential for brain and nerve function. Needed for utilising… for pregnant women and their growing babies. In the first trimester the nutrient is essential for the development of primary teeth and healthy facial structure; in the second trimester the formation of adult teeth and skeleton require K2.[6]
Children and adolescents have especially high requirement for this nutrient because of their growing bodies, where K2 promotes healthy teeth and bones. [7] Vitamin K2 has been shown to counteract the negative changes in bone density seen in menopausal women, [8] and both men and women over 50 show high levels of vitamin K2 deficiency, accelerating the rate of bone loss and vascular calcification. [9]
Vitamin K2 food sources, supplements and optimal intake
Dietary vitamin K2 comes from two main sources: animal fatThere are many different types of fats; polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, hydrogenated, saturated and trans fat. The body requires good fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated) in order to…, such as egg yolks and butter, and from select fermented foods. Animals accumulate vitamin K2 in their tissues in direct proportion to the K1 in their diets. [10] That means grass-fed meat and dairy products are much richer in this nutrient than their grain-fed counterparts.
Certain bacteria produce vitamin K2, which is why some fermented dairy products, notably Gouda and Brie cheeses, are rich in vitamin K2. Natto, a fermented Japanese soybean food,...
Join Today!
JOIN NOW!First month free
Then £7.99 per month & free cancellation at any time
FREE health check
Find out your health score & see how healthy you are
Personal Health Plan
Detailed report, analysis & tailored action plan
Free Vitamin D3
With your first purchase at HOLFORDirect (suitable for vegans)
Save money
20% off all Patrick Holford supplements & events plus free delivery over £30
Exclusive Health support
Ask Patrick your questions, access to Low GL recipes & research updates
Comments
Join the Conversation on our Facebook Page