Vitamin K2 seems to be the unsung hero of vitamins, playing an essential role in supporting your bone and heart health.
Also known as menaquinone, K2 plays an essential role in supporting your bone and heart health, but it is not as readily absorbed as vitamin K1 (found in leafy green vegetables). Thus, some individuals may benefit from dietary sources or supplementation to ensure sufficient vitamin K2 levels for bone and heart health.
Additionally, studies like PMID: 32831908 show that Vitamin K2 plays a role in amplifying the effects of other vitamins, most notably vitamin D. The synergy between vitamin K2 and vitamin D is particularly important for bone and cardiovascular health. You can read more about that here.
It seems more roads lead to K2 then we might have realized in the past, so let's unpack this multifaceted, diverse and dynamic supplement...
K2 Supports Bone Health
Vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis. It helps activate proteins needed for bone mineralization and can contribute to improved bone strength.
Fact ☑️: The study "Vitamin K2 supplementation improves hip bone geometry and bone strength indices in postmenopausal women" showed that vitamin K2 supplementation improved bone parameters in postmenopausal women. PMC1915640
K2 Supports Cardiovascular Health
Research suggests that vitamin K2 may support cardiovascular health in multiple ways. It helps regulate calcium deposition in the arteries, reducing the risk of arterial calcification and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Fact ☑️: The study “High dietary menaquinone intake is associated with reduced coronary calcification." found an inverse association between dietary vitamin K2 intake and coronary artery calcification, suggesting a protective effect on cardiovascular health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18722618/
K2 Supports Dental Health
Vitamin K2 also helps support dental health by promoting tooth remineralization and preventing tooth decay. It aids in the transportation of calcium to the proper locations in the body, including the teeth.
Fact ☑️: The study "Role of vitamin K2 in preventing the development of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice" demonstrated that vitamin K2 supplementation reduced the risk of atherosclerosis, which can contribute to improved dental health. PMID: 32102248
K2 Supports Brain Function
Some studies have indicated that vitamin K2 might have a protective effect on brain health. It may help reduce brain oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially contributing to better cognitive function and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative disorders.
Fact ☑️: You can find more on Vitamin K and brain function here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22419547/