Vitamin K is often misunderstood, and thought of as a single vitamin, however it’s actually a made up of a group of fat-soluble K vitamins that come in two main forms, K1 (Phylloquinone) and K2 (Menaquinone).
Of these, Vitamin K2 is the one that offers multiple health benefits, yet many people are lacking this essential nutrient. Recent studies suggest that a staggering 97% of the population could be deficient in Vitamin K2.
The health benefits of vitamin K2
The significance of vitamin K2 in promoting good health is profound, particularly in addressing two prevalent degenerative conditions: thinning bones and hardened arteries. Inadequate levels of vitamin K2 hinder the efficient utilisation of calcium for bone development, contributing to the weakening of bones. Conversely, vitamin K2 plays a pivotal role in directing calcium into the bones, preventing its accumulation within arterial walls and safeguarding heart health.
A ground-breaking Heart Study, spanning a decade and involving more than 4,800 subjects, unveiled a remarkable finding. Participants who incorporated higher amounts of vitamin K2 in their diet experienced a notable 57% decrease in mortality from heart disease, surpassing those who consumed lesser quantities.
Why are we lacking in Vitamin K2?
Unlike other fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin D and Vitamin E, Vitamin K2 doesn’t stay stored in our bodies for long and a number of factors contribute to its depletion:
Limited dietary sources: The most easily absorbed form of Vitamin K2, called MK-7, is found in fermented foods like natto (from soybeans), fermented chickpeas and organ meats. However, these sources are not commonly included in everyday diets, making it challenging to obtain sufficient Vitamin K2 through food alone.
Imbalance in gut bacteria: Vitamin K2 is produced by the bacteria in our gut. However, the use of antibiotics and a lack of diversity in our gut microbiome can disrupt the production of Vitamin K2, leading to deficiency.
Excessive Vitamin D3 intake: Vitamin K2 and vitamin D work together synergistically. Many people are taking high levels of vitamin D, but without the necessary amount of vitamin K2. High levels of Vitamin D supplements without adequate Vitamin K2 can deplete the body’s Vitamin K2 reserves. Vitamin D stimulates the release of osteocalcin, a bone-building protein that uses up Vitamin K2, leading to a K2 deficiency.
Excessive calcium intake: Vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in directing calcium to the bones and teeth, preventing it from accumulating in soft tissues like arteries and joints. Taking calcium supplements without sufficient Vitamin K2 can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Overprescription of cholesterol-lowering medications (Statins): These medications can deplete the body of matrix GLA proteins, which are essential for preventing artery calcification. These medications may also cause fatigue as they interfere with Vitamin K2 synthesis, which is an important cofactor in energy production.
Choosing the right Vitamin K2 supplement:
Not all Vitamin K2 supplements are created equal. It’s essential to make an informed decision when selecting a Vitamin K2 product.
Cura Vitamin K2-7+™ is an innovative supplement that contains 320 mcg of highly bioavailable vitamin K2, in the form of MenaQuinGold®, 200 mcg of vitamin K1, as well as magnesium and zinc, co-factors that support Vitamin K2’s functions. This unique combination of vital nutrients helps your body regulate calcium when K2 is in short supply.
Additional features of Cura Nutrition’s Vitamin K2-7+™:
- It is the only natural K2-7 supplement with a therapeutic dose of 320 mcg of MK-7 extracted from fermented chickpeas, free from soy or synthetic sources.
- The supplement includes an ultra-absorption complex made of chelated minerals, which are essential co-factors for K2.
- Cura Nutrition’s Vitamin K2-7+™ is a pharmaceutical-grade, all-natural product with published safety studies.
- It is free from soy, allergens, GMOs, dairy, and gluten and is suitable for kosher, vegan, and halal dietary preferences.
Considering the significant health benefits of Vitamin K2 and the limited food sources available, supplementation is a wise choice. Thankfully, with Cura Vitamin K2-7+™ you can provide your body with the necessary support of Vitamin K2.
References
Bruno, E. “The Prevalence of Vitamin K Deficiency / Insufficiency , and Recommendations for Increased Intake.” (2016).
Niemiec, Aleksandra, Stasiak, Urszula, Wasilewska, Anna, Przybylski, Dawid, Marchelek-Myśliwiec, Małgorzata and Nowosiad-Magda, Monika. “Multi-faceted function of vitamin K with particular consideration of vitamin K2 – literature review” Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences, vol.66, no.1, 2020, pp.39-44. https://doi.org/10.21164/pomjlifesci.477
Hariri E, Kassis N, Iskandar JP, Schurgers LJ, Saad A, Abdelfattah O, Bansal A, Isogai T, Harb SC, Kapadia S. Vitamin K2-a neglected player in cardiovascular health: a narrative review. Open Heart. 2021 Nov;8(2):e001715. doi: 10.1136/openhrt-2021-001715. PMID: 34785587; PMCID: PMC8596038
Schwalfenberg GK. Vitamins K1 and K2: The Emerging Group of Vitamins Required for Human Health. J Nutr Metab. 2017;2017:6254836. doi: 10.1155/2017/6254836. Epub 2017 Jun 18. PMID: 28698808; PMCID: PMC5494092.
Kozioł-Kozakowska, Agnieszka, and Katarzyna Maresz. 2022. “The Impact of Vitamin K2 (Menaquionones) in Children’s Health and Diseases: A Review of the Literature” Children 9, no. 1: 78. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9010078
Yan, Q., Zhang, T., Barlow, J. W., Walsh, J., Scalabrino, G., Xu, F., & Sheridan, H. (2023). The biological responses of vitamin K2: A comprehensive review. Food Science & Nutrition, 11(4), 1634-1656. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.3213
GELEJINSE J, VERMEER C, GROBBEE D, ET AL. Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: The Rotterdam Study. J Nutr. 2004; 134:3100-3105.
BEULENS J, BOTS M, ATSMA F, ET AL. High dietary menaquinone intake is associated with reduced coronary calcification. Atherosclerosis. 2009;203:489-493.
