WHAT IS VITAMIN K2?
Menaquinone, often known as vitamin K2, is a fat-soluble vitamin that, like vitamin K1, is essential for blood clotting. However, its involvement in controlling the body’s metabolism of calcium is what sets it apart most. Vitamin K2 activates proteins that support calcium absorption into bones and teeth while limiting calcium’s detrimental buildup in arteries and soft tissues, which can result in calcification and other health problems. This vitamin plays an important role in bone health and cardiovascular wellbeing, making it a valuable component in maintaining general health and preventing illnesses like osteoporosis and artery calcification. It can be found in fermented foods, animal products, and is synthesised by specific gut flora.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VITAMIN K2?
Menaquinone, commonly known as vitamin K2, plays an important function in calcium management and has positive effects on bone, cardiovascular, and dental health. These are vitamin K2’s main advantages:
- Support for Bone Health: The beneficial effects of vitamin K2 on bone health are among its most well-known advantages. Osteocalcin, a protein essential for bone mineralization, is activated by vitamin K2. Osteocalcin aids in the binding of calcium to the bone matrix, increasing bone density and decreasing the risk of fracture. By effectively incorporating calcium into bone tissue throughout the mineralization process, bone strength is increased, and the risk of osteoporosis is decreased. Vitamin K2 is a crucial component for keeping strong and healthy bones, especially as we age, as evidenced by numerous studies showing that people with higher vitamin K2 intake had better bone mineral density and a decreased risk of fractures.
- Cardiovascular Health: Recent studies indicate that vitamin K2 may benefit cardiovascular health. Preventing the damaging buildup of calcium in artery walls, which can result in arterial calcification and atherosclerosis, a major factor in heart disease, is one of its primary tasks. Vitamin K2 helps control calcium deposition in the arteries, maintaining their flexibility and lowering the risk of cardiovascular problems by activating matrix Gla protein (MGP). Higher vitamin K2 intake has been linked in certain studies to a lower risk of coronary artery calcification and cardiovascular events. Vitamin K2’s position in calcium metabolism implies it may have a substantial role in preserving a healthy heart, while more study is required to fully understand the degree of these advantages.
- Dental Health and Tooth Decay Prevention: Vitamin K2 is also important for oral health and preventing tooth decay. By directing calcium to the teeth and preventing its accumulation in soft tissues, it aids in controlling the mineralization of teeth. This mineralization process makes teeth stronger and more durable, which lowers their vulnerability to cavities and tooth decay. According to certain studies, a higher risk of dental problems may be linked to insufficient vitamin K2 intake. While other factors like nutrition and dental cleanliness may have an impact on oral health, making sure you get enough vitamin K2 through a healthy diet or supplements may help with overall dental health.
In conclusion, vitamin K2 supports bone, cardiovascular, and dental health in addition to other significant health benefits. These advantages are mostly attributable to its involvement in calcium management, which ensures that calcium is delivered to the body’s areas of greatest need while avoiding dangerous deposits in arteries and soft tissues. Consuming foods and supplements high in vitamin K2 can help one maintain general health and lower their risk of developing related health problems. To get individualised advice based on specific health needs, it is advised to speak with a healthcare expert before making any dietary modifications or supplementation.
HOW DOES VITAMIN K2 WORK IN HUMAN BODY?
Menaquinone, often known as vitamin K2, is an important component of calcium metabolism and regulation in the body. It works by turning on particular proteins, including osteocalcin, which are in charge of guiding calcium to the areas where it is most required. When vitamin K2 activates osteocalcin, it helps to bind calcium to the bone matrix, enhancing the mineralization and strength of the bone. Through this mechanism, calcium is effectively absorbed into bone tissue, increasing bone density and decreasing the risk of fracture.
In addition, vitamin K2 activates a protein called matrix Gla protein (MGP), which stops calcium from being harmfully deposited in soft tissues like arteries and joints. Vitamin K2 does this by lowering the chance of arterial calcification, which is a condition that affects the health of the arteries.
Vitamin K2 is thought to improve cardiovascular health in general in addition to its function in calcium management. It aids in maintaining the flexibility and integrity of artery walls by preventing the development of too much calcium. Atherosclerosis and hypertension, two disorders that can result in heart disease and stroke, may be less likely as a result. Vitamin K2’s position in calcium metabolism highlights its significance in both bone health and potentially reducing some cardiovascular diseases when included in a balanced diet, while further research is required to fully grasp the extent of its cardiovascular benefits.
HOW MUCH VITAMIN K2 CAN A PERSON TAKE?
Depending on the particular form of vitamin K2 and the intended use of supplementation, the recommended intake of vitamin K2, specifically menaquinones (MK-4 and MK-7), can change. A recommended minimum effective dose for short-chain menaquinone MK-4 is 1,500 micrograms (1.5 milligrammes). Higher doses have been investigated in certain trials, with superloading dosing regimens using doses as high as 45 milligrammes (45,000 micrograms) without any documented safety problems.
It’s crucial to remember that these high doses were used in particular research or therapeutic settings and might not be appropriate for ordinary dietary supplements. If someone is thinking about taking large doses of vitamin K2, they should talk to a doctor first to make sure the dosage is right for them and to look out for any adverse effects.
The lowest effective doses for longer-chain menaquinones, such as MK-7, MK-8, and MK-9, are typically lower, ranging from 90 to 360 micrograms. Particularly MK-7, which is frequently found in supplements, has drawn attention for its potential cardiovascular advantages. However, more investigation is required to definitively determine the maximum effective dose of MK-7. Unless specifically instructed otherwise by a healthcare professional, it’s critical to prioritise the lower end of the dosage range when contemplating vitamin K2 supplements in order to reduce the chance of side effects and to assure safety.
It’s critical to emphasise that vitamin K2 supplements should be used sparingly and that people should speak with doctors before beginning any supplementing programme. Individual health problems may require different dosages, and the right amount of supplements should be chosen after carefully weighing aspects like age, food, and particular health requirements.
WHAT ARE THE VARIATIONS OF VITAMIN K2?
Vitamin K2 is also available as:
- Vitamin K2 Menaquinone-7 (MK7) 0.2% Powder Fermented Trans Vegan
- Vitamin K2 Menaquinone-7 (MK7) 0.2% Powder Synthetic Microencapsulated Trans Vegan
- Vitamin K2 Menaquinone-7 (MK7) 0.20% Powder Trans Vegan (On Cyclodextrin)
- Vitamin K2 Menaquinone-7 (MK7) 0.25% Powder Trans Vegan (On Cyclodextrin)
- Vitamin K2 Menaquinone-7 (MK7) 1.0% Oil Synthetic Trans Vegan
- Vitamin K2 Menaquinone-7 (MK7) 1.0% Powder Synthetic Microencapsulated Trans Vegan
- Vitamin K2 Menaquinone-7 (MK7) 1.0% Powder Trans Vegan (On Cyclodextrin)
- Vitamin K2 Menatetrenone (MK4) 1.5% Powder Vegan
Vitamin K2 is commonly available in:
- Vitamin K2 tablets
- Vitamin K2 capsules
- Vitamin K2 powder
Glentworth Formulations is here to suit your every need. Everything from Tablets, Capsules and Powder blends.
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