In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the relationship of Vitamin K2 as a nutrient that plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health. However, research is now showing that it also has a significant impact on cardiovascular health.
How Vitamin K2 Helps Prevent Artery Blockage
Vitamin K2 is commonly known for its role in blood clotting, and offers a benefit in its ability to prevent arterial calcification. Arterial calcification occurs when calcium deposits accumulate in the arteries, leading to plaque buildup and narrowing of the blood vessels. Studies have shown a strong association between low levels of K2 and an increased risk of arterial calcification.
K2 also has anti-inflammatory properties that help combat inflammation within arterial walls – a key factor contributing to artery blockage.
And, the vitamin supplementation of K2 and D stimulate glucose metabolism and is associated with a decrease in glucose levels while increasing insulin sensitivity.
- Effect of supplementation with vitamins D3 and K2 on blood sugar
- Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome
- https://dmsjournal.biomedcentral.com › articles
The Mechanism Behind Vitamin K’s Role in Reducing Calcium Accumulation
One of the key functions of K2 is that it activates proteins that help regulate calcium distribution in the body, ensuring that calcium is properly utilized and deposited where needed, such as in bones and teeth, rather than accumulating in the arteries, directing proper calcium metabolism The Bone—Vasculature Axis: Calcium Supplementation
K2 inhibits vascular calcification by activating a protein called Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), which helps prevent calcium from depositing in arterial walls and soft tissues.
The carboxylation process facilitated by vitamin K2 enables MGP to bind with calcium ions, forming inactive complexes that are then excreted from the body. This mechanism essentially prevents excessive calcium accumulation and helps maintain healthy arteries and tissues.
Research has shown that individuals with low levels of vitamin K2 are more susceptible to vascular calcification and related health complications. Therefore, ensuring an adequate intake of K2 through diet or supplementation is essential for maintaining optimal calcium metabolism.
In conclusion, vitamin K2’s role in reducing calcium accumulation involves activating K-dependent proteins through the carboxylation process. By inhibiting vascular calcification, it contributes to maintaining healthy arteries and overall cardiovascular health.
It is important to note that while vitamin K1 is abundant in leafy green vegetables and plays a role in blood clotting, it is primarily vitamin K2 that exhibits these specific benefits for arterial health. Therefore, individuals looking to support their cardiovascular system should ensure adequate intake of both forms of K through supplementation and a balanced diet.
Natural Sources of Vitamin K2 to Include in Your Diet for Heart Health
When it comes to maintaining a healthy heart, including foods rich in vitamin K look to your diet.
Leafy green vegetables are an excellent natural source of vitamin K1. These include spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and broccoli. Incorporating these vegetables can provide you with an adequate amount of vitamin K1.
K2 that is found in fermented foods. Foods like natto (fermented soybeans), sauerkraut, and kefir are great sources of vitamin K2. Including fermented foods in your diet can help ensure you’re getting enough of this important nutrient for heart health.
Top Foods High in Vitamin K2..
- Natto
- Eel
- Cheese
- Beef Liver
- Chicken
- Butter
- Sauerkraut
- Egg Yolk
- Organ Meats
The highest natural source of vitamin K2 is fermented soybeans, natto.
Bacteria that live in the human gut also produce small quantities of K-2. Both forms of vitamin K are essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Supplementing with Vitamin K: Dosage and Considerations
While Vitamin K is naturally found in foods, you may need to supplement your intake of vitamin K, for heart health concerns or medical conditions that affect nutrient absorption.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin K can vary depending on age, sex, and specific health conditions. For adults, the RDA levels are 90-120 micrograms per day which is totally inadequate for cardiovascular protection, bone health and blood sugar balance.
Recommended Formulas
This formula is a very high dose and perfect for those people attempting to treat and prevent atherosclerosis, as well as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
I like this formula as maintenance, and always put my vitamin K with vitamin D, and I like to include magnesium and astaxanthin.
I’m putting Dr. Berg’s YouTube video up because it is a basic, but excellent explanation of what vitamin K does in the body. With all that said, I disagreed with his dosing. I think his vitamin K dose is too low to get the effects that he’s describing but the fact that he’s putting K with D, magnesium, zinc, and B6 is a beautifully balanced formula.
In conclusion, incorporating sufficient amounts of vitamin K2 into your diet can help prevent artery blockage by inhibiting arterial calcification and supporting overall cardiovascular health (1), lowering blood sugar and reducing cardiac and arterial inflammation. By understanding the benefits of this vital nutrient, individuals can make informed choices to promote their health effectively.
It’s worth noting that intake of vitamin K through supplements can counteract blood thinners..
Sources: 1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4566462/
