Osteoporosis, Cholesterol... Sound familiar? Vitamin K2 should do too

About 10 years ago, the benefits of vitamin D were still misunderstood. Today, no one denies how important this vitamin (actually a hormone) is for bone health. But vitamin K2 is facing the same challenge — it's rarely talked about yet crucial.

Many people taking vitamin D and/or calcium supplementation, or suffering from osteoporosis or cardiovascular problems, need to know about K2.

What Is Vitamin K2?

Vitamin K2 is a fat-soluble vitamin with two main crucial functions:

• -Supporting cardiovascular health
• -Bone restoration

It works by removing calcium from arterial lining and transferring it to appropriate places: bone tissues and teeth.

Vitamin K1 vs. K2

Vitamin K1:

• -Found in dark leafy green vegetables
• -Goes straight to the liver
• -Stimulates coagulation factors for blood clotting
• -If on blood-thinning medication, consult your doctor

Vitamin K2 (the one we're discussing):

• -Goes straight to vessel walls, bones, and tissues (not the liver)
• -Naturally produced by certain bacteria
• -Found in fermented foods: natto (fermented soy), fermented vegetables, aged cheeses (Edam, Brie, Gouda), egg yolks, raw butter, quality dairy
• -Most yogurts unfortunately contain little K2

Forms of K2:

• -MK4: Short biological half-life (~1 hour), industrially synthesized
• -MK7: Stays longer in the body (~3 days), natural bacterial origin from fermentation, better as a supplement

Important fact: 98% of the population is likely deficient in K2.

The Critical Role of Vitamin K2

K2 uses two enzymes: Matrix GLA Protein (MGP) and Osteocalcin.

How it works:

• -MGP binds calcium and removes it from artery lining
• -Osteocalcin helps fix calcium in proper places (bone matrix, teeth)

Without K2, there is NO calcium transfer from arteries to bones — significantly increasing arterial calcification risk.

K2 is important for protecting against:

• -Osteoporosis
• -Heart/cardiovascular disease
• -Heart attack, stroke
• -Inappropriate calcification (heel spurs, kidney stones)
• -Brain disease
• -Tooth decay
• -Cancer

K2 (MK7) also prevents inflammation and may improve rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's, and some autoimmune diseases.

Vitamin D + K2 Synergy

If taking oral vitamin D supplementation, vitamin K2 (D3) is crucial. Think of:

• -Vitamin D = gatekeeper controlling what gets in (especially calcium)
• -Vitamin K2 = traffic cop directing traffic where it needs to go

Without K2, vitamin D lets calcium in but it might accumulate in coronary arteries instead of bones.

The same applies when supplementing with calcium alone. Taking D, K2, magnesium, silica, and omega-3 (krill oil) together is advisable.

Proof: Countries with highest calcium intake (US, Canada, Scandinavia) have the highest osteoporosis rates because it's the wrong form of calcium plus K2 deficiency.

Wrong calcium deposits contribute to:

• -Coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis
• -Dental plaque, gum disease
• -Diabetes, obesity
• -Gallstones, colon cancer
• -Cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration
• -Alzheimer's, bone spurs, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, bone cancer

Statin Drugs and K2

About 25% of Americans over 40 take statins to lower cholesterol. The American College of Cardiology acknowledges that statins may increase arterial calcification risk because statins deplete vitamin K2.

Without adequate K2, calcium stays fixed in arteries instead of moving to appropriate places.

If taking statins: K2 (MK7) supplementation should seriously be considered, plus ubiquinol and coenzyme Q10.

K2 Dosage

• -Safe: No toxicity; you cannot overdose on K2
• -Recommended minimum: 45 mcg/day
• -Therapeutic benefits: 180-200 mcg/day
• -Important: Take with good fats (coconut oil works great)
• -Warning: If taking blood-thinning medication, consult your health practitioner first

Key Takeaway

Vitamin K2 is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that works synergistically with vitamin D and calcium. It helps move calcium where it belongs, decreasing arterial calcification risk.

It's particularly important for treating osteoporosis, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, coagulation issues, and other chronic diseases.

Trust natural sources and supplementation. Your body will thank you.

In Health and Happiness,

Stephanie