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Vitamin K2, like all compounds hidden under the name "vitamin K", participates in the blood clotting process. For many years, she was assigned this role only. However, research shows that vitamin K2 is also responsible for he althy bones, prevents vascular calcification and the development of cardiovascular diseases. What else does vitamin K2 have? What are the sources of its occurrence? What are the symptoms of a deficiency?

Vitamin K2is not a separate substance, but a group of compounds collectively known as menaquinones or the abbreviation "MK-n", where n indicates the number of unsaturated isoprenoid residues at carbon C3 (from 1 to 13).

Vitamin K2 is one of the three main compounds that is termed "vitamin K". The others are vitamin K1 (phytomenadione) and K3 (menadione). Vitamins K participate in the synthesis of protein clotting factors and for many years they were assigned this role only. However, research has shown that different types of vitamin K also have different functions. Vitamin K2, in addition to participating in the blood clotting process, is also responsible for he althy bones, prevents calcification of atherosclerotic plaques and the development of cardiovascular diseases, and even the growth of cancer cells.

Vitamin K2 - properties

Vitamin K2 can prevent osteoporosis

Until recently, it was believed that only one vitamin - vitamin D - corresponds to he althy bones and teeth. Currently, it is believed that the role of vitamin K2 is equivalent to that of vitamin D in maintaining the proper condition of the skeleton. The functioning of osteocalcin - a protein synthesized in cells responsible for bone formation (osteoblasts) depends on vitamin K2.

The task of osteocalcin is to bind calcium in bones - a mineral that is their basic building material. With a deficiency of vitamin K2, osteoclacin is inactive and thus unable to bind calcium in the bones, which can reduce bone mass and lead to osteoporosis, and hence - an increased risk of fractures.

The relationship between he althy bones and vitamin K2 has been shown in many scientific studies. For example, researchers from the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands have shown that vitamin K2 is essential for maintaining bone strength in postmenopausal women and is a factor in improving bone mineral content and bone neck width.femoral.

Vitamin K2 can prevent cardiovascular disease

Loss of elasticity of blood vessels due to the accumulation of calcium-phosphate s alts in them is one of the causes of the development of cardiovascular diseases. A solution to this problem may be vitamin K2, which, according to some scientists, may in the future be used to treat or prevent vascular calcification, especially in patients at high risk of vitamin K deficiency or calcification².

How does vitamin K2 prevent blood vessel calcification? There is a protein in the blood serum called MGP that binds the calcium-phosphate s alts and thus prevents them from settling in the vessels. Its functioning depends on vitamin K2 - with its deficiency, the MGP protein is inactive and cannot inhibit the calcification process.

People taking anticoagulants before supplementing with vitamin K2 should consult a doctor, because vitamin K2 interferes with the action of these drugs.

Worth knowing

Vitamin K2 and D3 enhance their action

Vitamin K2 and D3 work synergistically, i.e. they enhance each other's action. Therefore, simultaneous supplementation of these vitamins is recommended.

Vitamin K2 - anti-cancer properties

The first pilot clinical trials conducted in Japan show that the use of vitamin K2 in addition to standard therapy in the case of liver cancer, significantly increases the survival rate of patients in relation to the control system¹.

Vitamin K2 - deficiency and excess symptoms

Lack of vitamin K2 may lead to bleeding (e.g. from gums), problems with wound healing, difficulties in bone mineralization (which is manifested by breaking them). In addition, vitamin K2 deficiency can lead to calcification of the arteries and, as a consequence, to high blood pressure, congestion and heart attacks.

No adverse effects were observed with doses up to 45 mg per day or even higher.

Vitamin K2 - sources of occurrence. Where to find vitamin K2?

Vitamin K2 is produced mainly by the jejunum and ileum microorganisms of humans and animals (the MK-4 form of vitamin K2).

Vitamin K2 is also found (albeit in small amounts) in animal products such as meat, eggs and dairy products, especially in products obtained by bacterial fermentation. In Europe, the most important source of menaquinone are therefore Dutch, German and Swiss cheeses, and in Asian culture - natto (the product of soybean fermentation, in which bacteriaBacillus subtilis natto ) and miso (MK form) are involved -7vitamin K2).

Its source is also other forms of vitamin K, which are converted into vitamin K2 in the body.

Natural vitamin K2 in the form of MK-7 deserves special attention in terms of supplementation. It is characterized by good absorbability.

Vitamin K2 - dosage. How to use vitamin K2?

Daily intake has not been determined for vitamin K2 only. Such recommendations apply to all compounds that are hidden under the name "vitamin K". An adult should consume about 55-65 µg of vitamin K a day.

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