VITAMIN K2: Vital, Yet Unknown?

If you are new to my blog site, you will quickly see I provide health information that many consumers have never heard about or have limited exposure. Vitamin K2 is likely another example.

Some of you may be aware of Vitamin K. This is a fat soluble vitamin (this means the body will retain excess amounts if you consume too much) that is best known for its role in “blood clotting. The best source of this vitamin is found in leafy green vegetables. It is important to know that Vitamin K (as it relates to blood clotting) is also known as Vitamin K1. Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2 have significant differences that provide unique functions to the body.

Today, most children and adults spend fewer hours participating in outdoor activities. We have been instructed that outdoor exposure to the sun requires liberal sunscreen protection against the ultraviolet rays the sun produces. The downside of these two habits (fewer hours outside and sunscreen protection) has created a Vitamin D deficiency in many people. Vitamin D deficiencies are dangerous and can lead to bone pain, muscle weakness, increased blood pressure, depression, cardiovascular disease and possibly some forms of cancer. It has also been linked to dementia.

Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D have a unique and important role together. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin like Vitamin K. The main consequences of Vitamin D toxicity are (1) buildup of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), (2) poor appetite, (3) nausea and vomiting, (4) weakness, (5) frequent urination and (6) kidney problems. Calcium buildup in the blood has been linked to cardiac disease and stroke.

Since Vitamin D and calcium are both essential, how can we safely consume each? This is best achieved by taking in adequate amounts of Vitamin K2. This vitamin is responsible for directing calcium to bones and teeth where it belongs. It also prevents calcium from being deposited into soft tissue (ex. muscles)  as well as blood vessels. Vitamin D produces proteins that are activated by Vitamin K2. Without K2 to guide the calcium, it can wander aimlessly and ultimately accumulate with fatal outcomes.

How do you know if you are likely deficient in Vitamin K2? If your diet does not consist of (1) grass fed sources, (2) dairy products produced by animals that graze on pasteur, (3) fermented foods including sauerkraut, cheese and natto (a Japanese soy dish) you are likely deficient. It is estimated that the average American diet provides less than 18mcg (micrograms) of Vitamin K2. It is recommended that for every 1000 I.U.’s of Vitamin D consumed, 100-200mcg of Vitamin K2 is needed. This means the average person only consumes approximately 1/10 of this vital nutrient.

Although Vitamin K (K1) is fat soluble, Vitamin K2 produces no dangers if over consumed. It is an important Vitamin for pregnant women as well as it provides necessary precursors for the healthy development of the unborn child.

If your blood work has revealed a Vitamin D deficiency or if you are supplementing Vitamin D to maintain adequate levels, Vitamin K2 (in the form of food {preferably} or supplement) should be included in your regimen. In doing so, you significantly reduce the risks of cardiac and arterial disease as well as osteoporosis and dental disease.

If you never heard of Vitamin K2, why not begin consuming healthy sources of it to gain these vital benefits!

Tags: cancer, children, disease, farming, health, vitamins