Vitamins and mineralsVitamin K2 — the missing key to strong bones and clear arteries?
Sources: 12 · Article: 11 259 characters
Jan Jaśkowski presents K2 as an important partner to D3: it may support bones and limit calcium deposits in the arteries.
- Jerzy Zięba links K2 to the inhibition of processes that contribute to osteoporosis and warns against excess calcium without K2.
What the authors write
Jan Jaśkowski
K2 is said to direct calcium to the right places, support bones, and limit calcium deposits in the arteries.
„Vitamin D3 increases calcium absorption, but K2 directs it to the right places. This means that the combination of D3 and K2 not only supports normal bone mineralization but also protects against calcium deposits in the arteries. For this reason, many experts recommend taking both vitamins at the same time, especially during long-term supplementation with high doses of vitamin D3.”Witamina D3 zwiększa wchłanianie wapnia, ale to K2 kieruje go we właściwe miejsca. Dzięki temu połączenie D3 i K2 nie tylko wspiera prawidłową mineralizację układu kostnego, ale także chroni przed odkładaniem się wapnia w tętnicach. Z tego powodu wielu ekspertów zaleca przyjmowanie obu witamin równocześnie, zwłaszcza przy długotrwałej suplementacji wysokimi dawkami witaminy D3.
Jerzy Zięba
According to Jerzy Zięba, K2 inhibits processes that contribute to osteoporosis, and calcium without K2 can harm health.
„As we can see, increased amounts of calcium without being “balanced” by vitamin K2 can not only make our health worse. So perhaps drinking milk makes no sense if we want to prevent osteoporosis. Why is the rate of osteoporosis much lower in Japan—and only in eastern Japan—where people drink little milk and also eat few other calcium-containing products?”Jak już widzimy, zwiększone ilości wapnia, bez „zrównoważenia" witaminą K2 nie tylko mogą zdrowie nasze pogorszyć, a więc może picie mleka nie ma sensu jeśli chcemy zapobiegać osteoporozie. Dlaczego w Japonii i to tylko wschodniej, gdzie mleka pije się mało, jak również spożywa się mało innych produktów zawierających wapń, zachorowalność na osteoporozę jest znacznie niższa?
Jan Jaśkowski
Jan Jaśkowski describes the combined action of D3 and K2 as support for healthy bones.
„Vitamins D3 and K2 MK7 work synergistically in the body, so it is worth taking them together. They help maintain healthy bones (D3 and K2), and support the normal functioning of muscles and the immune system (D3).
Tablet form — capsules and drops are also available.”Witaminy D3 i K2 MK7 mają synergiczne działanie dla organizmu — dlatego warto przyjmować je razem. Dla utrzymania zdrowych kości (D3 i K2), prawidłowego funkcjonowania mięśni i układu odpornościowego (D3).
Wersja w tabletkach — dostępne również kapsułki i krople.
Jan Jaśkowski
Jan Jaśkowski describes the combined action of D3 and K2 as support for healthy bones.
„Vitamins D3 and K2 MK7 work synergistically in the body, so it is worth taking them together. They help maintain healthy bones (D3 and K2), and support the normal functioning of muscles and the immune system (D3).
Tablet form — capsules and drops are also available.”Witaminy D3 i K2 MK7 mają synergiczne działanie dla organizmu — dlatego warto przyjmować je razem. Dla utrzymania zdrowych kości (D3 i K2), prawidłowego funkcjonowania mięśni i układu odpornościowego (D3).
Wersja w tabletkach — dostępne również kapsułki i krople.
Jerzy Zięba
Jerzy Zięba links high natto consumption in the cuisine of eastern Japan with a lower rate of osteoporosis.
„Why is the rate of osteoporosis much lower in Japan—and only in eastern Japan—where people drink little milk and also eat few other calcium-containing products? Because loading up on calcium is not the most important factor in preventing osteoporosis. Why the Japanese in particular? Because large amounts of natto are used in eastern Japanese cuisine.”Dlaczego w Japonii i to tylko wschodniej, gdzie mleka pije się mało, jak również spożywa się mało innych produktów zawierających wapń, zachorowalność na osteoporozę jest znacznie niższa? Dlatego, że faszerowanie się wapniem nie jest najważniejszym czynnikiem w zapobieganiu osteoporozie. Dlaczego akurat Japończycy? Dlatego, że w kuchni wschodnia japońskiej stosu je się duże ilości natto.
Jan Jaśkowski
Jan Jaśkowski lists dairy products, liver, and eggs as foods that contain vitamin K2.
„Good sources of magnesium include fruit, root vegetables, dairy products, and chocolate. Vitamin K2 is found in dairy products, liver, and eggs.
As a supplement, I recommend magnesium glycinate, which is easily absorbed and has a calming effect.”Bogatym źródłem magnezu są owoce, warzywa korzeniowe, nabiał i czekolada. Witamina K2 występuje w nabiale, wątróbce i jajkach.
Z suplementów zalecam glicynian magnezu, który charakteryzuje się dobrą wchłanialnością oraz działa uspokajająco.
Jerzy Zięba
Jerzy Zięba cites information that women who took calcium supplements were more likely to develop arterial calcification, have a heart attack, or suffer a stroke.
„Many readers may find it surprising that recently published research (2011) indicates that women who took calcium supplements to prevent osteoporosis were more likely to develop arterial calcification, have a heart attack, or suffer a stroke than women who did not take calcium supplements.”Dla wielu czytelników dziwnym wyda się fakt, że niedawno opublikowane badania (2011) wskazują, że kobiety, które brały suplementy wapnia, po to, żeby zapobiec osteoporozie były bardziej narażone na wytworzenie zwapnień w tętnicach, zawał serca czy udar mózgu, niż kobiety, które suplementów wapnia nie brały.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 4 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 12.
A review indicates that vitamin K2 may limit arterial calcification and stiffening, and that higher intake may reduce the risk of calcium-related vascular damage.
Aim of the study: Inadequate calcium intake can lead to decreased bone mineral density, which can increase the risk of bone fractures. Supplemental calcium promotes bone mineral density and strength and can prevent osteoporosis.
Results: An adequate intake of vitamin K2 has been shown to lower the risk of vascular damage because it activates matrix GLA protein (MGP), which inhibits calcium deposits on vessel walls. Vitamin K, particularly vitamin K2, is nearly nonexistent in junk food, and even a healthy Western diet contains little of it. Vitamin K deficiency results in inadequate activation of MGP, which greatly impairs the removal of calcium and increases the risk of blood vessel calcification. Increased vitamin K2 intake could be a way to lower calcium-associated health risks.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A review reports that menaquinone used together with vitamin D may significantly limit bone loss.
Aim of the study: The role of vitamin K in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and arterial calcification is examined.
Results: Phytonadione and menaquinone may be effective for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and arterial calcification.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A review indicates that vitamins K1 and K2 may protect against osteoporosis, although their benefits need to be confirmed in large clinical trials.
Aim of the study: Vitamin K is a nutrient that was originally identified as an essential factor for blood coagulation. Recently, vitamin K has emerged as a potential protector against osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, and hepatocarcinoma.
Results: Most of the new biological functions of vitamin K in bone, blood vessels, and hepatoma cells are considered to result from the promotion of gamma-carboxylation of glutamic acid residues in vitamin K-dependent proteins, a function shared by vitamins K1 and K2. In contrast, functions specific to vitamin K2 that are unrelated to gamma-carboxylation have also been demonstrated. Thus, biological differences between vitamins K1 and K2, and the possible role of gamma-carboxylation-independent actions in vitamin K’s new functions, remain open questions. The molecular basis of vitamin K’s pleiotropic actions unrelated to coagulation, and their implications for human health, warrant further investigation.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a study of dialysis patients, lower levels of vitamin K2 and MK-7 were associated with the presence of iliac artery calcifications, which were linked to a higher risk of vertebral fractures.
Aim of the study: Vascular calcification and fragility fractures are associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially in end-stage renal disease. We evaluated the relationship of iliac arteries calcifications (IACs) and abdominal aortic calcifications (AACs) with the risk for vertebral fractures (VFs) in hemodialysis patients.
Results: IACs, regardless of their extent, are a clinically relevant risk factor for VFs. The association is enhanced by adjusting for vitamin K, a main player in bone and vascular health. To our knowledge these results are the first in the literature. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings both in chronic kidney disease and in the general population.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyobservation of people
Participants387
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Cardiovascular Health: The combination of vitamins D and K2 may also benefit cardiovascular health by preventing arterial calcification. Vitamin K2 activates matrix GLA protein (MGP), which inhibits the calcification of arteries. This protective effect is particularly important as vitamin D alone may not provide the same level of protection against arterial calcification (63,64). Immune Function: Both vitamins are implicated in supporting immune function. Vitamin D enhances the immune response, while vitamin K2 has been shown to modulate inflammation.”Cardiovascular Health: The combination of vitamins D and K2 may also benefit cardiovascular health by preventing arterial calcification. Vitamin K2 activates matrix GLA protein (MGP), which inhibits the calcification of arteries. This protective effect is particularly important as vitamin D alone may not provide the same level of protection against arterial calcification (63,64). Immune Function: Both vitamins are implicated in supporting immune function. Vitamin D enhances the immune response, while vitamin K2 has been shown to modulate inflammation.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Theuwissen E, Smit E, Vermeer C (2012) The role of vitamin K in soft-tissue calcification. Adv Nutr. 3:166-173. Schurgers LJ, Spronk HMH, Soute BAM, et al. (2007) Regression of warfarin-induced medial elastocalcinosis by high intake of vitamin K in rats. Blood 109:2823-2831. Price PA, Faus SA, Williamson MK (1998) Warfarin causes rapid calcification of the elastic lamellae in rat arteries and heart valves. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 18:1400-1407. Shiraki M, Shiraki Y, Aoki C, Miura M (2000) Vitamin K2 (menatetrenone) effectively prevents fractures and sustains lumbar bone mineral density in osteoporosis. J Bone Miner Res. 15:515-521.”Theuwissen E, Smit E, Vermeer C (2012) The role of vitamin K in soft-tissue calcification. Adv Nutr. 3:166-173. Schurgers LJ, Spronk HMH, Soute BAM, et al. (2007) Regression of warfarin-induced medial elastocalcinosis by high intake of vitamin K in rats. Blood 109:2823-2831. Price PA, Faus SA, Williamson MK (1998) Warfarin causes rapid calcification of the elastic lamellae in rat arteries and heart valves. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 18:1400-1407. Shiraki M, Shiraki Y, Aoki C, Miura M (2000) Vitamin K2 (menatetrenone) effectively prevents fractures and sustains lumbar bone mineral density in osteoporosis. J Bone Miner Res. 15:515-521.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„(2013) Something more to say about calcium homeostasis: the role of vitamin K2 in vascular calcification and osteoporosis. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 17:2433-2440. Schwalfenberg GK. (2017) Vitamins K1 and K2: The Emerging Group of Vitamins Required for Human Health. J Nutr Metab. 2017:6254836. Bikle DD. (2016) Extraskeletal actions of vitamin D. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1376:29-52. Aranow C (2011) Vitamin D and the Immune System. J Investig Med. 59:881-886. Fan YG, Pang ZQ, Wu TY, et al. (2020) Vitamin D deficiency exacerbates Alzheimer-like pathologies by reducing antioxidant capacity. Free Radic Biol Med. 161:139-149.”(2013) Something more to say about calcium homeostasis: the role of vitamin K2 in vascular calcification and osteoporosis. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 17:2433-2440. Schwalfenberg GK. (2017) Vitamins K1 and K2: The Emerging Group of Vitamins Required for Human Health. J Nutr Metab. 2017:6254836. Bikle DD. (2016) Extraskeletal actions of vitamin D. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1376:29-52. Aranow C (2011) Vitamin D and the Immune System. J Investig Med. 59:881-886. Fan YG, Pang ZQ, Wu TY, et al. (2020) Vitamin D deficiency exacerbates Alzheimer-like pathologies by reducing antioxidant capacity. Free Radic Biol Med. 161:139-149.
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