Vitamin K2: Underestimated nutrient for strong bones and a healthy heart?
Vitamin K is an often underestimated vitamin. It refers to a group of fat-soluble vitamins that are essential for humans. They are primarily needed for blood clotting, vascular health and bone formation.
There are two naturally occurring forms of vitamin K: phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and menaquinone (vitamin K2). Vitamin K2 exists in different forms. They differ in the length of their isoprenoid side chain (MK-n) and their form (cis/trans), whereby the “MK” stands for ‘menaquinone’ and the “n” for the number of isoprenoid units. The most common forms of vitamin K2 are MK-4 and MK-7.
Vitamin K2 against today‘s common diseases
Vitamin K2, in combination with Vitamin D and Calcium, has a significant impact on bone and vascular health. Osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis are two of the most common diseases among the elderly. Currently, it is estimated that more than 200 million people suffer from osteoporosis. The global prevalence of arteriosclerosis among people aged 30-79 was estimated at 27.6% in 2020, corresponding to about 1 billion people affected by arteriosclerosis.
Why is Vitamin K2 important for the body and how does it work?
Vitamin K is absorbed in the intestine and transported via the blood to the liver, where it performs its main function. The primary function of Vitamin K2 – mainly in the highly bioactive form all-trans MK-7 – is to regulate the calcium balance in the body.
It activates specific proteins responsible for incorporating calcium into the bones and protecting against calcium deposits in the arteries. This helps maintain bone health while reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis and osteoporosis. Recent studies also suggest a cramp-relieving effect of Vitamin K2.
Vitamin K2 against osteoporosis
Bones are dynamic tissue that constantly undergoes remodeling processes. About 8% of the skeleton is renewed annually. Bone regeneration is mainly controlled by two cell types: osteoclasts and osteoblasts.
Vitamin K2 activates a protein (Matrix-Gla-Protein (cMGP)), which binds calcium in the bloodstream, making it available for bone formation. It also carboxylates (= activates) osteocalcin, allowing calcium to be incorporated into the bone structure.
Osteoclast
Osteoclasts are specialized cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue. They dissolve the mineral bone matrix and absorb the released minerals, especially calcium. This process is called bone resorption and is important for removing old or damaged bone substances and making room for new bone tissue.
Osteoblast
Osteoblasts are the cells that build new bone tissue. They secrete osteocalcin, produce the organic bone matrix, and mineralize it with calcium and phosphate to ensure the typical strength of the bone.
See the full poster on Vitamin K2 for Life Science Products here
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Source: MAGNESIA, brochure Vitamin K2 for Life Science Products
