The amazing advantages of vitamin K2 for bones and heart
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Have you ever wondered what vitamin K2 is and why it can be so important for our health? In this blog post you will learn everything important about this fascinating vitamin and how it can support your bones and your cardiovascular system.
what is Vitamin K2?
Vitamin K2 is a special form of vitamin K, which occurs in two main forms: K1 (phyllochinone) and K2 (Menachinon). While vitamin K1 can be found primarily in green leafy vegetables such as spinach or broccoli, vitamin K2 comes mainly from animal foods such as cheese, butter or egg yolk.
The big difference between the two forms is that vitamin K2 in the body can be lingered significantly longer and can therefore be better used by the body. While K1 is particularly responsible for blood clotting, K2 has completely different tasks: it plays a crucial role in storing calcium in bones and teeth as well as in preventing calcium deposits in the blood vessels.
Vitamin K2 and bone health
Vitamin K2 is responsible for activating certain proteins, which are important for bone structure and calcium storage in the bones. On the one hand, this includes the protein osteocalcin that incorporates calcium into the bones. On the other hand, K2 also activates the protein matrix gla, which prevents calcium deposits in the blood vessels.
Numerous studies have shown that a good supply of vitamin K2 can increase the bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Sufficient K2 intake is therefore very important for older people in order to maintain bone health.
Vitamin K2 and fracture risk
A study from the Netherlands examined the connection between vitamin K2 recording and fracture risk for over 4,800 participants aged 55 and older. The results were impressive: subjects with the highest K2 supply had a 81% lower risk of hip fractures and a 35% lower risk of vertebral body fractures compared to participants with the lowest K2 recording.
Vitamin K2 and bone density
The positive effect of vitamin K2 is also evident in the bone density. A meta-analysis of 7 studies with over 1,300 participants showed that taking vitamin K2 preparations could increase the bone density in the lumbar spine area by 2.45% and 1.21% in the hip area.
Vitamin K2 and heart health
In addition to the bones, our cardiovascular system also benefits from a good vitamin K2 supply. Because K2 plays a crucial role in preventing calcium deposits in the blood vessels.
Vitamin K2 and arterial calcification
Calcium deposits in the arteries, also called arterial calcification (atherosclerosis), are a main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke. Vitamin K2 activates the protein matrix-gla, which removes free calcium from the vessel walls and thus prevents calcifications.
A large-scale study with over 4,800 participants showed that a higher vitamin K2 recording was accompanied by a 57% lower risk of calculating the main artery. Other studies have also shown that K2 can slow down the progression of arterial calcification and even undo.
Vitamin K2 and heart attack risk
Due to its positive effect on vascular health, vitamin K2 also lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A meta-analysis of 10 studies with over 16,000 participants showed that a higher vitamin K2 supply was accompanied by a 57% lower risk of heart attacks.
How can I mean Vitamin K2 supply improve?
The best natural sources for vitamin K2 are high -fat foods of animal origin such as cheese, butter, egg yolk or goose pies. If you do not consume these foods or only in small quantities, you can also use vitamin K2 nutritional supplements.
Preparations that contain vitamin D3 in addition to vitamin K2 are particularly recommended. Because both vitamins work closely together and support bone and heart health together. An example of this is the vitamin D3 K2 preparation of Future's Nutrition.
With a balanced diet and the targeted intake of vitamin K2 preparations, you can strengthen your bone and heart health in the long term. Let yourself be convinced by the many advantages of this vitamin and take your health into your own hands!