How Does Vitamin K2 Influence Calcium Use in the Body?
Vitamin K is a name given to a group of fat soluble vitamins. The original term vitamin “K” comes from the German word Koagulation, referring to its role in normal blood clotting.
There are two main types of vitamin K:
- Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), found in leafy green vegetables and plant foods
- Vitamin K2 (menaquinones), produced by gut bacteria and found in some animal and fermented foods, such as natto and certain cheeses
Vitamin K2 menaquinones can be further subdivided and are numbered MK 4 through MK 13 based on their chemical structure. Research suggests that the MK 7 form has good bioavailability, which is why it is commonly used in vitamin K2 supplements.
While vitamin K1 and K2 share some similarities, they are used differently within the body. Vitamin K1 is primarily involved in normal blood clotting processes, whereas vitamin K2 is involved in the regulation of calcium utilisation in various tissues.
How does vitamin K2 influence calcium utilisation?
Vitamin K2 plays a role in how calcium is used and distributed in the body, particularly in bones and blood vessels.
1. Blood vessel and cardiovascular system health
Vitamin K2 is involved in the activation of proteins such as matrix GLA protein (MGP), which are associated with calcium regulation.
MGP is present in blood vessels and is understood to contribute to maintaining normal vascular structure. Adequate vitamin K2 intake supports the activation of these proteins and contributes to maintaining blood vessel and artery health, as well as overall cardiovascular system function.
2. Bone health and mineralisation
Vitamin K2 is also involved in the activation of osteocalcin, a protein produced by osteoblasts (bone forming cells).
Osteocalcin plays a role in binding calcium within the bone matrix. Without sufficient vitamin K2, osteocalcin remains inactive, which may influence how effectively calcium is incorporated into bone.
In this way, vitamin K2 contributes to normal bone mineralisation and helps maintain bone strength and density.
What is the ‘calcium paradox’?
The term “calcium paradox” has been used in research to describe observations where calcium balance in the body may not always align with expected outcomes.
While calcium is essential for bone health, its distribution within the body is influenced by multiple nutrients and regulatory systems. Vitamin K2 is one of several nutrients involved in these processes, supporting the normal utilisation of calcium in bones and blood vessels.
Bone and cardiovascular system relationship
Research has explored potential links between bone health and cardiovascular system health.
Large population studies such as the Framingham Study, SWAN Study, MESA Study and Rotterdam Study have observed associations between changes in bone mineral density and markers of vascular health.
These findings suggest that bone and cardiovascular systems may share common pathways, including those involved in calcium regulation. However, these are observational findings, and further research is needed to fully understand these relationships.
What does this mean?
Current research suggests that vitamin K2 plays a role in calcium utilisation and is involved in processes that support both bone and cardiovascular system health.
While emerging evidence continues to explore these relationships, vitamin K2 is recognised as an important nutrient that contributes to maintaining bone strength and supporting cardiovascular system function.
Key takeaways
- Vitamin K2 is involved in the activation of proteins that regulate calcium use in the body
- Maintains and supports bone health
- Maintains and supports bone strength and mineralisation
- Maintains and supports blood vessel health
- Maintains and supports artery health
- Supports cardiovascular system health
- Helps prevent dietary vitamin K2 deficiency
- Available in convenient one a day supplement formats
References
- Kiel D.P., Kauppila L.I. Calcif Tissue Int. 2001;68:271–276.
- Farhat G.N., Strotmeyer E.S. Calcif Tissue Int. 2006;79:102–111.
- Hyder J.A., Allison M.A. Am J Epidemiol. 2009;169:186–194.
- Campos-Obando N., Kavousi M. Atherosclerosis. 2015;241:278–283.
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin K Fact Sheet for Consumers.
This information is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
