What Is Vitamin K?
Most of us have heard of vitamin K and may associate it with the injection given to newborn babies shortly after birth. This connection comes from vitamin K's well established role in normal blood clotting. In fact, the "K" in vitamin K comes from the German word Koagulation, reflecting its importance in this process.
However, vitamin K is not just one nutrient. There are different forms, including vitamin K1 and vitamin K2, each with distinct roles in the body. While vitamin K1 is best known for its involvement in blood clotting, vitamin K2 has attracted growing scientific interest for its role in supporting bone and cardiovascular health.
Why Is Vitamin K2 Important?
Vitamin K2, particularly the menaquinone-7 (MK-7) form, is involved in the activation of proteins that help regulate how calcium is utilised within the body.
Calcium is well known for its role in maintaining healthy bones, but it relies on a range of nutrients to support normal calcium metabolism. Vitamin K2 works alongside nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D as part of this process.
Vitamin K2 and Bone Health
Healthy bones are constantly being remodelled throughout life. Specialised bone-building cells known as osteoblasts produce proteins that contribute to normal bone structure and mineralisation.
Vitamin K2 helps activate one of these important proteins, osteocalcin, which plays a role in normal bone mineralisation. For this reason, vitamin K2 is recognised as a nutrient that helps maintain:
- Bone health
- Bone strength
- Bone mineralisation
As part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, adequate vitamin K2 intake may help support long term skeletal health.
Vitamin K2 and Cardiovascular Health
In addition to its role in bones, vitamin K2 is involved in activating proteins found throughout the cardiovascular system.
Research continues to investigate the relationship between vitamin K2 and cardiovascular health, and vitamin K2 is recognised for its role in supporting:
- Cardiovascular system health
- Artery health
- Blood vessel health
- Healthy blood circulation
While research into vitamin K2 continues to evolve, maintaining adequate intake is considered an important part of supporting overall cardiovascular wellbeing.
Where Can We Get Vitamin K2?
Vitamin K2 is naturally present in a range of foods, although generally in smaller amounts than vitamin K1.
Dietary sources of vitamin K2 include:
- Fermented foods such as natto (fermented soybeans)
- Egg yolks
- Cheese
- Butter
- Chicken
Small amounts may also be produced by bacteria naturally present in the digestive tract.
Because dietary intake can vary considerably between individuals, some people choose to supplement their intake of vitamin K2.
The Bottom Line
Vitamin K2 may not be as well known as calcium or vitamin D, but it plays an important role in supporting both bone and cardiovascular health.
Together with a balanced diet, regular exercise and other healthy lifestyle habits, maintaining adequate intake of nutrients such as vitamin K2 can help support healthy bones, blood vessels and overall wellbeing.
This article is intended for educational purposes only and is general in nature. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplement. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
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