Vitamin K2 is a little-known vitamin essential for strong, healthy bones, and cardiovascular health. K2 stimulates production of bone-building protein osteocalcin and inhibits bone breakdown, maintaining bone density and decreasing fractures (1).
K2 supports cardiovascular health by helping to move calcium into bones and away from the arteries. In the Rotterdam Heart Study, people with the highest (vs. lowest) dietary vitamin K2 intake had a 57% lower risk of death from heart disease (2).
Vitamin K2 is found in the fermented soybean food natto as menaquinone-7 (MK-7), which is highly bioavailable and bioactive. Only MK-7 offers 24-hour protection from a single daily dose (3).
Vitamin K2 is available in a vegetarian-friendly, one-a-day, non-GMO supplement providing MK-7 to support strong bones and a healthy heart.
Caution
If you are taking blood thinners, consult a health care practitioner prior to using products containing vitamin K.
References:
- Iwamoto, J., Takeda, T., Sato, Y. (2004). Effects of vitamin K2 on osteoporosis. Curr Pharm Des, 10(21), 2557-76.
- Geleijnse, J.M., Vermeer, C., Grobbee, D.E., et al. (2004). Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: The Rotterdam Study. J Nutr, 134(11), 3100-5.
- Schurgers, L.J., Teunissen, K.J., Hamulyak, K., et al. (2007). Vitamin K-containing dietary supplements: comparison of synthetic vitamin K1 and natto-derived menaquinone-7. Blood, 109(8), 3279-83.
