The Role Of Vitamin K2
It is said that “Vitamin K2 may be the missing link between diet and several chronic diseases” because vitamin K2 has important roles in activating certain proteins that are involved in various aspects of human health, such as bone and cardiovascular health, metabolism, reproduction and cancer. In simple terms, Vitamin K is a nutrient that helps some proteins in your body to work properly. These proteins are called vitamin K dependent proteins (VKDPs) because they need vitamin K to function. Some of these proteins are involved in blood clotting, which is important to stop bleeding when you get injured. These proteins are mostly found in your liver, which is an organ that filters your blood and helps with digestion. Other proteins are involved in keeping your bones strong and healthy, and preventing calcium from building up in your blood vessels and other tissues. These proteins are mostly found outside your liver, in other parts of your body. We call them extra-hepatic VKDPs, which means VKDPs that are not in the liver.
Vitamin K2 is a fat-soluble vitamin that belongs to the class of vitamin K, along with vitamin K1. Vitamin K2 plays important roles in blood clotting, bone health, heart health, and other functions in the body. In this essay, I will explain what vitamin K2 is, where it is found, how it is absorbed, what it is used for, what are the symptoms of deficiency, and some interesting facts about this nutrient.
Menaquinone
Vitamin K2 is also known as menaquinone. It is one of the three types of vitamin K, along with vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K3 (menadione). Vitamin K1 is mainly found in plant foods like leafy greens, while vitamin K2 is mainly found in animal foods and fermented foods. Vitamin K3 is a synthetic form that is no longer used due to its harmful side effects.
- Phylloquinone, also known as vitamin K1, is mainly found in plant foods like leafy greens, broccoli, and blueberries. It is involved in blood clotting by activating clotting factors that help stop bleeding when you get injured. Phylloquinone can also be converted to menaquinone in the body.
- Menaquinone, also known as vitamin K2 or MK, is mainly found in animal foods like organ meats, egg yolks, and dairy products, and fermented foods like natto, sauerkraut, and kefir. It has different subtypes, such as MK-4 and MK-7, which differ in the length of their side chains. Menaquinone regulates calcium deposition by activating proteins that bind or transport calcium. It promotes the calcification of bones and prevents the calcification of blood vessels and kidneys. It may also have other benefits for dental health, cognitive function, inflammation, and cancer prevention.
- Menadione, also known as vitamin K3 or synthetic vitamin K, is an artificial form of vitamin K that does not occur naturally. It can be converted to menaquinone in some species, but it is harmful to humans. It can cause liver damage and the destruction of red blood cells. It is no longer used as a dietary supplement or prescription for humans, but it is still used in some livestock and pet feed.
The symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include excessive bleeding or bruising, osteoporosis or low bone density, heart problems such as calcification of the arteries or high blood pressure, weak or decaying teeth, and increased risk of infections or cancer.
Some interesting facts about vitamin K are:
- Vitamin K was named after the German word “Koagulation”, which means clotting.
- Vitamin K was also discovered by the dentist Weston Price, who called it “activator X” and found that it protected against tooth decay and chronic disease.
- Vitamin K2 has a longer half-life than vitamin K1, meaning that it stays in the body longer and may have more benefits.
- Vitamin K2 may be the missing link between diet and several chronic diseases.
- Vitamin K2 may help prevent arterial calcification by activating a protein called matrix Gla protein (MGP), which inhibits calcium deposits in soft tissues.
Vitamin K2 has different subtypes, such as MK-4 and MK-7, which differ in the length of their side chains. MK-4 is produced by animals from vitamin K1, while MK-7 is produced by bacteria during fermentation. MK-7 has a longer half-life than MK-4, meaning that it stays in the body longer and may have more benefits.
Vitamin K2 is found in animal foods and fermented foods. Some of the best sources of vitamin K2 are:
- Organ meats, such as liver and kidney.
- Egg yolks.
- Dairy products, such as cheese, butter, and cream.
- Fermented foods, such as natto, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir.
- Meat from grass-fed animals.
Vitamin K2 is absorbed in the intestine with the help of bile acids and lipoproteins. It is then transported to the liver and other tissues where it performs its functions. Some vitamin K2 is also produced by bacteria in the gut, but the amount may not be enough to meet the body’s needs. Vitamin K2 absorption may be impaired by certain factors, such as:
- Taking drugs that interfere with vitamin K production or absorption, such as coumarin anticoagulants (warfarin), antibiotics, or bile acid sequestrants.
- Having a condition that affects fat malabsorption, such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, or intestinal disorders.
- Having a very low intake of vitamin K2-rich foods.
Coumarin and Warfarin
Coumarin and warfarin are two related compounds that have different effects on blood clotting and health. Coumarin is a natural substance that is found in many plants, such as cinnamon, tonka beans, lavender, and clover. It has a sweet odor and flavor and is often used in perfumes and cosmetics. Coumarin has antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory activities, meaning that it can prevent blood clots, reduce inflammation, and widen blood vessels. Coumarin may also have antiviral effects and protect against some types of cancer. However, coumarin can also be toxic to the liver and cause bleeding disorders in some people, especially in high doses or when combined with other drugs.
Warfarin is a synthetic derivative of coumarin that is used as a medication to treat and prevent blood clots. Warfarin works by blocking the formation of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, which are proteins that help the blood to clot. Warfarin is prescribed for people who have or are at risk of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, or heart attack. Warfarin can also be used as a rodenticide to kill rats and mice by causing internal bleeding. Warfarin requires careful monitoring and dosing to achieve the optimal level of anticoagulation without causing excessive bleeding or bruising. Warfarin can interact with many foods, supplements, and medications that affect vitamin K levels or blood clotting.
Vitamin K2 Has Several Functions In The Body
One of its most important functions is to regulate calcium deposition. In other words, it promotes the calcification of bones and prevents the calcification of blood vessels and kidneys. Vitamin K2 does this by activating proteins that bind or transport calcium.
Osteocalcin, MGP and Gas6 are three examples of vitamin K dependent proteins (VKDPs), which are proteins that require vitamin K as a cofactor for their activation¹. VKDPs have important roles in various aspects of human health, such as bone and cardiovascular health, metabolism, reproduction and cancer.
- Osteocalcin (OCN) is a VKDP that is mainly produced by osteoblasts and involved in bone mineralization. OCN also has endocrine functions, such as regulating glucose metabolism and male fertility.
- Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a VKDP that is mainly produced by vascular smooth muscle cells and chondrocytes and acts as a potent inhibitor of vascular and soft tissue calcification. MGP prevents the deposition of calcium phosphate crystals in the extracellular matrix by binding to them.
- Gas6 (Growth Arrest-Specific 6 Protein) is a VKDP that is expressed in various tissues, such as lungs, heart and kidneys, and acts as a ligand for receptor tyrosine kinases of the Axl family. This means that Gas6 is a protein that can bind to and activate a specific type of receptors on the surface of some cells. These receptors are called receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) because they can add phosphate groups to tyrosine residues of other proteins, which can trigger various cellular responses. The Axl family is a subfamily of RTKs that includes three members: Axl, Tyro-3 and Mer¹. Gas6 can bind to all three members of the Axl family, but it has the highest affinity for Axl². Gas6 and the Axl family receptors are involved in various biological processes, such as cell survival, proliferation, migration, adhesion, inflammation, immunity and hemostasis.
- Gas6 regulates various cellular processes, such as survival, proliferation, migration and adhesion. Gas6 also modulates inflammation, immunity and hemostasis.
The mechanism through which these VKDPs function in the body is by undergoing post-translational modifications that involve the addition of carboxyl groups to specific glutamate residues, forming γ-carboxyglutamate (Gla) residues. This process requires vitamin K as a cofactor and the enzyme γ-glutamyl carboxylase. The Gla residues confer calcium-binding ability to the VKDPs, which is essential for their biological activity.
By regulating calcium deposition, vitamin K2 can help prevent or treat conditions such as:
- Osteoporosis: a condition characterized by low bone density and increased risk of fractures.
- Arteriosclerosis: a condition characterized by hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to calcium buildup.
- Kidney stones: solid masses formed by excess calcium in the urine.
Improving Your Health
Another function of vitamin K2 is to facilitate blood clotting. Vitamin K2 activates clotting factors that help stop bleeding when you get injured. Without enough vitamin K2, you may bruise or bleed easily. Vitamin K2 may also have other benefits for your health, such as:
- Improving dental health by strengthening your teeth and preventing cavities.
- Enhancing cognitive function by protecting your brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Reducing inflammation by modulating your immune system and cytokine production.
- Preventing cancer by inhibiting tumour growth and inducing apoptosis (cell death)
The amount of vitamin K that you need to be healthy depends on your age, sex, and health conditions. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin K is 90 mcg per day for adult women and 120 mcg per day for adult men. However, some people may need more or less vitamin K depending on their medical history, medications, and dietary intake.
Vitamin K toxicity is rare because excess vitamin K is usually excreted in the urine or bile. However, high doses of vitamin K supplements may cause adverse effects, such as decreased appetite, enlarged liver, breathing difficulty, muscle stiffness, paleness, and swelling of the body. Vitamin K supplements may also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Therefore, it is important to consult your pH4Life consultant before taking vitamin K supplements or changing your vitamin K intake. You should also inform us about all the medications and supplements that you are taking. You should have your vitamin K status monitored regularly by checking your blood clotting time (prothrombin time or INR), in particular if you are taking blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vit K work in isolation? If not what else must I include in my diet to ensure optimal functioning?
Vitamin K does not work in isolation. It interacts with other nutrients and medications that can affect its absorption, metabolism and function. Some examples are:
- Fat: Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it needs fat to be absorbed by the body. Eating foods that contain fat can help increase the absorption of vitamin K from food and supplements.
- Vitamin A and E: These are also fat-soluble vitamins that share the same transport and storage pathways with vitamin K. High doses of vitamin A or E supplements may interfere with the absorption or function of vitamin K12.
- Calcium and vitamin D: These nutrients work together with vitamin K to support bone health. Vitamin K helps activate proteins that bind calcium to the bone matrix, while vitamin D helps increase the absorption of calcium from the diet. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D may enhance the effects of vitamin K on bone health.
- Warfarin and other anticoagulants: These are medications that prevent blood clots by inhibiting the action of vitamin K. People who take these medications need to keep their vitamin K intake consistent and avoid sudden changes in their diet or supplements. Too much or too little vitamin K can affect the effectiveness and safety of these medications.
To ensure optimal functioning of vitamin K, you should eat a balanced diet that includes sources of vitamin K, fat, calcium and vitamin D. You should also consult your doctor before taking any supplements or medications that may interact with vitamin K.
How will I know if I am Vit K2 deficient?
Vitamin K2 deficiency is not easy to diagnose but there are some signs and symptoms may indicate that you are not getting enough vitamin K2. These include:
- Problems with concentration and lack of motivation
- Heavy bleeding in injuries, nosebleeds, bleeding of the mucous membranes and bruises
- Weak bones and increased risk of fractures
- Calcification of blood vessels and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Low levels of osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein, which are vitamin K-dependent proteins involved in bone and vascular health
If you suspect that you have a vitamin K2 deficiency, you should consult your pH4Life consultant for further evaluation and treatment. You may also benefit from increasing your intake of vitamin K2-rich foods or taking a vitamin K2 supplements, as subscribed by pH4Life.
What is Hemostasis?
Hemostasis is a process that stops bleeding when you get injured or have a wound. It is important to prevent blood loss and infection. Hemostasis has three main steps:
- Vascular spasm: The blood vessel that is damaged becomes narrower to reduce the blood flow and the bleeding.
- Platelet plug formation: Small blood cells called platelets stick together and form a temporary plug to seal the hole in the blood vessel.
- Blood coagulation: A series of chemical reactions involving proteins called clotting factors make a substance called fibrin, which acts like a glue to hold the platelet plug together and form a stable clot.
Hemostasis is the opposite of hemorrhage, which means excessive bleeding.
What is Hemorrhage?
Hemorrhage is a term that means bleeding, or losing blood from a damaged blood vessel or organ. It can be external and visible on the outside of the body, such as a cut or a wound, or internal and hidden inside the body, such as bleeding in the brain or the stomach. Hemorrhage can be minor or major, depending on how much blood is lost and how fast it happens. Hemorrhage can cause symptoms such as:
- Pale or clammy skin
- Weakness or dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Confusion or loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blood in the urine, stool, vomit, or cough
Hemorrhage can be life-threatening if it is not treated quickly. It can lead to shock, organ failure, infection, or death. Hemorrhage can be caused by many things, such as:
- Injury or trauma
- Surgery or medical procedures
- Bleeding disorders
- Medications that affect blood clotting
- Cancer or tumours
- Inflammation or infection.
What is Prothrombin time (PT) or INR?
INR is a blood test that measures how long it takes for your blood to clot. Clotting is when your blood becomes thick and sticky and forms a plug to stop bleeding when you get injured. Clotting is important to prevent blood loss and infection, but sometimes it can happen too much or too little and cause problems. Prothrombin is a protein in your blood that helps with clotting. It needs vitamin K to work properly. Vitamin K is a nutrient that you get from food or supplements. Sometimes, people need to take medicines that affect the action of vitamin K and prothrombin, such as blood thinners. Blood thinners are used to prevent or treat blood clots that can block the flow of blood to your heart, brain, or lungs and cause serious damage.
The PT or INR test tells your medical practitioner how fast or slow your blood clots. The test compares your clotting time to a normal range. The normal range is usually between 10 and 13 seconds. The INR stands for International Normalized Ratio, which is a way of standardizing the results across different labs and countries. The normal INR is usually around 1. If your PT or INR is too high, it means your blood clots too slowly, and you may bleed too much or too easily. This can happen if you do not have enough vitamin K. If your PT or INR is too low, it means your blood clots too quickly and you may form unwanted clots that can block your blood vessels. This can happen if you have too much vitamin K.
Your practitioner will tell you what your target PT or INR range is based on your condition and medication. You may need to adjust your dose of vitamin K to keep your PT or INR within the target range. You may also need to avoid certain foods or supplements that can affect your PT or INR, such as green leafy vegetables, cranberry juice, garlic, ginger, or turmeric. You should also avoid alcohol and smoking, which can interfere with clotting.
You should have your PT or INR checked regularly and watch for signs of bleeding or clotting problems, such as:
- Bruises or red spots on your skin
- Bleeding from your gums, nose, mouth, or wounds
- Blood in your urine, stool, vomit, or cough
- Headache, dizziness, weakness, or confusion
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg swelling
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Copyright 2023 pH4Life.
Copyright 2023 pH4Life.