Vitamin K2: What Is It In and Why Is It So Important to Your Health?
Vitamin K2 is important for strong bones and healthy blood vessels, and if deficient can be supplemented with foods such as natto and supplements
Vitamin K is essential for the health of your blood vessels and bones. In this article, we discuss symptoms of vitamin K deficiency, where to find vitamin K2, and why it can sometimes be difficult to get from food. We also look at the role of K2 in Japanese diets and its impact on their high life expectancy.
Symptoms of a Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K deficiency can lead to:
- Bruising and bleeding, due to decreased blood clotting.
- Osteoporosis, due to decreased absorption of calcium in the bones.
- Arteriosclerosis, due to calcium deposits in blood vessels.
Why Vitamin K2 Is Hard to Get from Food
Vitamin K2 is mainly found in fermented foods such as natto (fermented soybeans), cheese and meat from grass-fed animals. Many people in Western countries do not consume these products often, making it difficult to get enough K2 through diet.
Vitamin K2 and Japanese Life Expectancy
In Japan, where natto is widely eaten, the population often has a higher life expectancy. This may be due in part to their high intake of vitamin K2, which helps prevent cardiovascular disease and bone problems such as osteoporosis. This traditional food may play an important role in their longer and healthier lives.
What Should You Look Out For With Vitamin K2 Supplements?
When choosing K2 supplements, it is important to pay attention to the form (such as MK-7), which remains active in the body the longest. Supplementation with vitamin D can enhance the action of K2, especially for proper calcium absorption into the bones.
How Can You Measure Your Vitamin K2 Status?
You can measure your vitamin K2 status with the VitaK meter, available from Blood Values Test. This measures the elasticity of your blood vessels, which can be an indication of possible K2 deficiency.
Conclusion
A vitamin K2 deficiency can have serious consequences for both your blood vessels and bones. Supplementing through diet or supplements and measuring your K2 status can help prevent conditions such as arteriosclerosis and osteoporosis. As in Japan, regularly consuming K2-rich foods such as natto can contribute to a longer and healthier life.
