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A fat-soluble vitamin with multiple health benefits, vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in bone health. It is interesting to understand how it impacts cardiovascular health, and where to find it in the diet.
What is vitamin K2?
Vitamin K2 , also known as menaquinone, is one of the forms of vitamin K found in our diet. Unlike vitamin K1, which is primarily involved in blood clotting, vitamin K2 plays a major role in bone health, preventing calcium from being deposited in soft tissues such as arteries and promoting its fixation in bones. Additionally, vitamin K2 is associated with a reduced risk of fractures and cardiovascular disease.
Role of vitamin K2 in bone health
Vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health through its ability to stimulate the production of specific proteins that regulate calcium metabolism in the body. This function is essential for bone mineralization, a vital process that strengthens bones by integrating calcium into their matrix. Therefore, vitamin K2 helps maintain optimal bone density and decrease the risk of fractures. This action is particularly beneficial in older adults, where bone density tends to decrease with age. By including enough vitamin K2 in the diet, through foods such as fermented dairy products, certain types of meat and eggs, we can effectively support bone health and help prevent osteoporosis and other diseases related to weakened bones.
Benefits of Vitamin K2
Vitamin K has many benefits, in all its forms. The K1 form is involved in the healing process, while the K2 form is essential in bone mineralization, acting in bone growth and bone tissue renewal.
This vitamin is essential for bone metabolism and blood clotting. In fact, vitamin K is known for its beneficial properties on bone health since it contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
It then ensures the strength of bone mineral mass, which is essential for the development of the human body. Since teeth are bones, vitamin K2 also protects dental health.
In addition, it helps fight against calcification of the arteries by participating in the movement of calcium towards bone tissue.
This vitamin is also very important in blood clotting. It has a hemostatic role, that is to say, it prevents hemorrhages.
Scientific studies have recently shown that a vitamin K deficiency promotes arterial calcification and that, conversely, supplementation of this vitamin ensures healthy arteries.
Impact of vitamin K2 on cardiovascular health
In addition to its role in bone health, vitamin K2 plays an important role in cardiovascular health by inhibiting calcification of the arteries. Studies have shown that people with adequate levels of vitamin K2 in their diet have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease and stroke.
Food sources of vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 is mainly found in some animal foods and fermented products. Among the food sources rich in vitamin K2, liver stands out as being particularly concentrated in this nutrient, offering an excellent option for those looking to increase their intake. Eggs, cheese, especially hard varieties, and butter are also good sources of vitamin K2, integrating this vital nutrient into various aspects of the daily diet.
When it comes to fermented foods, natto is an exceptionally rich source of vitamin K2. This traditional Japanese delicacy, made from fermented soybeans, is not only prized for its nutrient content but also for its beneficial probiotics. Other fermented products can also contribute to vitamin K2 intake, although to a lesser extent compared to natto.
Effects of vitamin K2 on blood clotting
Although vitamin K2 is primarily associated with bone and cardiovascular health, it also plays a role in blood clotting. Vitamin K2 helps produce proteins involved in blood clotting, which is essential for preventing excessive bleeding and maintaining a healthy blood clotting balance.
