The majority of people probably might have never heard of vitamin K2. It is rare in the Western diet and hasn’t received enough attention from health practitioners. However, this super nutrient plays a crucial role in many aspects of health. And vitamin K2 may be the missing link between diet and several serious diseases. To make sure that you get the benefits of vitamin K2, you might want to consider supplementing with it, and you can order vitamin K2 online in the form of tablets and capsules.

Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2

Vitamin K can activate proteins that have a crucial role in clotting, metabolism, and a healthy heart. Its most critical role is to regulate calcium in the body. In other words, it enhances the calcification of bones but mitigates the calcification of blood vessels and kidneys.

There are a few scientists who have suggested that the role of vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 differ. But the majority feel that these vitamins should be considered as different nutrients altogether.

This is supported by a study that revealed that vitamin K2 mitigates calcification in blood vessels, whereas vitamin K1 significantly did not.

Control studies also reveal that people who ingest vitamin K2 supplements have improved bone health and heart health, whereas vitamin K1 had no outstanding benefits. 

Vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 in Preventing Illnesses

• Heart Disease

Arteries often have calcium buildup, which is a considerable risk. Vitamin K can mitigate calcium accumulation and can help prevent heart disease. It is believed that vitamin K helps reduce calcium from being deposited in the arteries.

However, studies show that there are more significant benefits for people who are taking vitamin K2. In a study spanning almost ten years, it was found that people with a high intake of vitamin K2 are less likely to develop arterial calcification by as much as 52%. They also had a lower risk of dying from heart disease by as much as 57%.

In another study conducted on over 16,000 women, it was found that ingesting a healthy amount of vitamin K2 lowered heart disease. They took ten mcg of vitamin K2 per day. And heart disease was reduced by as much as 9%.

In contrast, participants who ingested vitamin K1 had no significant benefits in either of these studies.

• Improves Bone Health and Lowers the Risk of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis means porous bones, which is a common problem in the Western world. As mentioned, vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in the synthesis of calcium, which is the main mineral found in bones and teeth.

Vitamin K2 can bind to crucial proteins, which help build and maintain bones.

Numerous studies also reveal that K2 provides crucial benefits for bone health. A three-year study on over 200 postmenopausal women found that those who ingest vitamin K2 supplements had a slighter decrease in age-related bone mineral density drop. 

In 7 of these studies, which contained fractures, it found that vitamin K2 mitigated spinal fractures by as much as 60%, hip fracture by as much as 77%, and all non-spinal fractures by as much as 81%.

It’s a good idea to protect your health with vitamin K2. It is the more potent form of vitamin K and proven by numerous studies to be effective in serious illnesses such as osteoporosis and heart disease. But similar to other supplements, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional when you decide to include this supplement in your diet.