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- About Vitamin K
- Vitamin K1
- Vitamin K2
- MK-4 versus MK-7
- Trans and Cis form Isomers
- Vitamin K-dependent Proteins
- Movement of Vitamin K in the body
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a widely researched subject with many published studies.
There's also a lot of misinformation and confusion about Vitamin K, particularly Vitamin K2.
- summarize the latest Vitamin K2 research
- clarify some points of confusion about Vitamin K2
- introduce: vK2 - Vitamin K2
The purpose of this site is to:
Let's begin with some basic concepts.
- A "vitamin" can be defined as an organic compound that is essential to health:
- required to sustain health
- can not be synthesized by the body
- Good health depends upon consuming vitamins
- from the food we eat
- from the supplements we take
What's so confusing about Vitamin K?
- First of all, people often confuse Vitamin K with potassium.
- "K" is the chemical symbol for potassium on the periodic table of elements.
- Potassium is NOT Vitamin K.
- Secondly, there really is no such thing as Vitamin K "per say" . . .
- Vitamin K actually refers to a family of fat-soluble vitamins, called quinones
- Quinones have different, but similar structures.
- Chemically, the Vitamin K family consists of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (3-) derivatives.
-
Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2 are said to be vitamers of Vitamin K:
- both are cofactors in the carboxylation (activation) of Vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDP)
- each functions as a separate vitamin.
- Vitamin K1 activates VKDP in the liver, to enable blood coagulation.
- Vitamin K2 activates VKDP in the bloodstream, to enable the shuttling of calcium ions
- FROM where they should NOT be
- heart valves
- arterial linings
- kidneys
- TO where they SHOULD be
- bones
- teeth
- Phylloquinone
- No sub-types
- Fat soluble
- Green leafy vegetables
- Cofactor: gamma-glutamyl carboxylation
- Coagulation Factors: VII, IX, X
- Menaquinone
- Sub types (MK-4 and MK-7)
- Fat soluble
- Meat, eggs, cheese, fermented foods
- Cofactor: gamma-glutamyl carboxylation
- Bone & vessel wall calcification
- Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) exists in several sub-types.
- Menaquinone sub-types are said to be homologues of each other, because their structures are:
- nearly identical
- differentiated only by the length of their side-chains (the number of isoprene units in its side chain).
- MK-4 and MK-7 are known to be bioactive.
- MK-8, MK-9, are thought to have some bioactivity.
-
MK-10, MK-12 and MK-14 are not thought to have any bioactivity,
due to their larger molecular size (longer side-chain). - Vitamin K is a family of related structures that all share a methylated naphthoquinone ring system, substituted with an aliphatic side chain.
- In Vitamin K1, the side chain is composed of four isoprene units, the last three of which are saturated.
- Vitamin K2 consists of subtypes, each with differing side chain lengths (containing 1 to 13 isoprene units).
- The structure of Vitamin K3 most closely resembles that of Vitamin K1, hence their similar functions.
- Vitamins K1 and K2 exists as isomers, (TRANS and CIS forms)
- The bioactivity of each isomer is determined by its form:
- TRANS form:
- shaped like a straight line.
- Bioactive
- CIS form:
- shaped like an "L"
- NOT bioactive
- Vitamin K3 (also known as menadione or menaphthone) is a synthesized derivative of naphthoquinone.
- Vitamin K3 is not naturally occurring, so it can't really be considered a true vitamin.
- classified as a pro-vitamin
- mimics Vitamin K1.
- not typically taken by humans, because it has side effects.
- sometimes added to chicken feed.
- made exclusively by plants.
- Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach and kale) are the richest source.
- The conversion (fermentation) takes place by bacteria in the gut,
- Ability to convert declines with age, as does gut health
- Fermentation favors menaquinones with longer side chains
- no MK-4
- only MK-7 and MK-10
- Vitamin K1 deficiency is rarely, if ever, seen in adults.
- Our bodies' have the ability to recycle Vitamin K1.
- Even if someone was Vitamin K1 deficient, consuming even very small amounts of green leafy vegetables or vegetable oils would provide ample Vitamin K1 to replenish the deficiency.
- Vitamin K1 is even found in fast food and soybean oil.
- Vitamin K1 plays an essential role in blood clotting, but is not known to have any other functions.
- cardiovascular health
- bone health
- neurological health
- urological health
- menaquinone-4
- synthesized for commercial production
- from grass fed animal products
- Goose liver and dark meat (from chicken or goose) are the best food sources
- Egg yolks (particularly from duck eggs) are also a decent source
- menaquinone-7
- Can ONLY be produced by fermentation.
-
Natto (a Japanese fermented soybean product)
is the food source with the highest level of MK-7 (350-400 mcg per oz). -
Aged cheeses such as gouda or brie
contain about 75 mcg per oz. - Bacteria in the gut flora
- There has not been much research comparing MK-4 to MK-7
- each have similar functions
- each has some unique capabilities
- It seems reasonable to deduce we need both MK-4 and MK-7.
- the same molecular formula as another molecule
- with a different chemical structure.
- The bottom line is that the the form of MK-4 and or MK-7 you take is critical.
- TRANS form is bioactive
- CIS form is NOT bioactive.
-
vK2 contains:
- "pharmaceutical grade" Vitamin K2 (yellow color)
- very high percent of TRANS form
- MK-4 (100% TRANS form)
- MK-7 (70% TRANS form)
As can be seen (in the photo below), vK2 is yellow.
If the vitamin K2 you take is NOT yellow . . .
- it is NOT pharmaceutical grade
- it is more than likely a low quality product containing Chinese ingredients
- with a low percentage of the bioactive "trans" form.
- can bind calcium ions
- only after being activated (gamma-carboxylated) by Vitamin K
- Vitamin K1 activates VKDP's in the liver to synthesize coagulation factors.
- DCP (Des-gamma-carboxy Prothrombin)
- Vitamin K2 activates VKDP involved in shuttling calcium:
- MGP (Matrix GLA protein)
- secreted by arterial linings.
- blocks calcification of heart valves, arterial walls, kidney stones
- Osteocalcin (OC or BGLAP)
- secreted by osteocytes in the bones.
- increases bone density
- Vitamin K2 activates VKDP's in the brain:
- Gas6 (Growth arrest-specific 6)
- regulates cell survival of neurons and glial cells.
- modulates sphingolipid metabolism.
- PROS1 (Protein S)
- regulates self-renewal of neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs).
- chemotaxis, mitogenesis, and cell growth
- Vitamin D3 consumption stimulates the secretion of MGP, OC and other VKDP's.
- Vitamin K2 demand increases with Vitamin D3 consumption.
- Many of the classic Vitamin K2 studies estimated Vitamin K status:
- based on analysis of self-reported dietary intake questionnaires
- very inaccurate and inherently limited
- Newer studies quantify Vitamin K2 status:
- based on assay of various circulating vitamin K status markers.
- more objective and accurate
- reflects both intake and metabolism
- Vitamin K2 status biomarkers.
- uncarboxylated (unactivated) VKDP's (ucVKDP) in the blood.
- Nearly all studies today quantify vitamin K status with this method.
- higher uncarboxylated concentrations reflect lower vitamin K status.
- ucOC (undercarboxylated form of osteocalcin)
- a nutritional biomarker reflective of vitamin K status
- an indicator of bone health
- an active hormone that mediates glucose metabolism in experimental studies.
- dp-ucMGP (dephosphorylated uncarboxylated MGP)
- Assays that measure total circulating MGP (regardless of its carboxylation status) have been available for some time.
- Recently, assays that measure different fractions of MGP in circulation have been developed, of which dephosphorylated uncarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP) best reflects vitamin K status.
- Nowadays, dp-ucMGP is available as a fully automated commercial assay, which makes it a feasible marker as routine laboratory assessment in clinical practice.
- serum Vitamin K2 level in the blood
- Has very little usefulness:
- MK-4 is the only vitamin K2 form that can be detected for those on a western diet.
- it takes a lot more MK-4 supplementation than MK-7 to be detected in the blood
- MK-4 has a much shorter half life in the blood
- MK-4 is transported by LDL (low-density lipoproteins) and HDL (high-density lipoproteins).
- positioned on the outer layers
- off-loaded first
- distributed to kidneys, brain, heart, lungs and muscles
- MK-4 is most readily absorbed in organs and soft tissues.
- MK-7 is transported by LDL and VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins).
- positioned near the center
- off-loaded last
- distributed to the liver, where it is repackaged as VLDL's for delivery to bones
- MK-7 is most readily absorbed into bone.
-
MK-4 is the only form of Vitamin K2 present in the brain.
In fact its present in high concentration.
- MK-4 activates VKDP in the brain, involved in maintaining the structure of brain cell membranes.
- VKDP are thought to play a big role in managing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
- High concentrations of MK-4 are found in other tissues as well, accounting for about 40%, with the remainder consisting of MK-9, MK-8, and MK-7 (in that order).
- Studies with pregnant women have shown that:
-
MK-4 passes through the placenta and on to the fetus
- as evidenced by the presence of MK-4 found in the cord blood
- Mk-7 was NOT found in cord blood
- indicating that MK-7 can NOT pass through the placenta.
- Studies on human breast milk have shown that:
- MK-4 is the predominant form of Vitamin K2 found in human breast milk.
- Pregnant women, developing fetus and babies require MK-4 to meet their vitamin K2 needs.
-
Studies , which correlated lowered fracture risk with Vitamin K2 consumption
were conducted with MK-4 not MK-7. - High dose MK-4 is the form of Vitamin K2 used in Japan as a prescription drug for osteoporosis.
- MK-7 CAN do SOME things that MK-4 can NOT.
- MK-7 regulates gene expression in osteoblastic cells.
- MK-7 is more readily absorbed into bone.
- The main cornerstone to the anti-MK-4 argument is that MK-4 has a much shorter plasma half-life than does MK-7. The implication being that, more frequent doses of MK-4 must be taken as compensation.
- Another anti-MK-4 point is that MK-4 is synthetic, while MK-7 is natural.
- And another talking point is "There are no studies which prove MK-4 is superior to MK-7".
- Very few adults are Vitamin K1 deficient.
- Vitamin K1 deficiency results in
- seriously impaired blood coagulation, and uncontrolled bleeding
- Many adults are Vitamin K2 deficient.
- Vitamin K2 deficiency results in:
- weakened bones, potentially leading to osteoporosis
- calcification of arterial walls, heart valves and kidney stones.
- Pregnant women and their fetuses are susceptible to Vitamin K2 deficiency.
- Some (but few) prenatal vitamins contain MK-7.
- I don't know of ANY prenatal vitamins that contain MK-4.
- This is potentially problematic:
- MK-4 can pass the blood placenta barrier, while MK-7 can not.
- Both "baby teeth" and "adult teeth" are formed in utero during weeks 5-12.
- Proper bone and dental development is impossible without adequate MK-4.
- Gut dysbiosis and statin use (both very common) contribute to Vitamin K2 deficiency.
- activate all K2-dependent proteins.
- not exceed the maximum safety amount
- Effective dose
- Some researchers have suggested that 180 to 280 micrograms of MK-7 is enough.
-
Other researchers have suggested that MK-4 may require a much higher dose
- MK-4 may be less bioavailable than MK-7.
- The body contains much more MK-4 than MK-7.
-
2012
Comparison of menaquinone-4 and menaquinone-7 bioavailability in healthy women
Sato T, Schurgers LJ, Uenishi K. Nutri Journal. 2012;11:93.- This study compared the bioavailability of MK-4 and MK-7 in healthy volunteers in their serum (blood) levels.
- They were given 420 mcg of MK-4 or MK-7 every morning along with breakfast.
- MK-7 reached maximal serum level at 6 hours after intake and was detectable up to 48 hours after intake.
- MK-4 was not detectable in the serum at any time point, even after 7 consecutive days of administration.
- The researchers concluded that:
-
the current recommended dosage of MK-4 is too low,
- a higher dose is required to improve the carboxylation of osteocalcin.
- Maximum dose
- There does not appear to be toxicity issues for either MK-4 or MK-7.
- MK-4
- 2014 Some Japanese studies have used 45 mg daily dosage without major side effects.
- MK-7
- 2017
US Pharmacopeial Convention safety evaluation of menaquinone-7
Marles RJ, Roe AL, Oketch-Rabah HA., Nutr Rev. 2017 Jul 1;75(7):553-578. - Bioactivity
- MK-4 and MK-7 exists in two isomer forms
- TRANS form is bioactive
- CIS form is NOT bioactive
- Vitamin K2 demand
- Anyone taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, has an increased demand for Vitamin K2
- 2015
Statins stimulate atherosclerosis and heart failure: pharmacological mechanisms
Okuyama H, Langsjoen PH, Hamazaki T et al. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2015 Mar;8(2):189-99. doi: 10.1586/17512433.2015.1011125 - Anyone taking Vitamin D3, has an increased demand for Vitamin K2
- 2016
Calcimimetic and vitamin D analog use in hemodialyzed patients is associated with increased levels of vitamin K dependent proteins.
Fusaro M, Giannini S, Gallieni M et al. Endocrine. 2016 Feb;51(2):333-41. doi: 10.1007/s12020-015-0673-z. Epub 2015 Jul 1. - Supplementing with K1 or K2 renders these drugs ineffective.
- There is evidence that some people on anticoagulant drugs may develop arterial calcium deposits.
- 2012
Vascular calcification: the price to pay for anticoagulation therapy with vitamin K-antagonists
Chatrou ML, Winckers K et al. Blood Rev. 2012 Jul;26(4):155-66. doi: 10.1016/j.blre.2012.03.002.
Vitamin K1
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K1
Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is often called "the plant form of vitamin K".
Vitamin K1 is involved in the synthesis of blood-clotting proteins,
Because Vitamin K1 deficiency is exceptionally rare,
in most cases, there is no need to supplement Vitamin K1.
Vitamin K1 is essential and can not be synthesized by the body, which is why its called a vitamin.
Heenrik Dam, the Danish biochemist who discovered Vitamin K in 1929 named it "K" after the Danish word "Koagulation", which means "coagulation".
Animals (including humans) have the ability to convert Vitamin K1 to Vitamin K2
In the USA, Vitamin K1 is the most common form of Vitamin K sold in supplements.
Ironically, supplementing with Vitamin K1 serves very little usefulness,
The bottom line is that we feel there is no need to supplement with Vitamin K1.
Read LessVitamin K2
Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is an amazing nutrient . . . a superstar in the vitamin world.
Many people are completely unaware of the essential role Vitamin K2 plays in:
Even worse . . . many people are Vitamin K2 deficient, particularly vegetarians and vegans.
Vitamin K2 is a group of chemically similar sub-types (homologues).
Each homologue is differentiated by the length of its side-chains
Each side-chain contains "functional groups" known as an "isoprene units"
The nomenclaturefor naming menaquinone homologues is based on the number of "isoprene units" they contain.
Beginning with the letters "MK" (for "menaquinone" and vitamin "K")
followed by a number (the number of "isoprene units").
Vitamin K2 homologues range from MK-4 to MK-14
MK-4 and MK-7 are the only menaquinones used in dietary supplements.
MK-4
MK-7
TRANS and CIS form Isomers
An Isomer is defined as a molecule, that has:
Vitamin K2 isomers (of MK-4 and MK-7) can exist in either TRANS or CIS forms.
As seen in the diagrams below, the TRANS forms are configured as straight lines, while the CIS forms are configured as "L" shapes.
Like a master "skeleton" key, the straight shaped TRANS forms can unlock (activate) ALL Vitamin K-dependent proteins they encounter, while the L-shaped CIS forms can NOT activate ANY.
This is why, if you are going to take a Vitamin K2 supplement, regardless of whether its MK-4 or MK-7, its so important to find one that contains the highest percent possible of TRANS form isomers, otherwise you will likely receive much less bioactive Vitamin K2, than you might think (and need).
The problem is that most Vitamin K2 product manufacturers don't even disclose how much TRANS and CIS forms are present in their product. In many cases they may not even know. Most products probably contain greater than 50% TRANS form, however Vitamin K2 supplements analyzed at the University of Oslo, revealed that some MK-7 products contained as little as 15% TRANS form, which is very much at odds with their "usable K2" label claim.
Vitamin K-dependent Proteins
Vitamin K plays a vital role in many important physiological functions.
The functions attributed to Vitamin K are actually carried out by a large
class of proteins, known as Vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDP's).
As their name implies, VKDP's depend on Vitamin K to function.
VKDP's are comprised of Gla proteins (containing "glutamic acid residues"):
Nineteen VKDP's have been identified so far, but researchers think many more are yet be discovered.
VKDP's can be activated by both Vitamin K1 and K2.
Vitamin K2 Status
Transportation of Vitamin K2 in the body
MK-4 and MK-7 play similar roles in the body, due to their similar structures.
The difference in their structures makes each more suitable to act in different parts of the body.
Vitamin K2 (like all fat-soluble vitamins) is transported in the blood by lipoproteins (blood cholesterols).
MK-4 is amazing
Does that mean MK-4 is more important than MK-7?
MK-7 is amazing too
Why do some MK-7 promoters bash MK-4?
Some manufacturers and marketers of MK-7 products have claimed that MK-7 is superior to MK-4.
We certainly consider that to be a false claim. Although it is true (as cited above) that MK-7 can function in some ways MK-4 can not, There are actually many more things that MK-4 can do, that MK-7 can not.
Our purpose in discussing this topic is NOT to bash MK-7.
After all, considering its safety record, unique functions and potential . . .
we chose to include MK-7 (along with MK-4) in vK2.
But it does beg the question: Why would anyone bash MK-4?
I believe the primary reason is that promotors (of anything) tend to "talk their book".
MK-7 is substantially cheaper than MK-4, and typically more profitable.
Perhaps some folks need a narrative (other than greed) to support their agenda.
This is a bit of a fallacy.
Although its true that MK-7 can be detected in the blood for a longer time than MK-4 can, that's no reason to disparage MK-4.
On the contrary, Its not as if MK-4 just breaks downs and is gone forever. Rather, it dissipates from the blood rapidly, because it is "soaked up" so quickly and readily by the many organs and tissues that need it (much faster and in greater amounts than MK-7).
Keep in mind that even though the amount of MK-4 stored in the brain, pancreas, salivary glands, and arteries can't be measured, it is there . . . performing specific biological activities, and could even last longer in the body than MK-7 does.
Neither MK-4 nor MK-7 is truly natural. Both are "made from natural sources" like leaves, petals, and legumes. But both are highly processed, undergoing lots of fermentation, purification, extraction, and precipitation, so it's really not fair to call either of these ingredients "Natural".
This is another fallacy.
While it is true that studies comparing MK-4 to MK-7 are sorely lacking . . . .
That's no reason to dismiss the assertion that MK-4 is superior to MK-7.
Most of MK-4 studies have been large scale clinical trials
Most MK-7 studies have focused on comparison with K1 (not MK-4).
and are sponsored by either the cheese or nato industry groups,
The bottom line is that Vitamin K2 research is still in its infancy and the truth is that we just don't know, what we don't know. All things considered however, based on the research conducted so far, one could reasonably argue that MK-4 is more important than MK-7 and NOT the other way around. But there is no reason to have to be in one camp or the other. We believe it is wise to be in both camps, which is why vK2, contains both MK-4 AND MK-7.
Read LessVitamin K Deficiency
Researchers define Vitamin K deficiency as the presence of uncarboxylated (unactivated) VKDP in the blood.
Ideal dosage of Vitamin K2
The ideal dosage of Vitamin K2 could be defined as the amount of MK-4 and or MK-7 needed to
MK-4 and MK-7 have different properties, which must be considered in determining the ideal dosage.
We recommend taking one capsule of vK2 for every 5,000 iu of Vitamin D3
Vitmain K2 Contraindications
Vitamin K1 and K2 are contraindicated for those taking blood thinning drugs such as Coumadin or Warfarin.
The effect of anticoagulant drugs are negated by Vitamin K1 and K2.
Actually, its just the opposite. These anticoagulant drugs stop K1 from recycling and keep
BOTH K1 and K2 in a deficient state.
Vitamin K2 and Bone Health
Vitamin K has been correlated to bone health since the 1980's.
Caren M. Gundberg, Jane B. Lian, and Sarah L. Booth, Adv Nutr. 2012 Mar; 3(2): 149-157.
- There has been long-standing interest in the potential role of vitamin K in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures based on its role in carboxylation of osteocalcin. Given the widespread availability of assays for ucOC and its validation as a marker of vitamin K status, this biomarker has been used extensively as a measure of vitamin K's role in bone health, as reviewed elsewhere.
- A plethora of observational studies was published that examined the association of ucOC and various outcomes for bone health, including BMD, qualitative ultrasound of the heel, and hip fracture risk.
- Many of these studies measured ucOC but did not account for total osteocalcin. Although it appeared that the preponderance of evidence suggested a vitamin K-dependent association between osteocalcin and measures of bone, especially in the elderly, the high correlation between ucOC and total osteocalcin may have confounded the findings, because total osteocalcin is a robust marker of bone formation, independent of nutrient effects.
- Therefore, it is difficult to differentiate the osteoblastic effect of osteocalcin from the role of the vitamin K-dependent γ-carboxylated -carboxylation in these studies.
Iwamoto,Takeda and Sato. Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
Curr Pharm Des. 2004;10(21):2557-76.
-
Those with the highest amounts of inactivated osetocalcin have
5x more hip fractures rate than those with activated osetocalcin. -
Although both Vitamin K1 and K2 can activate osetocalcin,
Vitamin K2 is much more efficient than Vitamin K1. - High levels of K2 can reverse osteoporosis with no side effects.
- "Clinically, vitamin K2 sustains the lumbar bone mineral density (BMD)
- prevents osteoporotic fractures in patients with age-related osteoporosis,
- prevents vertebral fractures in patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis,
- increases the metacarpal BMD in the paralytic upper extremities of patients with cerebrovascular disease,
- sustains the lumbar BMD in patients with liver-dysfunction-induced osteoporosis."
-
According to the authors:
Knapen MHJ, Hamulyak K, Vermeer C. Ann Intern Med. 1989;111:1001-5.
-
osteocalcin was undercarboxylated by 30% in postmenopausal women
compared to premenopausal women. - When supplemented with Vitamin K1, the postmenopausal women responded with:
- increase in total carboxylated (activated) osteocalcin
- decrease in urinary calcium and hydroxyproline.
-
They did NOT test with Vitamin K2 supplementation
(now known to be be much more effective than Vitamin K1 in activating osteocalcin)
Price PA Connect Tissue Res. 1989;21:51-60.
-
This study identified four vitamin K-dependent proteins (osteocalcin,
matrix Gla protein, protein S, and Gas6) as components of bone matrix.
Soute, BAM, Ulrich, MMW, Knapen, MHJ, van Haarlem LJM, Vermeer C. Calcif Tissue Int 1988;43:184.
- The researches describe an assay procedure for determining the amount of gammacarboxyglutamic acid (Gla) residues in serum- or plasma-osteocalcin.
- It was demonstrated that the Gla-content of circulating osteocalcin from normal cows is similar to that of osteocalcin obtained from bone.
Vitamin K2 and Cardiovascular Health
Vitamin K deficiency has been correlated to risk of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
-
Dietary Intake of Menaquinone Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 134, Issue 11, 1 November 2004, Pages 3100-3105 -
The first study to differentiate the impact of dietary intake of Vitamin K1 and K2
on aortic calcification, heart disease, and all-cause mortality. - 10-year population-based study:
- followed 4,807 initially healthy men and women
- initially 55 years of age (and older)
- Food questionnaire to estimate Vitamin K1 and K2
- The Rotterdam Study conclusions:
- eating foods rich in natural Vitamin K2 (at least 32 mcg/day):
- has a strong protective effect on cardiovascular health.
- 50% reduction of arterial calcification
- 50% reduction of cardiovascular risk
- 25% reduction of all-cause mortality.
- eating foods rich in natural Vitamin K1,
- had NO protective effect on CHD.
- According to the lead researcher Dr. Leon Schurgers at the University of Maastricht:
"A high-dose vitamin K supplement reduced calcium precipitates associated with hardening of the arteries by 37 percent in rats"
"If the results can be reproduced in humans, high-dose vitamin K could have potential clinical implications for reducing arterial calcification, which is an important independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
"High vitamin K intake not only prevents calcification, but even regresses arterial calcifications"
Gast G.C.M., et al. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2009; 19:504-10.
- Confirmed the Rotterdam study findings
- 16,000 people from the Prospect-EPIC cohort population.
- Female participants aged 49-70 years at the start of the study,
- followed up for 8 years
- Subjects were free of cardiovascular diseases at the baseline.
- for every 10mcg Vitamin K2 consumed (not K1), the risk of CHD was reduced by 9%
Atherosclerosis JI 2009 Vol 203, issue 2, pp 489-493 Buelens et al
Shea MK, Holden RM. . Adv Nutr. 2012;3(2):158-65.
El Asmar MS, Naoum JJ, Arbid EJ. Oman Med J. 2014 May;29(3):172-7.
Maresz K. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015;14(1):34-9.
Pivin E, Ponte B, Pruijm M et all. Hypertension. 2015 Jul;66(1):85-92.
van Ballegooijen, Pilz, Tomaschitz, Grubler and Verheyen
Vitamin K2 and the Brain
Guylaine Ferland, Advances in Nutrition, Volume 3, Issue 2, 1 March 2012, Pages 204-212
Guylaine Ferland, Biofactors. 2012 Mar-Apr;38(2):151-7. doi: 10.1002/biof.1004. Epub 2012 Mar 15.
-
Since its discovery in 1993, the Vitamin K-Dependent Protein "Gas6" (Growth arrest-specific 6),
has been closely associated with the nervous system. - Functionally, Gas6 is involved in a wide range of cellular processes that include cell growth, survival, and apoptosis.
- Gas6 acts by signaling cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- In the brain, Vitamin K2 (MK-4) activates Gas6, which is involved in the synthesis and metabolism of sphingolipids (an important class of lipids present in brain cell membranes).
- Sphingolipids (consisting mainly of: ceramide, sphingomyelin, cerebroside, sulfatide, and ganglioside) are found in high concentrations in both neuronal and glial cell membranes.
- Initially appreciated for their structural role, sphingolipids are now viewed as key players in important cellular events such as proliferation, differentiation, senescence, cell-cell interaction, and transformation.
- In recent years, studies have linked alterations in sphingolipid metabolism to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease.
- Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) is the only form of Vitamin K2 found in the brain and shows unique actions against oxidative stress and inflammation, which could have far-reaching effects in the brain and other components of the nervous system.
Li J, Lin JC, Wang H, Peterson JW, Furie BC, Furie B, Booth SL, Volpe JJ, Rosenberg PA.
- Oxidative stress is believed to be the cause of cell death in multiple disorders of the brain, including perinatal hypoxia/ischemia.
- Glutamate, cystine deprivation, homocysteic acid, and the glutathione synthesis inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine all cause oxidative injury to immature neurons and oligodendrocytes by depleting intracellular glutathione.
- Although vitamin K is not a classical antioxidant, we report here the novel finding that vitamin K1 and K2 (menaquinone-4) potently inhibit glutathione depletion-mediated oxidative cell death in primary cultures of oligodendrocyte precursors and immature fetal cortical neurons with EC50 values of 30 nm and 2 nm, respectively.
- The mechanism by which vitamin K blocks oxidative injury is independent of its only known biological function as a cofactor for gamma-glutamylcarboxylase, an enzyme responsible for posttranslational modification of specific proteins.
- Vitamin K does not prevent the depletion of intracellular glutathione caused by cystine deprivation, but completely blocks free radical accumulation and cell death.
- The protective and potent efficacy of this naturally occurring vitamin, with no established clinical side effects, suggests a potential therapeutic application in preventing oxidative damage to undifferentiated oligodendrocytes in perinatal hypoxic/ischemic brain injury.
Tsaioun, KL. Nutr Rev. 1999 Aug;57(8):231-40.
- It has been previously demonstrated that vitamin K-dependent carboxylase expression is temporally regulated in a tissue-specific manner with high expression in the nervous system during the early embryonic stages and with liver expression after birth and in adult animals.
- This finding, along with the discovery of wide distribution of the novel vitamin K-dependent growth factor, Gas6, in the central nervous system, provides compelling evidence of a biologic role of vitamin K during the development of the nervous system.
- In animals and bacteria, vitamin K was observed to influence the brain sulfatide concentration and the activity and synthesis of an important enzyme involved in brain sphingolipids biosynthesis.
- The role Gas6 plays in the activation of signal transduction events in the brain related changes to the nervous system is also being investigated.
- Investigating the biologic role of vitamin K, and Gas6 in the brain may be important for unveiling the mechanisms of normal and pathologic development and aging of the nervous system.
Sundaram, Fan et al. The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 126, Issue 11, 1 November 1996, Pages 2746-2751
- Administration of the vitamin K antagonist warfarin has previously been shown to decrease brain sulfatide concentrations and decrease brain galactocerebroside sulfotransferase (GST) activity in young mice.
- A dietary deficiency of vitamin K has now been shown to decrease (P < 0.01) brain sulfatide concentrations of 30-d-old mice significantly (by 21%).
- These data suggest that in addition to its recognized role in Gla synthesis, vitamin K status is important in the maintenance of normal complex lipid sulfatide metabolism in young rats and mice.
- The ability of vitamin K to influence the activity of biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes and the turnover of sulfatides suggests a possible regulatory role for vitamin K in the maturing brain.
- Decrease sulfatides have been associated with brain aging and Alzheimer's disease.
Vitamin K2 and the Kidneys
Wei et al. Nephrol Dial Transplant (2017) 1-9.
-
This study was the first population survey assessing the risk of nephrolithiasis
in relation to dp-ucMGP, a biomarker of vitamin K status. - 1,748 randomly recruited Flemish individuals (51.1% women; mean age 46.8 years),
-
dpucMGP and the prevalence of nephrolithiasis was determined at baseline
(April 1996-February 2015) - incidence determined during followup (March 2016).
-
For a doubling of dp-ucMGP, the odds of nephrolithiasis
increased by 31% in the cross-sectional analysis - The Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that this association was causal
-
In the longitudinal analysis spanning 12 years of follow-up (median),
the risk of having recurrent or new nephrolithiasis increased 2.5-fold
for a doubling of the baseline dpucMGP level.
- Dr. Katarzyna Maresz (president of the International Science and Health Foundation.) wrote:
-
2013
Peptides of matrix Gla protein inhibit nucleation and growth of hydroxyapatite and calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals.
Goiko M, Dierolf J, Gleberzon JS, et al. PloS One. 2013;8:e80344.- Synthesized peptides corresponding to sequences of human MGP:
- phosphorylated
- γ-carboxylated
- observed the effects of these peptides on:
- hydroxyapatite formation
- calcium oxalate crystallization
- quantified using:
- dynamic light scattering
- scanning electron microscopy
- Conclusions:
- activated MGP prevent blood vessel calcification
- activated MGP inhibits kidney stone formation.
-
2001
Regulation of osteopontin expression in a rat model of urolithiasis.
Chang L, Feng T, Li J, Dou C, Wei J, Yinghu G. Chinese Medical J. 2001;114(8):829-832. - Investigated the relationship between the expression and regulation of osteopontin and kidney stones.
- Treated rats with vitamin D3, vitamin K, testosterone or estradiol for 7 days.
- The results showed that vitamin K, testosterone and estradiol up-regulated the expression of OPN mRNA and its protein, thus decreasing the precipitation of calcium oxalate in rat kidneys.
- The findings indicated that vitamin K, testosterone and estradiol inhibit the formation of stones via up-regulating the expression of OPN in kidneys, while D3 overdose may accelerate the process.
"The fact that Western population is vitamin K deficient is well known. Wei et al (2017) paper shows that more than one-third of the study participants had a dp-ucMGP level higher than optimal for the prevention of macrovascular complications"
"In a randomized controlled trial, supplementation with VK2 (MK-7) 180 mcg daily compared with placebo reduced plasma dp-ucMGP by 50% [Knapen et al 2015]. Due to fact that it is extremely difficult to keep optimal vitamin K status with normal diet, vitamin K2 supplementation should be recommended."
"The study also found a correlation between low vitamin K status (high level of dpucMGP ) and hypertension or diabetes mellitus, blood pressure, and total cholesterol. Additionally, across increasing categories of dp-ucMGP , eGFR decreased and the prevalence of CKD increased, which proves that vitamin K status is extremely important for general health."
Vitamin K2 and the Bladder
Duan, Yu, Guan, Xu, et al. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0161886
- Results demonstrated that:
- Vitamin K2 induced mitochondria-related apoptosis in human bladder cancer cells via ROS-JNK/p38 MAPK signal pathways.
- Vitamin K2 suppressed the growth of human bladder cancer cells in mice, which was further confirmed by vitamin K2-induced apoptosis.
- This potent apoptotic effect was observed on human bladder cancer cells but NOT on normal cells.
Vitamin K2 and the Prostate
Dasari, Ali, et al. Oncotarget. 2017 Aug 22; 8(34): 57782-57799.
- Collective data from different studies indicate that Vitamin K:
- exhibits a broad-spectrum of toxicity toward a wide range of human cancer cells of different origins
- induces apoptosis by interfering with multiple mechanisms that are considered central to cancer development and progression
- can inhibit multiple signaling pathways which are frequently deregulated in human cancers and associated with drug resistance
- 2008
Dietary intake of vitamin K and risk of prostate cancer in the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC-Heidelberg).
Nimptsch K, Rohrmann S, Linseisen J.- evaluated the association between dietary intake of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and menaquinones (vitamin K2) and total and advanced prostate cancer in the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.
- Researchers suggest an inverse association between the intake of menaquinones, but not that of phylloquinone, and prostate cancer. Further studies of dietary vitamin K and prostate cancer are warranted.
Vitamin K2 and Testosterone
Ito A, Shirakawa H, Takumi N, Minegishi Y, Ohashi A, Howlader ZH, Ohsaki Y, Sato T, Goto T, Komai M.
- investigated the function of vitamin K in the testis and analyzed its role in steroidogenesis.
-
Researchers concluded that:
- MK-4 stimulates testosterone production in rats and testis-derived tumor cells via activation of PKA.
- MK-4 may be involved in steroidogenesis in the testis, and its supplementation could reverse the downregulation of testosterone production in elders.
Vitamin K2 and the Placenta & Breast Milk
Hiraike H, Kimura M, Itokawa Y. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1988 Mar;158(3 Pt 1):564-9.
-
MK-4 passes through the placenta and to the fetus,
evidenced by the presence of MK-4 found in the cord blood. -
Mk-7 was NOT found in cord blood,
indicating that MK-7 can not pass through the placenta.
Saga K, Terao T. Nihon Sanka Fujinka Gakkai Zasshi. 1989 Nov;41(11):1713-9.
- Sixty puerperal women were divided into three groups (no MK-7 group)
- the control group
- MK-4 administered group
- Vitamin K1 administered group
- Findings:
- MK-4 is accumulated and concentrated into breast milk, and continuous MK-4 administration can increase the concentration of vitamin K2 in milk.
- MK-7 administration was not studied, so no conclusions can be made about MK-7 and its ability to concentrate into breast milk.
Kojima T, Asoh M, Yamawaki N, Kanno T, et al.. 2004 Apr;93(4):457-63.
- MK-4 is the predominant form of Vitamin K2 found in human breast milk.
Vitamin K2 and Skin
Gheduzzi D, Boraldi F, Annovi G, DeVincenzi CP, Schurgers LJ, Vermeer C, Quaglino D, Ronchetti IP.
- Collagen and elastin are two of the components of skin that give it firmness and elasticity.
- As skin ages, it loses both collagen and elastin, and hence its youthful appearance.
- Skin cells may release matrix-GLA protein to prevent calcification of elastin in the skin.
-
This study looked at a group of patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE),
a genetic disorder where premature aging occurs. -
cells from PXE patients were found to have produced
30% less of Gla-MGP compared to controls. -
elastin from PXE patients was calcified due to the
lack of Vitamin K2 activated matrix-GLA protein. -
Vitamin K2 could help maintain youthful skin by activating
Matrix-GLA and in turn preventing calcification of elastin and collagen.
vK2®
Contains:
60 capsules per bottle
(30 day supply)
- MK-4 (5 mg/capsule)
- MK-7 (100 mcg/capsule)
Suggested use:
1 capsule twice per day
(or one capsule for each Dmax capsule taken)
- 1 bottle
- $30.95
- 2 bottles $29.95 each
- $59.90
- 3 bottles $28.95 each
- $86.85
- 6 bottles $27.95 each
- $167.70
- 12 bottles $25.95 each
- $311.40
- 24 bottles $23.95 each
- $574.80
vK2® Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Capsules per container: 60 Servings per container: 60 |
||
Amount per Serving | % Daily Value | |
---|---|---|
Vitamin K2 (pharmaceutical grade) | 5.1 mg | 6154% |
Menaquinone-4 (100% TRANS form MK-4) |
5.0 mg | * |
Menaquinone-7 (70% TRANS form MK-7) |
.1 mg (100 mcg) | * |
*Daily value not established.
Other ingredients: Vegetable capsule, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Rice Flour
Directions:
Take 1 capsule 1 time per day,
or
Take 1 capsule for each 5,000 iu of Vitamin D3 you take
or
Take as directed by your health care provider
D Max®
Contains:
- 5,000 iu's of Vitamin D3 per capsule
- 250 capsules per bottle
Suggested use:
1 capsule twice per day
- 1 bottle
- $22.95
- 2 bottles $21.95 each
- $43.90
- 3 bottles $20.95 each
- $62.85
- 6 bottles $18.95 each
- $113.70
- 12 bottles $16.95 each
- $203.40
- 24 bottles $14.95 each
- $358.80
D Max: Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Capsules per container: 250 Servings per container: 250 |
||
Amount per Serving | % Daily Value | |
---|---|---|
Vitamin D3 (non GMO cholecalciferol) (from sheep lanolin) (100,000 iu/gm) |
5,000 iu | 1,250% |
*Daily value not established.
Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Gelatin, L-Leucine
Directions:
Take 1 capsule 1 time per day (or as directed by your health care provider).
D Max-vK2 Combo
Suggested use:
one capsule of vK2® for each capsule of D Max taken
- (1) bottle D Max
+ (4) bottles vK2 - $124.95
- (2) bottles D Max
+ (8) bottles vK2 - $245.95
Coral Calcium “Marine Plus”
Coral Calcium: "Marine Plus" is based on the original Coral Calcium Supreme formula that Bob Barefoot used to sell on TV. We've upgraded his 1,000 mg serving size to 1,500 mg. Each 3 capsule serving of "Marine Plus" contains 1,500 mg of "marine grade" coral calcium from Okinawa, Japan, which has the biologically perfect 2 to 1 ratio of calcium to magnesium + 73 naturally occurring trace minerals + Aquamin + Vitamins (A, B, C, D3 & E) + Cesium.
Suggested use:
3 capsules per day
(preferably at regular intervals) with meals.
- 1 bottle - Coral Calcium:
"Marine Plus" - $17.95
- 2 bottles - Coral Calcium:
"Marine Plus" $13.45 each - $26.90
- 3 bottles - Coral Calcium:
"Marine Plus" $12.95 each - $38.85
- 6 bottles - Coral Calcium:
"Marine Plus" $12.45 each - $74.40
- 12 bottles - Coral Calcium:
"Marine Plus" $11.95 each - $143.40
- 24 bottles - Coral Calcium:
"Marine Plus" $11.45 each - $274.80
Coral Calcium “Marine Plus”: Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 3 Capsules
Capsules per container: 90 Servings per container: 30 |
||
Amount per Serving | % Daily Value | |
---|---|---|
Coral Calcium (SMP 44®) |
1,500 mg | * |
  Calcium | 375 mg | 37.5% |
Magnesium | 187.5 mg | 46.5% |
Strontium | 2.8 mg | * |
Marine Algae (AquaminF®) |
362.5 mg | * |
Calcium | 116 mg | 12.2% |
Magnesium | 58 mg | 15% |
Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol) |
20.4 mcg (816 IU) | 102% |
Vitamin A (as Beta Carotene) |
2917 iu | 58% |
Vitamin B-1 (as thiamine HCL) |
1.1 mg | 73% |
Vitamin B-2 (as Riboflavin Pwd) |
1.2 mg | 71% |
Vitamin B-3 (as Niacinamide) |
14 mg | 70% |
Vitamin B-5 (as di-Calcium Pantothenate) |
7 mg | 70% |
Vitamin B-6 (as Pyndoxine) |
1.4 mg | 70% |
Vitamin B-12 (as Cyanocobalamin) |
4.3 mcg | 72% |
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic acid) |
70 mg | 117% |
Vitamin E (as d-alpha-tocopherol) |
35 iu | 117% |
Folic Acid | 400 mg | 100% |
Zinc (as Amino Acid Chelate) |
16.4 mg | 109% |
Selenium (as Amino Acid Chelate) |
30 mcg | 43% |
Copper (as Amino Acid Chelate) |
2.4 mg | 120% |
Manganese (as Amino Acid Chelate) |
1.44 mg | 72% |
Chromium (as Amino Acid Chelate) |
86 mcg | 72% |
Boron (as Amino Acid Chelate) |
64 mcg | * |
Iodine (from Kelp) |
150 mcg | 100% |
Cesium (as chloride) |
3 mg | * |
*Daily value not established.
Other ingredients: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, magnesium stearate
Directions:
Take 3 capsules per day (preferably at regular intervals) with meals.
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International: 1.805.322.0005
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This information here within is designed to provide accurate information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that NHS Global Distributors LLC is not engaged in rendering medical advice. If expert assistance is required, the services of a competent medical professional should be sought. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always read and follow manufacturer's directions that come with this product.
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