Vitamin K for Bone and Brain Health

Vitamin K was discovered in 1929 by the Danish scientist Dr. Henrik Dam (the K stands for the Danish koagulation). K was considered the essential nutrient for blood clotting and it was used as a supplement since most of us have blood that clots normally. Recent research in the past decade however has shown vitamin K to be essential to calcium utilization and therefore involved in bone mineralization, cardiovascular health, glucose tolerance, fat reduction, antioxidant activity, skin aging, brain function and liver health. A number of European experts, after reviewing all available scientific data recommended a daily intake of 200- 500mcg for optimal bone and vascular health.

Osteocalcin

Your liver needs vitamin K to function – in fact it needs so much of vitamin K that often there are inadequate supplies of K left for the creation of osteocalcin (a protein necessary to transport calcium to the bone for healthy bone matrix formation). So, a deficiency of vitamin K may exist even though blood clotting is normal. Vitamin K is needed to activate another protein – matrix GLA protein or MGP- which is the most potent inhibitor of vascular calcification known. Calcification and the development of lesions in blood vessels that feed brain tissues are believed to be a component of Alzheimer’s development. The same protein (MGP) also inhibits calcium deposits in cartilage and plays a role in maintaining skin elasticity. The protein osteocalcin also secretes a hormone that enhances insulin activity. Since vitamin K is also highly concentrated in the pancreas a deficiency of the vitamin is related to obesity and Type II diabetes.

Bone Health

Optimal calcium utilization depends on the presence of many related nutrients including Vitamin D3, magnesium, and vitamin K. Vitamin K supplements have been shown to retard bone loss in post-menopausal women by putting calcium in the right places (blood and bone). K also keeps calcium from being deposited in the wrong places such as blood vessel walls (which can promote deposits of dangerous plaque), and in soft tissue creating symptoms of arthritis) and bone spurs.

Supplementing Vitamin K

The recommended form of vitamin K is vitamin K2 (menaquinone) or MK-7 because it is better absorbed than other forms of K, it stays in the body longer than other forms and it is not chemically synthesized. Because it is fat soluble, it should be taken with a meal containing some fat. �

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]

Registration/Login

Categories
Health Concerns
Brands

Vitamin Trader - Healthy Discounts on Quality Vitamins