Benefits

Vitamin K Depletion†

Although most people consume adequate dietary vitamin K to maintain sufficient blood clotting, most do not consume enough to meet cardiovascular and bone health needs. In fact, approximately 70% of the western population is deficient in vitamin K2. Compromised intestinal absorption can also lead to insufficient K2 levels leaving calcium available to be exported out of bone and into other tissues. Other medications such as antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering medications and laxatives have also been found to contribute to a deficiency of vitamin K.10

Bone Health†

Building and maintaining healthy bones requires a number of key nutrients including vitamin K, for the proper binding of calcium to the bone matrix. A 2005 study from northern Finland found that those with greater levels of vitamin K-carboxylated osteocalcin had stronger bones than those with lower levels of the protein. A Japanese study found superior bone health among women who were frequent MK-7-rich natto eaters than those who were not.11 Another randomized study which split 172 women into a vitamin K2 group, a vitamin D3 group, a vitamin K2 and D3 group, and a placebo group for two years found that the combination of vitamin D3 and K2 had the most benefits for supporting bone health among the groups.12

Cardiovascular Health and Blood Sugar Balance†

Vitamin K plays a key role in supporting the cardiovascular system as well as blood sugar balance already within normal levels. In a large population study, researchers found that those who consumed high amounts of K2 had significantly better cardiovascular health markers compared to those given vitamin K1.13 Studies have also shown vitamin K supports healthy blood sugar metabolism.14,15

Immune Modulation†

New evidence also suggests vitamin K plays a central role in balancing immune health. Recent studies have shown that both vitamins D and K impart immune-modulating effects. In the Framingham Offspring Study, one of the longest standing studies on generational health, higher serum levels of vitamins D and K were associated with stronger immune function and a balanced inflammatory response.16,17 In a 2011 study, vitamin K was also found to suppress various markers of the immune system.18

Triage Theory

The Triage Theory states that in the face of nutrient inadequacies, nature ensures short term survival of a cell is protected at the expense of long-term consequences.20,21 Vitamin K is an excellent example of this theory. Hypothetically, a short term deficiency in vitamin K would lead to a reduction in blood clotting. This direct threat to survival does not happen, as the body uses its metabolic reserve of vitamin K to ensure immediate needs are met. If continued, this could begin to impact long-term reserves of vitamin K, reserves which are vital for the maintenance of proper bone strength and arterial elasticity. These issues are related to a loss of vitamin K-dependent proteins not required for short-term survival, nevertheless presenting long-term health challenges.20