This vitamin was discovered about 80 years ago, but until recently scientists did not understand the major role it plays. A deficit in this one vitamin or a genetic profile that reduces your bodies ability to absorb and convert this essential vitamin could lead to increased risk of:
- Bone fractures / Osteoporosis
- Vascular calcifications
- Varicose veins
- Diabetes
- Prostate, breast and liver Cancer
- Wrinkles
Vitamin K2 is not to be confused with vitamin K1. For years we have known that K1 helps with bleeding disorders and is used for overdoses of blood thinners like Coumadin. Researchers and scientists are now finding that K2 is used by other tissues to deposit calcium in appropriate locations, such as in the bones and teeth, and prevent it from depositing in locations where it does not belong, soft tissues like arteries and veins. K2 in the form of MK-7 has been shown to increase the percentage of osteocalcin in humans three times more powerfully than did vitamin K1. A recent study in the Netherlands concluded those in the highest third of K2 intakes were:
- 52 percent less likely to develop severe calcification of the arteries
- 41 percent less likely to develop heart disease
- 57 percent less likely to die from heart disease
Researchers also concluded that intake of vitamin K1 had no effect on participants’ heart health.
Supplementing K2 can help with
- Ensuring healthy skin and preventing wrinkles
- Forming strong bones and improving bone health
- Promoting brain function
- Supporting muscle growth and development
- Helping to prevent cancer
- Cardiac output and VO2max
- Athletic performance
K2 has been shown to increase athletic performance, by increasing the bodies ability to use oxygen also known as VO2max. This is how much oxygen your body can use per kilogram of body weight. After the age of 30 VO2max decreases by about 10% per decade in non athletes and by 5% in athletes who continue vigorous training. The main reason VO2max decreases is because maximum heart decreases as we age.
Maximum Heart Rate X Stroke Volume = Cardiac Output
This reduction in cardiac output leads to a decrease in oxygen delivery to muscles. Translating to lower VO2max and decreased athletic performance especially endurance sports and other activities where endurance is essential. A recent study performed at the University of North Texas found that in a little as eight weeks increased K2 (MK-7) supplementation showed a massive 12% increase in max cardiac output.
Food Sources of K2 include fermented foods such as sauerkraut, soft cheeses like gouda, liver. The problem with this is, the form of K2 in most foods in MK-4. MK-4 has a relatively short half-life of about 4-6 hours. That means you would have to eat these foods every 4-6 hours to maintain optimal levels.
Natto a traditional Japanese food contains the highest concentration of K2 of any food measured; nearly all of it is present as MK-7, which research has shown to be the most effective form. The only thing with this is it appears to be an acquired taste due to its pungent smell and taste
Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have now shown that humans with certain genetic profiles do not absorb or convert foods at optimal levels to K2. For these individuals it is recommended that supplementation of K2 with vitamin D3 be maintained. When supplementing K2 it should be ensured that it is in the form of MK-7 and in its most natural state.
K2 Vitamin D3 5000 provides not only an optimal level of Vitamin D3 but also Vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (MK-7), the most highly bioavailable and bioactive form of K2. Order now.
For more information on having your personalized DNA report prepared for you to see if your genetics put you in a higher risk category because of decreased conversion follow this link, Get my kit, for more information.
I would love to hear from you. Have you heard of the benefits of K2 supplementation in the past? Have you been informed of low levels of Vitamin D? Are you taking any nutritional supplements now, but you are not sure if they are even doing anything? Tell me in the comments section below.
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