Vitamin K2: The Underappreciated Nutrient and Its Vital Role in Health
Vitamin K, readily recognized for its role in blood clotting, often gets overshadowed in discussions about nutritional health by more famous vitamins like C, D, or E. However, there is a specific form of this vitamin, known as Vitamin K2, which is increasingly being recognized by scientists for its broad spectrum of health benefits. This underappreciated nutrient plays a vital role in various biological processes, including bone health, cardiovascular health, and brain function, among others. Nevertheless, the lack of awareness about the importance of Vitamin K2 and its sources contributes to deficiency in a significant proportion of the population.
Understanding the Two Forms of Vitamin K
Vitamin K exists in two primary forms: Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2. Vitamin K1, or phylloquinone, is found in green leafy vegetables and is primarily involved in blood clotting. On the other hand, Vitamin K2, or menaquinone, is primarily found in fermented foods and animal products. This form of Vitamin K is known to be more bioavailable and remains in the body longer than K1.
Historically, Vitamin K2 was not distinguished from its K1 counterpart. The discovery of Vitamin K2 and its unique roles in health came about when Dr. Weston Price, a dentist and nutrition researcher, noticed that certain non-industrial societies with diets rich in animal products and fermented foods had excellent dental health and were free of chronic diseases prevalent in the western societies. He attributed this to a then-unnamed nutrient, which we now recognize as Vitamin K2.
The Crucial Role of Vitamin K2 in Bone Health and Heart Health
Vitamin K2 is essential for the proper utilization of calcium in the body. It activates a protein called osteocalcin, which helps bind calcium to the matrix of the bone, thereby aiding in bone formation and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Simultaneously, Vitamin K2 also activates another protein called matrix Gla protein (MGP) that prevents calcium from depositing in the walls of blood vessels. This function helps to reduce the risk of vascular calcification, a common factor in heart diseases.
Vitamin K2 and Brain Health
Recent research has uncovered the potential role of Vitamin K2 in brain health. It plays a crucial part in the synthesis of sphingolipids, a type of fat that is densely packed in brain cells. Some studies suggest that Vitamin K2 can potentially protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, although more research is needed in this area.
The Issue of Vitamin K2 Deficiency
Despite its importance, Vitamin K2 deficiency is widespread. This is primarily due to two factors: lack of awareness about the vitamin and its dietary sources, and the fact that the Western diet is generally low in Vitamin K2. Fermented foods like natto and certain cheeses, as well as animal products like grass-fed dairy and organ meats, are rich in Vitamin K2 but are not commonly consumed.
The Need for Increased Awareness and Research
The emerging research on Vitamin K2 underscores its importance in maintaining optimal health. However, its recognition and understanding among the general public and even within the medical community are still in the nascent stages. Increased awareness about the importance of Vitamin K2 and its dietary sources, coupled with further research into its potential health benefits, is necessary to make this underappreciated nutrient a standard part of discussions on health and nutrition.
