Vitamin K2 Benefits You Never Knew!

Summary

In this video, Dan, a pharmacist at MD Custom RX, explores the benefits of vitamin K2, particularly its role in bone and cardiovascular health. He explains how vitamin K2 helps transport calcium to bone tissue, reducing risks of artery calcification, and improving mitochondrial function. Vitamin K2, often paired with vitamin D3 and magnesium, can support those with fatigue, nerve disorders, and muscle cramps. Dan emphasizes the importance of choosing the right form of vitamin K2, particularly MK7, for optimal effectiveness. He also touches on potential causes of K2 deficiency and the critical role of supplementation for improved health.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vitamin K2 plays a critical role in transporting calcium to bone tissue, which is essential for bone health.
• 😀 Vitamin K2 helps prevent calcium from depositing in soft tissues like arteries, reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues such as calcified arteries and hypertension.
• 😀 Adequate magnesium levels are important for enhancing the effectiveness of both vitamin K2 and vitamin D3, especially in bone and cardiovascular health.
• 😀 K2 supplementation may help with muscle cramps and conditions like restless leg syndrome, often in combination with magnesium.
• 😀 Vitamin K2 may be beneficial for individuals suffering from various types of neuropathy, including diabetic neuropathy.
• 😀 K2 can help reduce fatigue by improving mitochondrial function, particularly in combination with CoQ10 and methylene blue.
• 😀 Those with compromised immune systems, chronic fatigue, long-haul COVID, or hormone imbalances might benefit from vitamin K2 supplementation.
• 😀 Vitamin K2 can impact blood clotting, so individuals on blood-thinning medications should consult their doctor before taking K2 supplements.
• 😀 The trans isomer of MK7 (vitamin K2) is the most bioactive and beneficial form, with the best absorption compared to the cis isomer.
• 😀 Deficiency in vitamin K2 can result from poor gut microbiome health, liver or gallbladder issues, certain medications (like antibiotics), or high doses of calcium or D3.
• 😀 Vitamin K2 is involved in the electron transport chain and can help preserve ATP production by managing oxidative stress and enhancing mitochondrial function.

Q & A

What is vitamin K2, and why is it important?

Vitamin K2 is a nutrient that plays a key role in bone health by helping to transport calcium to bone tissue. It also supports cardiovascular health by preventing calcium deposits in arteries and soft tissues.

How does vitamin K2 work with vitamin D?

Vitamin D brings calcium into the bloodstream from the diet. Vitamin K2 helps transport that calcium to bone tissue, ensuring it is deposited where it is needed and preventing it from accumulating in the arteries.

What are the primary health benefits of vitamin K2?

The main benefits of vitamin K2 include improving bone health, supporting cardiovascular health, potentially aiding in mitochondrial health, and reducing inflammation, especially in conditions like diabetic neuropathy and muscle cramps.

Can taking just calcium and vitamin D3 be harmful?

Yes, taking only calcium and vitamin D3 can lead to calcium deposits in the arteries and heart tissue, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems. Vitamin K2 is essential to guide calcium to bone tissue and away from soft tissues.

Who can benefit from vitamin K2 supplementation?

People with poor bone health, muscle cramps, nerve disorders like diabetic neuropathy, cardiovascular issues, fatigue, mitochondrial dysfunction, and those on medications that affect blood clotting may benefit from vitamin K2 supplementation.

What is the connection between vitamin K2 and fatigue?

Vitamin K2 helps with mitochondrial function by participating in the electron transport chain, aiding in ATP production. This process can potentially alleviate fatigue by improving energy production in cells.

What are the risks of vitamin K2 for people on blood thinners?

Vitamin K2 can affect blood clotting, though not as strongly as vitamin K1. People on blood thinners should consult their doctor before taking vitamin K2 supplements to avoid any interactions.

What should one look for when choosing a vitamin K2 supplement?

When choosing a vitamin K2 supplement, look for MK7 (menquinone-7) as it has the longest half-life. Ensure the supplement contains the trans isomer, as it is the bioactive form that provides the most benefits.

How can a poor gut microbiome impact vitamin K2 production?

A disrupted gut microbiome, often due to antibiotics, can reduce the production of vitamin K2. Beneficial bacteria like bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are needed for the synthesis of vitamin K2.

What role do magnesium and protein play in vitamin K2 absorption?

Magnesium helps activate vitamin D3, which in turn aids in the effectiveness of vitamin K2. Adequate protein intake is also important for overall health, including the proper utilization of fat-soluble vitamins like K2.