The importance of vitamin K2 for heart health

The importance of vitamin K2 for heart health: molecular mechanism, clinical research and dietary sources

I. Introduction: vitamin K2 – more than simply blood coagulation

Traditionally, Vitamin K is known for its role in blood coagulation. However, the discovery of vitamin K2 (menachinon) has expanded our understanding of its effect on health, especially in the context of the cardiovascular system. While vitamin K1 (Phillokhinon) is mainly involved in blood coagulation, vitamin K2 has unique properties that allow it to influence the metabolism of calcium and, therefore, the health of the heart. The understanding of these differences and specific mechanisms of action K2 is crucial for the effective prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This article examines in detail the importance of vitamin K2 for the health of the heart, exploring molecular mechanisms, the results of clinical research and dietary sources of this important nutrient.

II. The molecular mechanism of action of vitamin K2: calcification of blood vessels and proteins GLA

The key role of vitamin K2 in heart health lies in its ability to activate vitamin-K-dependent proteins (VKDP). These proteins contain the remains of glutamic acid (GLU), which need carboxylation to become the remnants of γ-carboxiglutamic acid (GLA). This carboxylation process, catalyzed vitamin-k-dependent γ-lutamil-carboxylase, allows vkdp to contact calcium.

• Matrix GLA-Boach (MGP): MGP is a powerful vascular calcification inhibitor. It is synthesized by the cells of smooth muscles of blood vessels and chondrocytes. In a non -arboxyled state (UCMGP), MGP cannot effectively contact calcium and, therefore, cannot prevent calcium deposition in the walls of arteries. Vitamin K2 deficiency leads to an increase in the UCMGP level, which increases the risk of calcification of blood vessels, atherosclerosis and, ultimately, cardiovascular events. MGP acts by linking calcium and preventing the formation of hydroxyapatitis crystals, the main component of calcifiers. It also interacts with other protein matrix proteins, such as elastin and collagen, to modulate the structure and function of the vascular wall. Moreover, MGP regulates the activity of growth factors, such as bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), which contributes to the formation of bone and calcification. Inhibiting BMP-2, MGP prevents differentiation of cells of the vascular wall in the osteoblast-like cells that lay calcium.
• Osteokalcin: Although osteokalcin is mainly known for its role in bone metabolism, it also plays a role in the health of the cardiovascular system. Osteokalcin, secreted by osteoblasts, also needs carboxylation by vitamin K2 for activation. Activated osteocalcin (Carboxylated Osteocalcin, COC) regulates glucose metabolism and sensitivity to insulin. Studies have shown that COC improves the secretion of insulin with pancreatic beta cells and increases sensitivity to insulin in peripheral tissues, such as skeletal muscles and adipose tissue. Improving the regulation of glucose and sensitivity to insulin reduces the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, which are the main risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, osteokalcin can affect the secretion of adipokins, such as adipiponectin, which has anti -inflammatory and anti -atherogenic properties.
• Belok S (Protein S): Squirrel S, another vitamin-k-dependent protein, acts as an anticoagulant. It plays an important role in regulating blood coagulation, acting as a cofactor for activated protein C (APC). APC inactivates the coagulation factors VA and VIIIA, thereby slowing down the coagulation process. Vitamin K2 deficiency can lead to a decrease in protein s activity, which increases the risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular events.
• Perstine: Perostin, the protein of the extracellular matrix also affects the mineralization of bones and repairs of tissues. Recent studies have shown that periostin can also affect the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin K2 affects the activity of the periostin, regulating its expression and modification. Disregulation of periosteine ​​can contribute to fibrosis and remodeling of the heart, which leads to heart failure.
• Other GLA-Belki: Other GLA-Belki continues to open, which can play a role in the cardiovascular system. Further research is required to fully understand their functions and how vitamin K2 affects their activity.

The inability to carboxile these proteins due to vitamin K2 deficiency leads to the accumulation of inactive, non-carboxilized forms that cannot perform their physiological functions. This imbalance contributes to the development of vascular calcification, a violation of glucose metabolism and increased risk of thrombosis, which together leads to an increase in the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

III. Clinical studies: epidemiological data and interventional studies

Clinical studies provide convincing evidence of the connection between vitamin K2 and heart health. These studies vary from epidemiological studies that observe the laws of health of large groups of the population, to intervention studies that directly assess the effect of vitamin K2 additives on the health of the cardiovascular system.

• Epidemiological studies:

  • Rotterdam research: This iconic prospective study conducted in the Netherlands showed that the high consumption of vitamin K2 was associated with a decrease in the risk of coronary arteries and cardiovascular diseases. In particular, people with the highest consumption of vitamin K2 had a 52% lower risk of severe calcification of the coronary arteries and 57% less risk of death from cardiovascular diseases compared to those who had the lowest consumption. The study lasted more than 10 years and was adjusted to various factors, such as age, gender, body mass index, smoking and dietary habits.
  • ProSper research: The study by Prosper (Prospective Study of Pravastatin in Elderly At Risk) also showed the relationship between high consumption of vitamin K2 and a decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the elderly.
  • Other epidemiological studies: Numerous other epidemiological studies have confirmed these results, demonstrating that higher consumption of vitamin K2 is associated with improving the health of the cardiovascular system and a decrease in the risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases. These studies emphasize the importance of adequate consumption of vitamin K2 to maintain the health of the cardiovascular system throughout life.

• Interventional research:

  • Studies on vitamin K2 additives: While epidemiological studies provide valuable associations, interventional studies are necessary to establish a causal relationship between vitamin K2 additives and the health of the cardiovascular system. Several interventional studies studied the effect of vitamin K2 additives on vessel calcification and other markers of the health of the cardiovascular system.
  • Research on healthy women in postmenopause: One study published in the journal Thrombosis and Haemostasisshowed that the additives of vitamin K2 (MK-7, Menakhinon-7) for three years reduced the rate of progression of coronary arteries in healthy women in postmenopausa for three years. In this double blind, a placebo-controlled study, participants received 180 μg of vitamin K2 (MK-7) per day or placebo. The results showed that the group receiving K2 had a much less increase in the calcification of the coronary arteries compared to the group that received a placebo.
  • Studies on patients with chronic kidney disease (HBP): Patients with CBP are at risk of vascular calcification. Several studies studied the effect of vitamin K2 additives on the calcification of blood vessels in this population. Although the results were ambiguous, some studies have shown that vitamin K2 additives can reduce the progression of vessel calcification in patients with CBP. Additional studies are needed with a larger sample and longer observation periods to confirm these results.
  • Studies to improve the elasticity of arteries: Some studies have shown that vitamin K2 additives can improve arteries elasticity, which is an important indicator of the health of the cardiovascular system. More stringent arteries are associated with an increased risk of hypertension, heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.
  • Meta analysis: Several meta-analyzes summarized the results of various studies on vitamin K2 and the health of the cardiovascular system. These meta-analyzes have shown that vitamin K2 additives can have a beneficial effect on the health of the cardiovascular system, especially with regard to reducing the calcification of blood vessels.

Despite promising results, it is important to note that additional studies are needed in order to fully understand the effects of vitamin K2 additives on the health of the cardiovascular system. Future studies should include larger samples, longer observation periods and various populations to confirm these results and determine the optimal dosage and duration of vitamin K2 additives for the health of the cardiovascular system.

IV. The differences between vitamin K1 and vitamin K2: metabolism and functions

It is important to distinguish between vitamin K1 (phyllokhinon) and vitamin K2 (menachinon), since they have different metabolic pathways and functions in the body.

• Vitamin K1 (Fillohinon): Vitamin K1 is the main form of vitamin K, contained in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage and broccoli. After using vitamin K1, it is mainly metabolized in the liver and is used to activate blood coagulation factors. It relates relatively little on other fabrics, such as bones and blood vessels.

• Vitamin K2 (Menahinon): Vitamin K2 is contained in animal products, such as fermented products, cheese, butter and meat, and is also synthesized by bacteria in the intestines. Vitamin K2 has several subtypes known as menachinons (MK-N), where “N” denotes the number of isopRenial units in the lateral chain. The most common forms of vitamin K2 are MK-4 and MK-7.

  • MK-4 (Menahinon-4): MK-4 is synthesized from vitamin K1 in body tissues. It has a short period of half -life and does not accumulate in the body in significant quantities.
  • MK-7 (Menahinon-7): The MK-7 has a longer half-life than the MK-4 and remains active in the body for a longer period of time. It is also more bioavailable and effectively transported to the fabric outside the liver, such as bones and blood vessels. This makes the MK-7 preferred form of vitamin K2 for the health of the cardiovascular system.
  • Other menachinons: Other menachinons, such as MK-8 and MK-9, are also present in fermented products and can have a beneficial effect on health.

Due to the differences in their metabolism and distribution in tissues, vitamin K2 is more effective than vitamin K1, activates VKDP outside the liver, such as MGP and osteocalcin. This explains why vitamin K2 plays a more important role in the health of the cardiovascular system and bones than vitamin K1.

V. Dietary sources of vitamin K2: animal products and fermented products

Adequate consumption of vitamin K2 through a diet is important for maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system. Unlike vitamin K1, which is widespread in plant products, vitamin K2 is mainly contained in animal products and fermented products.

• Natto: NATTO, fermented soybeans, is one of the richest dietary sources of vitamin K2 (mainly MK-7). This traditional Japanese dish has a very high vitamin K2 vitamin, one portion (about 100 grams) provides hundreds of vitamin K2 micrograms.
• SHE: Some types of cheese, especially hard and sustained cheeses, such as Gauda, ​​BRA and Edam, contain a significant amount of vitamin K2. The content of vitamin K2 in cheese varies depending on the type of cheese, bacteria used and the fermentation process.
• Oil: Oil, especially the oil obtained from herbal fattening of cows, also contains vitamin K2. The content of vitamin K2 in oil can vary depending on the diet of cows and season.
• Egg yolks: Egg yolks, especially from chickens that are fed with a diet rich in vitamin K2, are a good source of vitamin K2.
• Meat: Some types of meat, such as beef and chicken, contain vitamin K2, although in smaller quantities than other sources. The content of vitamin K2 in meat can vary depending on the diet of the animal.
• Enzymed products: Other fermented products, such as sauerkraut and kimchi, can also contain vitamin K2, albeit in smaller quantities than NATTO.

For people who do not consume a sufficient amount of these products, the additives of vitamin K2 may be an option to provide adequate consumption. It is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting to take any additives, especially if you take anticoagulants or have any diseases.

VI. Factors affecting the status of vitamin K2: medicines and diseases

Vitamin K2 status can affect various factors, including drugs and diseases.

• Varfarin: Varfarin, a common anticoagulant, acts by inhibiting vitamin-k epoxydredaz (Vkorc1), the enzyme necessary for activating vitamin K. Warfarin blocks the restoration of vitamin K, thereby preventing the carboxilization of VKDP. Patients taking warfarin need to carefully monitor the consumption of vitamin K in order to avoid interaction with the medicine. Although it was previously believed that all forms of vitamin K should be avoided, recent studies show that vitamin K2 can be safer than vitamin K1 for people taking warfarin, but additional studies are needed.
• Statin: Statins, drugs that reduce cholesterol can reduce the synthesis of vitamin K2 in the body. Statins inhibit HMG-COA reductase, an enzyme that plays a role in the synthesis of cholesterol and other isoprenoids, including menachinons.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics can disrupt intestinal flora, which synthesizes vitamin K2. Long -term use of antibiotics can lead to deficiency of vitamin K2.
• Maliabsorption diseases: Diseases that violate the absorption of fat, such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, can also lead to vitamin K2 deficiency. Vitamin K2 is a fat -soluble vitamin, and its proper absorption requires adequate absorption of fats.
• Chronic kidney disease (HBP): Patients with CBP are at increased risk of vitamin K2 deficiency due to a decrease in kidney function and medication, such as phosphate binders that may interfere with the absorption of vitamin K2.
• Liver diseases: Liver diseases can disrupt metabolism and activation of vitamin K, which will lead to deficiency of vitamin K2.

People with these conditions or taking these medicines should consult their doctor to control their status of vitamin K2 and consider the possibility of additives, if necessary.

VII. Assessment of vitamin K2 status: Markers and methods

Assessment of vitamin K2 status can be a difficult task, since there is no widely accessible and standardized test to measure vitamin K2 in the blood. However, several markers are available that can be used to indirect assessment of the status of vitamin K2.

• Noneroboxylated matrix GLA-beam (UCMGP): The UCMGP measurement is the most common and reliable method for assessing the status of vitamin K2. High UCMGP levels indicate a deficiency of vitamin K2. UCMGP can be measured in the blood using ELISA or other immunochemical tests.
• Nonerboxylated osteokalcin (uCoc): UCOC is another marker of vitamin K2 status. High UCOC levels indicate a deficiency of vitamin K2. UCOC can be measured in the blood using ELISA or other immunochemical tests.
• Determining the level of vitamin K2 in the blood: Although not widely accessible, the level of vitamin K2 in the blood can be measured using liquid chromatography-mass-spectrometry (LH-MS). This method can determine various forms of vitamin K2, such as MK-4 and MK-7.
• Dietary consumption assessment: Assessment of dietary consumption of products rich in vitamin K2 can give an idea of ​​the status of vitamin K2. However, this is a subjective method, and it can be inaccurate, since the content of vitamin K2 in food can vary.

It should be noted that these markers can be influenced by other factors, such as age, gender and other diseases. Therefore, it is important to interpret the results in the context of the clinical history and physical examination of the patient.

VIII. Optimum dosage of vitamin K2: Recommendations and considerations

The optimal dosage of vitamin K2 for the health of the cardiovascular system is still the subject of discussions. Official recommendations for the consumption of vitamin K2 have not yet been established. However, experts believe that the current recommended consumption of vitamin K, which is mainly based on the requirements for blood coagulation, may be insufficient for the optimal health of the cardiovascular system and bones.

• Recommended consumption: The recommended consumption of vitamin K is 120 mcg per day for men and 90 mcg per day for women. However, this recommended consumption is mainly based on the needs for blood coagulation and may be insufficient for optimal health of the cardiovascular system and bones.
• Dosages of additives: The dosages of vitamin K2 additives used in clinical studies varyed from 45 mcg to 360 μg per day. Most studies used dosages from 90 mcg to 180 mcg per day.
• Vitamin’s shape K2: MK-7 is a preferred form of vitamin K2 for additives, since it has a longer half-life and is more bio-accessful than the MK-4.
• Security Considerations: Vitamin K2 is usually considered safe. However, people taking anticoagulants should consult with their doctor before taking vitamin K2 additives. High doses of vitamin K2 can interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin.
• Individual needs: The optimal dosage of vitamin K2 can vary depending on individual needs, age, health and medication. It is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist to determine the right dosage of vitamin K2 for your specific needs.

IX. Synergetic effect with other nutrients: vitamin D and calcium

Vitamin K2 works synergetically with other nutrients, such as vitamin D and calcium, to maintain bone health and cardiovascular system.

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays an important role in the absorption of calcium from the intestines. Vitamin K2 helps to direct calcium into the bone and prevents its deposition in soft tissues, such as arteries. The combination of vitamin D and vitamin K2 can be more effective for improving bone health and cardiovascular system than taking each nutrient separately. Vitamin D stimulates the synthesis of MGP, which then needs vitamin K2 for activation.
• Calcium: Calcium is necessary for the health of bones and other physiological functions. However, an excess of calcium, which is not deposited in the bones, can be deposited in the arteries and contribute to the calcification of blood vessels. Vitamin K2 helps to direct calcium into the bone and prevents its deposition in the arteries.

For optimal bone health and cardiovascular system, it is important to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D, vitamin K2 and calcium. It is important to receive calcium from a diet or additives under the supervision of a doctor. An excess of calcium, especially without a sufficient amount of vitamin K2, can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

X. Future research areas: new roles and potential applications

Studies continue to further study the role of vitamin K2 in the health of the cardiovascular system and other areas. Future research will probably be focused on the following areas:

• The effect of vitamin K2 on various cardiovascular diseases: Additional studies are needed to study the effect of vitamin K2 on various cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, heart failure and stroke.
• The role of vitamin K2 in the metabolism of glucose and diabetes: Additional studies are needed to study the role of vitamin K2 in glucose and diabetes metabolism. Some studies have shown that vitamin K2 can improve insulin sensitivity and beta cell function.
• The influence of vitamin K2 on inflammation: Inflammation plays a role in the development of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. Additional studies are needed to study the effect of vitamin K2 on inflammation.
• The role of vitamin K2 in other areas of health: Vitamin K2 can play a role in other areas of health, such as brain health, cancer prevention and the function of the immune system. Additional studies are needed to study these potential roles.
• Optimal dosage and form of vitamin K2: Additional studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage and form of vitamin K2 for various health states.
• Vitamin K2 action mechanisms: Additional studies are needed to fully understand the molecular mechanisms through which vitamin K2 has its effect on health.

The results of these future studies can lead to new strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and other diseases. Understanding the intricacies of the mechanism of action of vitamin K2 will develop targeted therapeutic approaches aimed at improving the health of the cardiovascular system and general well-being.