Vitamin K2 and heart arteries health

Vitamin K2 and heart arteries: Deep analysis

Table of contents:

• I. Vitamin K: General review
  • IA Types of vitamin K: K1, K2 and K3
  • IB food sources of vitamin K
  • IC mechanism of action of vitamin K: a key role in blood coagulation
• II. Vitamin K2: more detailed consideration
  • II.A. Menakhinons (MK): Vitamin K2 family
  • II.B. MK-4: synthesis and functions
  • II.C. MK-7: bioavailability and duration of action
  • II.D. MK-9 and other menachinons: specific sources and properties
• III. Vitamin K2 and calcification of arteries: scientific data
  • III.A. Matrix GLAR (MGP): Calcification inhibitor
  • III.B. Osteokalcin: the role in bone metabolism and potential connection with the cardiovascular system
  • III.C. Animal research: evidence of calcification protection
  • III.D. Observatory studies in public: the relationship between K2 consumption and the health of the vessels
  • III.E. Clinical tests: interventions with K2 and their impact on calcification
• IV. Vitamin K2 action mechanisms in the cardiovascular system
  • IV.A. Activation MGP: Prevention of calcium deposit in the arteries
  • IV.B. Influence on inflammation: potential reduction of inflammatory processes
  • IV.C. Impact on endothelial function: Improving the health of the vascular wall
  • IV.D. Role in the regulation of blood pressure: preliminary data and future research
• V. The deficiency of vitamin K2: risk factors and consequences
  • Va dietary factors: limited consumption of products rich in K2
  • VB Using drugs: the effect of warfarin and other drugs
  • VC Age changes: a decrease in the efficiency of protein activation dependent on vitamin K
  • VD diseases associated with deficiency K2: osteoporosis, calcification of arteries
• VI. Recommendations for vitamin K2 consumption
  • VI.A. Recommended daily dose (RSD): current recommendations and controversial issues
  • Vi.b. Food sources of vitamin K2: Enzymed products and animal products
  • VI.C. Vitamin K2 additives: choosing the correct shape and dosage
  • VI.D. Vitamin K2 safety: Potential risks and interactions
• VII. Vitamin K2 and other nutrients: synergistic effects
  • VII.A. Vitamin D: a joint effect on calcium metabolism
  • VII.B. Magnesium: The importance of bones and blood vessels
  • VII.C. Calcium: balance of consumption of calcium and vitamin K2
• VIII. Future areas of studies of vitamin K2 and heart arteries health
  • VIII.A. Large -scale clinical trials: confirmation of the effectiveness of K2
  • VIII.B. The study of genetic factors: the influence of genetics on vitamin K metabolism
  • VIII.C. Development of new forms of vitamin K2: Improving bioavailability and efficiency
• IX. Practical tips for the inclusion of vitamin K2 in the diet
  • IX.A. Examples of dishes rich in vitamin K2
  • IX.B. Recipes using Nato
  • IX.C. Tips for choosing dairy products rich in vitamin K2
• X. Questions and answers about vitamin K2 and heart health

I. Vitamin K: General review

Vitamin K is a group of fat -soluble vitamins necessary for many physiological processes, but is best known for its role in blood coagulation. The name “vitamin K” comes from the German word “koagulation” (coagulation), which reflects its original function. However, studies of the last decades revealed that vitamin K plays a much wider role in health, especially in maintaining bone health and cardiovascular system.

IA Types of vitamin K: K1, K2 and K3

There are three main types of vitamin K:

• Vitamin K1 (Fillohinon): This is the most common form of vitamin K contained in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage and broccoli. It mainly participates in the process of blood coagulation.
• Vitamin K2 (Menahinon): This is a group of compounds synthesized by bacteria, and is contained in enzyme products and animal products. There are various forms of menachinones, designated as MK-4, MK-7, MK-9, etc., each of which has different bioavailability and duration of the action. Vitamin K2 plays an important role in bone health and cardiovascular system.
• Vitamin K3 (Manadion): This is a synthetic form of vitamin K, which is no longer used widely in addition due to potential side effects.

IB food sources of vitamin K

Various forms of vitamin K are found in different products.

• Vitamin K1: Green leaf vegetables (spinach, cabbage, broccoli, Romen salad), vegetable oils (soy, rapeseed, olive).
• Vitamin K2:
  • MK-4: Products of animal origin (meat, liver, egg yolk, butter). The MK-4 content in these products depends on the diet of animals. Animals feeding on grass contain more MK-4.
  • MK-7: Enzymed products (NATTO – Japanese fermented soy product), some types of cheeses.
  • MK-9: Some types of cheeses.
• Vitamin K3: It is no longer used widely in addition.

IC mechanism of action of vitamin K: a key role in blood coagulation

Vitamin K plays an important role in blood coagulation, participating in the process of carboxylation of certain blood coagulation factors (factors II, VII, IX and X), as well as proteins C, S and Z. Carboxylation is the process of adding a carboxyl group (CooH) to the remains of glutamic acid in these proteins. This process is necessary so that coagulation factors can contact calcium and participate in the cascade of coagulation.

In the absence of a sufficient amount of vitamin K, these blood coagulation factors cannot be carboxyled and, therefore, cannot function properly, which leads to an increased risk of bleeding. Warfarin, the drug used to prevent the formation of blood clots, acts by inhibiting an enzyme that regenerates vitamin K, thereby reducing its accessibility for carboxylation of blood coagulation factors.

II. Vitamin K2: more detailed consideration

Vitamin K2, or Menakhinon, is a group of compounds that differ in the length of the side chain consisting of isoprenoid links. These links affect the bioavailability and duration of the action of various forms of menachinon. Unlike vitamin K1, which mainly participates in blood coagulation, vitamin K2 plays an important role in bone health and cardiovascular system.

II.A. Menakhinons (MK): Vitamin K2 family

Menikhinons are designated as MK-N, where “n” denotes the amount of isoprenoid links in the side chain. The most common and well-studied forms are MK-4 and MK-7, but there are other forms such as MK-6, MK-8, MK-9 and MK-10.

• MK-4: It is synthesized in the tissues of animals and humans from vitamin K1. It can also be obtained from some bacteria. MK-4 has a short half-life and it is believed that it acts mainly in local fabrics.
• MK-7: It is produced by some bacteria and is contained in fermented products, such as NATTO. The MK-7 has a longer half-life than the MK-4, and it is believed that it has a more systemic effect.
• MK-9: Contained in some fermented cheeses and has average bioavailability.
• Other menachinons: MK-6, MK-8 and MK-10 are also contained in some fermented products, but their effect on health has been studied less than the influence of MK-4 and MK-7.

II.B. MK-4: synthesis and functions

MK-4 is the only form of vitamin K2, which can be synthesized in the tissues of animals and humans from vitamin K1. This process occurs in various tissues, including the brain, pancreas and arteries walls. Despite the fact that the MK-4 can be synthesized, its level in the tissues may not be high enough for optimal health, especially with low consumption of vitamin K1.

MK-4 participates in various physiological processes, including:

• The synthesis of steroid hormones: MK-4 plays a role in the synthesis of steroid hormones, such as testosterone and estradiol.
• Cell differentiation: MK-4 affects the differentiation of certain types of cells, including osteoblasts (cells forming bone tissue).
• Inhibition of tumor growth: Some studies have shown that the MK-4 may have antitumor activity.

II.C. MK-7: bioavailability and duration of action

MK-7 has a longer half-life than MK-4, which means that it remains in the body longer and can have a more systemic effect. The MK-7 half-life is about three days, while the MK-4 half-life period is only a few hours.

A longer period of half-life MK-7 makes it more effective in activating proteins, dependent on vitamin K, such as matrix GLA-beam (MGP) and osteocalcine. Activation of these proteins is important for the health of bones and the cardiovascular system.

II.D. MK-9 and other menachinons: specific sources and properties

MK-9 and other menachinons, such as MK-6, MK-8 and MK-10, are contained in some fermented products such as cheese. Their bioavailability and effect on health are less studied than the effect of the MK-4 and MK-7, but preliminary data indicate that they can also have a useful effect.

For example, some studies have shown that the MK-9 can be effective in reducing the risk of bone fractures. Further research is necessary for a complete understanding of the role of MK-9 and other menachinons in health.

III. Vitamin K2 and calcification of arteries: scientific data

Calcification of arteries is the process of deposition of calcium in the walls of arteries, which leads to their hardening and narrowing. This process is the main risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral atherosclerosis.

Vitamin K2 plays an important role in preventing the calcification of arteries by activating the matrix GLA-Belka (MGP), a powerful calcification inhibitor.

III.A. Matrix GLAR (MGP): Calcification inhibitor

MGP is a protein dependent on vitamin K, which is synthesized in the cells of smooth muscles of blood vessels and chondrocytes (cartilage cells). MGP is one of the most powerful well -known calcification inhibitors.

In order for MGP to function properly, it must be carboxylated, which requires vitamin K2. Carboxylated MGP binds to calcium and prevents its deposition in the walls of arteries and cartilage.

In the absence of a sufficient amount of vitamin K2 MGP remains non -carboxilized and cannot perform its function of calcification inhibitor, which leads to increased risk of calcification of arteries and other tissues.

III.B. Osteokalcin: the role in bone metabolism and potential connection with the cardiovascular system

Osteokalcin is another protein dependent on vitamin K, which is synthesized by osteoblasts (cells that form bone tissue). Osteokalcin plays an important role in bone metabolism, contributing to the mineralization of bones and increase their strength.

Like MGP, osteocalcin should be carboxylated to function properly. Vitamin K2 is necessary for carboxylation of osteocalcine.

Recent studies have shown that osteocalcine can also play a role in the regulation of glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Moreover, some studies suggest that there is a connection between osteocalcin and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Further studies are needed to fully understand the role of osteocalcin in the cardiovascular system.

III.C. Animal research: evidence of calcification protection

Numerous studies on animals have shown that vitamin K2 can protect against calcification of arteries.

For example, in one study on rats it was shown that the addition of vitamin K2 to the diet reduces calcification of the aorta (the main artery emanating from the heart). Another study on the mice showed that vitamin K2 prevents the calcification of coronary arteries (arteries that supply the heart).

These studies on animals provide convincing evidence that vitamin K2 can play a protective role in preventing the calcification of arteries.

III.D. Observatory studies in public: the relationship between K2 consumption and the health of the vessels

Observatory studies are studies in which researchers observe groups of people for a certain period of time without interfering in their lifestyle or diet.

Several observatory studies have shown that there is a connection between vitamin K2 consumption and vessel health.

For example, a Rotterdam study, a major prospective study conducted in the Netherlands, showed that people who consumed more vitamin K2 significantly decreased the risk of coronary heart disease and death from cardiovascular diseases.

Another observatory study conducted in Japan showed that the consumption of NATTO (a product rich in MK-7) is associated with lower calcification of arteries in women in postmenopausa.

These observation studies indicate that vitamin K2 can play a protective role in the health of the cardiovascular system.

III.E. Clinical tests: interventions with K2 and their impact on calcification

Clinical trials are studies in which researchers intervene in the lifestyle or diet of participants and assess the influence of these interventions on certain health indicators.

Some clinical trials have shown that the addition of vitamin K2 can slow down the progression of arteries calcification.

For example, in one clinical testing in postmenopaus women who took additives with vitamin K2 (MK-7) for three years, there was a significant slowdown in the progression of the calcification of the coronary arteries compared to women who took placebo.

Another clinical test showed that the addition of vitamin K2 (MK-4) improves the function of blood vessels in patients with chronic kidney disease.

These clinical trials provide additional evidence that vitamin K2 can have a beneficial effect on the health of the cardiovascular system.

IV. Vitamin K2 action mechanisms in the cardiovascular system

Vitamin K2 has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system through several mechanisms, including:

IV.A. Activation MGP: Prevention of calcium deposit in the arteries

The main mechanism of action of vitamin K2 in the cardiovascular system is the activation of MGP. As mentioned earlier, MGP is a powerful calcification inhibitor that prevents calcium deposition in the walls of arteries.

Vitamin K2 is necessary for MGP carboxylation, which allows it to contact calcium and prevent its deposition. Adding vitamin K2 increases the level of carboxilized MGP in the blood, which leads to a decrease in the calcification of arteries.

IV.B. Influence on inflammation: potential reduction of inflammatory processes

Inflammation plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis, chronic inflammatory disease of arteries. Atherosclerosis is characterized by the formation of plaques in the walls of arteries, which can lead to narrowing of the arteries and limiting blood flow.

Some studies have shown that vitamin K2 can have anti -inflammatory properties. For example, in one study it was shown that vitamin K2 reduces the level of inflammatory markers in the blood, such as C-reactive protein (SRB) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6).

A decrease in inflammation can help prevent the development and progression of atherosclerosis.

IV.C. Impact on endothelial function: Improving the health of the vascular wall

Endothelium is a thin layer of cells lining the inner surface of blood vessels. Endothelium plays an important role in the regulation of vascular tone, blood coagulation and inflammation.

Violation of endothelial function is an early sign of the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Some studies have shown that vitamin K2 can improve endothelial function. For example, in one study it was shown that vitamin K2 improves vasodilation (expansion of blood vessels) in patients with coronary heart disease.

Improving the endothelial function can help prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases.

IV.D. Role in the regulation of blood pressure: preliminary data and future research

Some studies suggest that vitamin K2 can play a role in the regulation of blood pressure.

For example, in one study it was shown that the addition of vitamin K2 reduces blood pressure in patients with arterial hypertension.

However, further studies are needed to confirm these results and determine the mechanism of action of vitamin K2 in the regulation of blood pressure.

V. The deficiency of vitamin K2: risk factors and consequences

Vitamin K2 deficiency is a relatively common occurrence, especially in Western countries, where the consumption of products rich in vitamin K2 is limited.

Va dietary factors: limited consumption of products rich in K2

The main cause of vitamin K2 deficiency is limited consumption of products rich in vitamin K2. These products include fermented products, such as NATTO, and animal products, such as meat, liver, egg yolk and butter, especially from animals feeding on grass.

The modern Western diet, as a rule, contains few of these products, which leads to insufficient consumption of vitamin K2.

VB Using drugs: the effect of warfarin and other drugs

Some drugs can affect vitamin K metabolism and increase the risk of vitamin K2 deficiency.

For example, warfarin, a drug used to prevent blood clots, inhibits an enzyme that regenerates vitamin K, thereby reducing its availability to activate proteins dependent on vitamin K.

Other drugs that can affect vitamin K metabolism include antibiotics and some drugs that reduce cholesterol.

VC Age changes: a decrease in the efficiency of protein activation dependent on vitamin K

With age, the effectiveness of activation of proteins dependent on vitamin K is reduced. This may be associated with a decrease in vitamin K absorption, a decrease in the activity of enzymes involved in vitamin K metabolism, or changes in the structure of proteins dependent on vitamin K.

A decrease in the efficiency of activation of proteins dependent on vitamin K may increase the risk of vitamin K2 deficiency in the elderly.

VD diseases associated with deficiency K2: osteoporosis, calcification of arteries

The deficiency of vitamin K2 is associated with an increased risk of development of osteoporosis and calcification of arteries.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by a decrease in bone density, which leads to increased risk of fractures. Vitamin K2 plays an important role in bone metabolism, contributing to the mineralization of bones and increase their strength.

Calcification of arteries is the process of deposition of calcium in the walls of arteries, which leads to their hardening and narrowing. Vitamin K2 plays an important role in preventing the calcification of arteries by activating MGP.

VI. Recommendations for vitamin K2 consumption

Recommendations for the consumption of vitamin K2 are still under development, and currently there is no established recommended daily dose (RSD) for vitamin K2.

VI.A. Recommended daily dose (RSD): current recommendations and controversial issues

Some experts recommend consuming from 90 to 120 μg of vitamin K2 per day for optimal health. However, this recommendation is based on limited data, and further research is necessary to determine the optimal dose of vitamin K2.

There are also disputes about what form of vitamin K2 is the most effective. Some experts believe that the MK-7 is more effective than the MK-4, due to its longer half-life. Other experts believe that both forms of vitamin K2 can be useful, but for different purposes.

Vi.b. Food sources of vitamin K2: Enzymed products and animal products

The best way to obtain vitamin K2 is to eat products rich in vitamin K2.

These products include:

• Natto: Japanese fermented soy product containing a very large amount of MK-7.
• Other fermented products: Some types of cheeses, such as Gauda and BRA, contain MK-9 and other menachinons.
• Animal products: Meat, liver, egg yolk and butter contain MK-4. The MK-4 content in these products depends on the diet of animals. Animals feeding on grass contain more MK-4.

VI.C. Vitamin K2 additives: choosing the correct shape and dosage

Vitamin K2 additives can be useful for people who do not get enough vitamin K2 from food.

When choosing an additive of vitamin K2, it is important to consider the shape of vitamin K2 and dosage.

• Vitamin’s shape K2: Vitamin K2 additives are available in two main forms: MK-4 and MK-7. MK-7 is considered more effective than the MK-4, due to its longer half-life.
• Dosage: The recommended dosage of vitamin K2 is from 90 to 120 mcg per day. However, some people may need a higher dose, depending on their state of health and drugs that they take.

Before taking the additives of vitamin K2, it is important to consult a doctor.

VI.D. Vitamin K2 safety: Potential risks and interactions

Vitamin K2 is considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate quantities.

However, high doses of vitamin K2 can interact with some drugs such as warfarin. Warfarin is a drug used to prevent blood clots that acts by inhibiting an enzyme that regenerates vitamin K.

Reception of vitamin K2 additives can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin and increase the risk of blood clots. People taking warfarin should consult a doctor before taking the additives of vitamin K2.

VII. Vitamin K2 and other nutrients: synergistic effects

Vitamin K2 acts synergically with other nutrients, such as vitamin D, magnesium and calcium, to maintain bone health and cardiovascular system.

VII.A. Vitamin D: a joint effect on calcium metabolism

Vitamin D plays an important role in the absorption of calcium from the intestines. Vitamin K2 directs calcium into bones and teeth, and not in soft tissues, such as arteries.

The joint intake of vitamin D and vitamin K2 can be more effective in improving bone health and cardiovascular system than taking each vitamin separately.

VII.B. Magnesium: The importance of bones and blood vessels

Magnesium plays an important role in the metabolism of bones and blood vessels. Magnesium is necessary to activate vitamin D and for the proper operation of osteocalcin.

Magnesium deficiency can increase the risk of osteoporosis and calcification of arteries.

VII.C. Calcium: balance of consumption of calcium and vitamin K2

Calcium is necessary for the health of bones, but excessive consumption of calcium without a sufficient amount of vitamin K2 can increase the risk of calcification of arteries.

It is important to maintain a balance between calcium and vitamin K2. It is recommended to consume a sufficient amount of vitamin K2 to direct calcium into bones and teeth, and not in soft tissues.

VIII. Future areas of studies of vitamin K2 and heart arteries health

Studies of vitamin K2 and its impact on the health of the heart arteries continue, and future studies will be focused on the following directions:

VIII.A. Large -scale clinical trials: confirmation of the effectiveness of K2

Large clinical trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of vitamin K2 in preventing the calcification of arteries and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

These studies should include a large number of participants and a long period of observation.

VIII.B. The study of genetic factors: the influence of genetics on vitamin K metabolism

Genetic factors can affect the metabolism of vitamin K and the risk of diseases associated with vitamin K2 deficiency.

Future studies should study the influence of genetic factors on vitamin K metabolism and on the effectiveness of vitamin K2 additives.

VIII.C. Development of new forms of vitamin K2: Improving bioavailability and efficiency

New forms of vitamin K2 with improved bioavailability and efficiency are developed.

Future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of these new forms of vitamin K2 in improving the health of bones and the cardiovascular system.

IX. Practical tips for the inclusion of vitamin K2 in the diet

Here are a few practical tips to include vitamin K2 in the diet:

IX.A. Examples of dishes rich in vitamin K2

• Breakfast: Omlet with egg yolk from chickens feeding on grass, and Gauda cheese.
• Dinner: Salad with fermented sauerkraut and pieces of cheese brig.
• Dinner: Beef stake feeding on grass with a side dish of fried vegetables.
• Snack: Natto.

IX.B. Recipes using Nato

Nato has a specific taste and smell that you need to get used to. Here are a few ways to include Nato in the diet:

• NATTO with rice: Mix core with boiled rice and add soy sauce and mustard.
• NATTO with avocado: Mash the avocado and mix it with Nato.
• NATTO with salad: Add a salad to increase the content of vitamin K2.

IX.C. Tips for choosing dairy products rich in vitamin K2

When choosing dairy products rich in vitamin K2, you should give preference to products from animals feeding on grass. These products, as a rule, contain more vitamin K2 than products from animals feeding on grain.

Choose whole dairy products, such as butter, cheese and milk, since vitamin K2 is a fat -soluble vitamin and is mainly contained in the oily part of milk.

X. Questions and answers about vitamin K2 and heart health

Question: What is the role of vitamin K2 in the health of the cardiovascular system?

Answer: Vitamin K2 plays an important role in preventing the calcification of arteries, activating the matrix GLAK (MGP), a powerful calcification inhibitor. It can also have an anti -inflammatory effect and improve the endothelial function.

Question: What products are rich in vitamin K2?

Answer: Enzymes, such as NATTO, and animal products, such as meat, liver, egg yolk and butter (especially from animals feeding on grass), are rich in vitamin K2.

Question: What is the recommended daily dose of vitamin K2?

Answer: Currently, there is no established recommended daily dose of vitamin K2. Some experts recommend consuming from 90 to 120 μg of vitamin K2 per day for optimal health.

Question: Is it safe to take vitamin K2?

Answer: Vitamin K2 is considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate quantities. However, high doses of vitamin K2 can interact with some drugs such as warfarin.

Question: Should I take vitamin K2 additives?

Answer: Vitamin K2 additives can be useful for people who do not get enough vitamin K2 from food. Before taking the additives of vitamin K2, it is important to consult a doctor.

(Continuation of the article, expanding and deepening each of the above topics. Each section should be detailed with examples, research results, comparisons and contrasts, if necessary. Use scientific articles to reinforce information. Try to make a breakdown into smaller subsections to facilitate the perception of information. Use tables and graphs to illustrate data where it is appropriate.)

(For example, it is possible to expand section III.D. Outcast studies in humans: the relationship between K2 consumption and the health of blood vessels, providing more detailed information about the Rotterdam study and other similar studies. Turn on data on the number of participants, the duration of the study, methods for evaluating the consumption of vitamin K2 and the results of the study related to the risk of coronary heart disease, arteries and other calcification of arteries and other Cardiovable diseases.

(Another example, in section IV.A. Activation MGP: preventing calcium deposit in the arteries, you can describe in detail the MGP activation mechanism with vitamin K2, including the role of the Gamma-Glutamil-carboxylase enzyme, which is necessary for carboxylation of MGP. Discuss how the level of carboxilized MGP in the blood is associated with the risk of calcification of arteries and the risk of calcification of arteries and Cardiac diseases.

** (when expanding the VI.B. food sources of vitamin K2: Enzymed products and animal products, you can provide tables indicating the content of vitamin K2 in various products, including various forms of menachinones (MK-4, MK-7, MK-9, etc.). Discuss the effect of the method of cooking vitamin K2 in products. C.