At Dr. Roze Biohealth Clinic in Dubai, we believe in the importance of a balanced and nutrient-rich diet for optimal health. One nutrient that is often overlooked but can have significant health benefits is vitamin K2. In this blog post, we will explore why you should add vitamin K2 to your daily diet and the key benefits explained.

Table of contents

• What is Vitamin K2?
  
• Why You Should Add Vitamin K2 to Your Daily Diet
  
• FAQ

What is Vitamin K2?

Vitamin K2 is a lesser-known form of vitamin K that plays a crucial role in the body.
You may have heard about vitamin K. It plays a big role in blood clotting, bone health and heart health.

What you may not know is that vitamin K is actually a name given to a class of vitamins. What we commonly think of as vitamin K includes vitamin K1 (also called phylloquinone), as well as vitamin K2 (menaquinone). They work differently in your body and come from different food sources.

Vitamin K1 comes from plant sources, like leafy greens and blueberries. While vitamin K2 is found naturally in certain vegetables such as spinach and kale, fermented foods such as natto, cheese, and sauerkraut and animal sources include beef liver, egg yolk and grass fed butter. Vitamin K2 is also produced by bacteria in the gut.

Whereas vitamin K1 is quickly filtered out of your blood — often within a matter of hours, vitamin K2 has the potential to be longer-lasting. That means it stays in your body longer — several days even — and has more time to do its good work.

There are two main forms of vitamin K2:

• MK-4
• MK-7

MK-4 is found in animal products, while MK-7 is found in fermented foods and supplements. Both forms of vitamin K2 have been shown to have health benefits.

Why You Should Add Vitamin K2 to Your Daily Diet

• Supports Bone Health
  Vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in bone health by activating a protein called osteocalcin, which is essential for bone mineralization. Osteocalcin helps to bring calcium and other minerals into the bones, making them stronger and more resilient.Vitamin K2 works together with Vitamin D3 to support healthy bones. In simple terms, vitamin K2 helps to make sure that calcium is deposited where it needs to be in the bones and not elsewhere such as the arteries.
  Several studies have shown that vitamin K2 supplementation can improve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women. It may also be beneficial for people with osteoporosis or other bone disorders.
  In Japan and other parts of Asia, one kind of vitamin K2 (MK-4), is used as a treatment for osteoporosis.

• Protects Against Cardiovascular Disease
  Vitamin K2 may also help protect against cardiovascular disease by preventing the buildup of calcium in the arteries. When calcium accumulates in the arteries, it can lead to atherosclerosis, which is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
  Studies have shown that vitamin K2 supplementation can reduce the amount of calcium in the arteries and improve overall cardiovascular health. It may also help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of blood clots.

• Supports Dental Health
  Vitamin K2 may also play a role in dental health by supporting the development and maintenance of strong teeth. Osteocalcin, the protein activated by vitamin K2, is also involved in the formation of tooth enamel, and helps to bring calcium and other minerals into the enamel.
  Studies have shown that vitamin K2 supplementation can improve dental health by reducing the risk of cavities and supporting healthy gums. It may also help to prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems.

• May Reduce Cancer Risk
  There is some evidence to suggest that vitamin K2 may also help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate and liver cancer. One study found that men who consumed the most vitamin K2 had a significantly lower risk of prostate cancer. While more research is needed to fully understand the role of vitamin K2 in cancer prevention, these findings are promising and suggest that vitamin K2 may have powerful anti-cancer properties.