Vitamin K2 for Optimal Heart Health

Vitamin K supplements are highly recommended due to the role this essential nutrient plays in bone health and proper blood flow, but vitamin K does much more than that. Research shows that it also promotes optimal heart health [1]. There are several different forms of vitamin K, but the two most commonly consumed forms are vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone).

Vitamin K1 is mostly found in green leafy vegetables and it makes up more than 75% of the vitamin K that is consumed through the diet [1, 2]. Vitamin K2 or menaquinone (MK) is mainly found in fermented foods (e.g., soy beans) and animal foods (e.g., cheese). There are several subtypes of vitamin K2 that range from MK-4 to MK13. In terms of health benefits, vitamin K2 is the most active form, is better absorbed by the body, and remains in the bloodstream longer than vitamin K1 [3].

Research shows that vitamin K supports heart health by influencing the transportation of calcium toward the bones and away from the wall of the arteries [1, 4]. Excessive calcium in the arterial walls can alter their flexibility, change blood flow, and also increase the heart's workload [5]. Arteries supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood. Vitamin K supplementation promotes proper calcium channeling that supports optimal elasticity (flexibility) of the arterial walls. More specifically, regular vitamin K intake boosts the activity of a specific protein called matrix Gla-protein (MGP). This protein targets and redirects calcium transport, thereby reducing the amount of calcium that can travel into the cell walls of the arteries [4]. This process enhances overall heart function by supporting proper blood circulation and nutrient transfer.

There are a number of factors (e.g., low vitamin K levels) that may disrupt the production of MGP [4]. Fortunately, vitamin K supplementation helps heighten the body’s natural production of MGP, which helps redirect calcium away from the arterial walls [6]. Since vitamin K2 is more powerful than vitamin K1, supplementation with both types of K vitamins affords individuals with greater health benefits [6]. Therefore, a variety of vitamin K-rich foods as well as a carefully formulated supplement that contains both forms should be consumed regularly to ensure that the body can consistently receive adequate amounts of this vital nutrient.

KD Ultra is an exclusive supplement that contains vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 as MK-4, MK-6 MK-7, and MK-9. This combination supports optimal levels of different forms of vitamin K, this heightening your body’s natural ability to promote strong bones, healthy arteries, and enhanced heart function. It also contains Vitamin D, which is important for bone support. KD Ultra’s formula is based on research that demonstrates how vitamin D and vitamin K work together to help individuals experience enhanced bone and cardiovascular health [7], making it a vital foundation for those who want to enjoy an enhanced quality of life.   

References

  1. van Ballegooijen AJ, Beulens JW. The Role of Vitamin K Status in Cardiovascular Health: Evidence from Observational and Clinical Studies. Curr Nutr Rep. 2017;6(3):197-205.
  2. Beulens JW, Booth SL, et al. The role of menaquinones (vitamin K₂) in human health. Br J Nutr . 2013;110(8):1357-68.
  3. Booth SL, Al Rajabi A. Determinants of vitamin K status in humans. Vitam Horm. 2008;78:1-22.
  4. Beulens JW, et al. High dietary menaquinone intake is associated with reduced coronary calcification. Atherosclerosis . 2009;203(2):489-93.
  5. Kalra SS, Shanahan CM. Vascular calcification and hypertension: cause and effect. Ann Med. 2012;44 Suppl 1:S85-92.
  6. Schurgers LJ, Spronk HM, Soute BA, et al. Regression of warfarin-induced medial elastocalcinosis by high intake of vitamin K in rats. Blood. 2007;109(7):2823-31.
  7. van Ballegooijen AJ, Pilz S, et al. The Synergistic Interplay between Vitamins D and K for Bone and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review. Int J Endocrinol. 2017; 2017:7454376.