Study highlights link between vitamin K insufficiency and cardiovascular mortality

New research published in Nutrients Journal has highlighted a strong link between low vitamin K status and cardiovascular mortality.

The population based study found that vitamin K insufficiency was present in almost one in three participants. These rates were higher in the elderly and subjects with conditions such as high blood pressure, type two diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin K2 (specifically the MK-7 form of vitamin K2) is vital for converting the inactive Matrix Gla-Protein into its active form, which prevents calcification of arteries and other soft tissues, the researchers explained.

Vitamin K2 is a fat-soluble vitamin needed for the maintenance of normal bones and blood clotting. It keeps calcium mobile and assists in the depositing of calcium into the bone mass rather than in the arteries which can cause calcification (hardening).

Vitamin K2 is difficult to source from the western diet, and is normally found in fermented foods such as natto (soya beans). This means that many individuals can benefit from taking a K2 supplement.

Our digestive bacteria do have ability to convert K1 to K2, however this is inefficient and modern-day diets have further reduced the efficiency of our gut to carry out this conversion.

Natural health experts BetterYou has developed a brand new optimal strength (180ug) Vitamin K2 Oral Spray which is fast absorbing, not reliant on food or water to take and is easy to use on the go.

Recent clinical studies suggest that K2 taken at this dosage helps to reduce bone loss and improves cardiovascular health through the reduction of arterial stiffness.

Vitamin oral sprays act fast to deliver vitamin K directly to the bloodstream via the soft tissue of our inner cheeks. A study published in The Nutritional Journal showed that vitamin absorption via an oral spray is 2.5 times more effective than vitamin capsules.

BetterYou Vitamin K2 Oral Spray retails at £17.95 and is available online at www.betteryou.com and from all good health stores.

K2 activates the proteins, Osteocalcin (incorporates calcium into bone) and Matrix Gla-Protein (prevents calcification of soft tissues), which both play vital roles in bone strength, density and circulatory health through the regulation of calcium.

References:

• http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/12/1334
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23525894
• https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12937-015-0105-1