Vitamin K2 : Letโs talk about vitamin K2. Itโs one of those vitamins that, truely doesnโt get as much attention as vitamin A, C or D. But trust me, itโs a real unsung hero, quietly working behind the scenes to keep our bodies running smoothly.
So, what exactly is vitamin K2?
Well, itโs part of the vitamin K family, which also includes vitamin K1. While K1 is primarily involved in blood clotting, K2 takes on a different, but equally essential role: calcium regulation.
Consider it as the traffic cop for calcium, directing it to where it should goโyour bones and teethโand keeping it away from where it shouldnโt goโyour arteries and soft tissues.
Now, why is this calcium regulation so important?ย
Imagine calcium as a building material. You need it to build strong bones and teeth, right? But if that calcium starts accumulating in your arteries, it can lead to calcification, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Vitamin K2 helps prevent this by activating proteins like matrix GLA protein (MGP) and osteocalcin. MGP inhibits calcium buildup in arteries, while osteocalcin helps bind calcium to your bones.
Think of it like this: you want to build a sturdy house (your bones), but you donโt want the bricks (calcium) piling up in the street (your arteries). Vitamin K2 is the foreman, ensuring the bricks get delivered to the right place.
But hereโs the kicker: many of us arenโt getting enough K2. Itโs not as famous in the modern Western diet as it once was. Historically, our ancestors consumed more fermented foods and animal products from grass-fed animals, which are rich in K2.
So, where can you find this specific vitamin?
Here are some good sources:
Natto:ย This fermented soybean dish, a staple in Japanese cuisine, is one of the richest sources of K2. It has a very distinct taste, and some people find it hard to acquire a taste for it.
Fermented foods:ย Other fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi also contain K2, but the amount of K2 is very less in these foods compared to though in natto.
Animal products:ย Grass-fed butter, egg yolks, and certain cheeses are good sources of vitamin K2.
Liver:ย Animal liver, especially goose and chicken liver, are very rich in K2.
Now, you might be amazing, โDo I need to take a supplement?โ
Thatโs a question best answered by your doctor. However, if youโre concerned about your K2 intake, a supplement might be worth considering, especially if you have risk factors for osteoporosis or heart disease. Itโs always a good idea to discuss it with a healthcare professional to ensure itโs right for you.
When choosing a supplement, youโll likely come across two main forms of K2: MK-4 and MK-7. Now you will be thinking which one are better either MK-4 or MK-7.Please note that MK-7 is generally considered more effective because it stays in the body longer, providing sustained benefits.
Beyond bone and heart health, recent research suggests that vitamin K2 may also play a role in other areas, such as brain health and even cancer prevention. While more research is needed, these findings are promising.
Based on the role, vitamin K2 is a quiet guardian, working tirelessly to ensure our bodies function optimally. Itโs a reminder that sometimes, the most important things are the ones we donโt see or hear about. So, letโs give vitamin K2 the recognition it deserves. Whether through diet or supplementation, ensuring enough K2 intake is a worthwhile investment in our long-term health. Itโs about keeping our bodies strong, our hearts healthy, and our future bright.
Disclaimer: This article is for the purpose of general information & awareness and it is not a substitute of the treatment.If you feel deficiency of Vitamin K2 or have any other health issues then please consult your doctor.