Where to purchase vitamin k2

Vitamin K has antioxidant properties. It protects cellular membranes from damage due to excess free radicals, in a process known as peroxidation. Blood thinning medication, such as warfarin, can lower the antioxidative potential of vitamin K. Vitamins K-1 and K-2 have different chemical structures. Both types have a phytyl side chain, but K-2 also has isoprenoid side chains. K-2 has several subtypes, called menaquinones MKs , which scientists have numbered MK-4 through MK, based on the length of their side chains.

K-1 is the primary form of the vitamin, and it is mainly present in leafy green vegetables. However, the body has difficulty absorbing vitamin K-1 from plants. According to a review , research suggests that the body absorbs 10 times more vitamin K-2, in the form of MK-7, than vitamin K Bacteria in the gut can synthesize vitamin K-1 into vitamin K Also, fermented foods, meat, and dairy products contain modest amounts of vitamin K The body stores vitamins K-1 and K-2 differently.

K-1 accumulates in the liver, heart, and pancreas. K-2 occurs in high concentrations in the brain and kidneys. Several foods are rich in vitamin K-1, and vitamin K-2 is much less common. Bacteria in the gut can convert some K-1 into K Also, because it is fat-soluble, organ meats and high-fat dairy products contain fairly substantial quantities of vitamin K Conversely, lean meats, such as poultry, are not good sources of K In addition to its crucial role in blood clotting and wound healing, vitamin K-2 has a number of other health benefits.

We discuss some of these below. According to a review article , K-2 activates a protein that prevents calcium deposits from forming in the walls of blood vessels. The author cited findings suggesting that a diet high in natural vitamin K2 may decrease the risk of coronary heart disease. Vitamin K-2 promotes healthy bone mineral density by carboxylating osteocalcin, a protein that binds calcium to bones. A study investigated the effects of taking MK-4 supplements in 29 postmenopausal females who had experienced hip or vertebral compression fractures.

A study from Japan examined whether vitamin K-2 enhances the effects of standard medication for osteoporosis in adult females aged 65 or older. According to the results, vitamin K-2 did not appear to enhance the effects of the osteoporosis medication.

A study investigated the effects of vitamin K-2 in rats with metabolic syndrome, high blood glucose levels and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and memory deficit. After 10 weeks, treatment with vitamin K had normalized blood glucose and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, it did not improve memory deficit in the rats. Vitamin K-2 has antioxidant properties that may help protect against cancer.

In addition, findings suggest that K-2 may suppress genetic processes that lead to tumor growth. According to a study , vitamin K-2 that scientists had modified with a sialic acid-cholesterol conjugate significantly suppressed tumor growth in mouse cells.

A study suggests that K-2 significantly reduces the activity of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha HIF-1A in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

HIF-1A is an important target for cancer drug therapy. The Office of Dietary Supplements ODS recommend a daily intake of micrograms mcg of vitamin K for adult males and 90 mcg for adult females. There is no specific recommendation for vitamin K Newborns and people with certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac disease and ulcerative colitis, have a higher risk of vitamin K deficiency.

A severe deficiency increases the time it takes for the blood to clot, making a person more prone to bruising and bleeding and increasing the risk of hemorrhage. Certain medications can affect vitamin K levels in the body.

For example, long courses of antibiotics can kill the gut bacteria that produce vitamin K. Blood thinners, such as warfarin, can interact dangerously with the vitamin. It is important for people taking these medications to consume the same amount of dietary vitamin K each day and to speak to a doctor before taking supplements or making dietary changes.

While the ODS report that vitamin K deficiency is very rare and that most people are getting enough of the vitamin from their diet, anyone at risk of a deficiency may wish to consider dietary supplements. Many multivitamins contain both forms of vitamin K. A person can also purchase vitamin K as a standalone supplement or in combination with specific nutrients, such as vitamin D , calcium, or magnesium.

The types of vitamin K commonly available in dietary supplements include :. The concentrations of K-1 and K-2 vary, depending on the supplement. Always check the nutrition label before purchasing supplements.

Vitamin K can interact with some drugs, especially blood thinners, so it is important for people taking prescription medications to speak to their doctor before using a dietary supplement. A variety of vitamin K supplements are available to purchase online. K-1 primarily occurs in leafy green vegetables, and it is the main dietary source of vitamin K. However, the body absorbs K-2 more readily, particularly the K-2 subtype MK Good sources of vitamin K-2 include fermented foods, organ meats, and dairy products.

Fermented soybeans, such as natto, are an especially rich source of vitamin K Small amounts can also be found in meat such as chicken and dairy foods. Those taking anticoagulants should also take heed of the experience of an Ayrshire man with a mechanical heart, who was hospitalised after his eating too many Brussels sprouts - which contain lots of Vitamin K - counteracted their effect.

So why are Vitamin K, and particularly Vitamin K2, supplements on the rise? Laura Jones, a global food science analyst at Mintel, says recent research has revealed Vitamin K2 has much broader health benefits than previously thought, and is increasingly being seen as a bone health ingredient.

In comparison vitamin K2 has a longer half-life of up to 72 hours, meaning it remains biologically active in the body for longer. It directs calcium to the bones, and prevents it from being deposited where it shouldn't be, for example arteries and organs, where it can cause harm," she says.

The health claims for Vitamin K have had support from the European Food Safety Authority in recent years, with the body stating that "Vitamin K contributes to maintenance of normal bone," and "Vitamin K contributes to normal blood coagulation".

The ageing population - especially in major markets like Europe, Japan, China and the US - is also having an impact on supplement sales, with an increase in osteoporosis resulting in more interest in bone health. And while calcium and Vitamin D continue to be the most common vitamins in food and supplements making a bone health claim, Jones thinks that as consumers' awareness of Vitamin K2 increases, so will its prevalence.

Vitamin K is connected with clotting - too much can have a negative impact if, for instance, you're taking medicine like warfarin," she says. You can follow the Magazine on Twitter and on Facebook. Not everybody will have heard of Vitamin K2. Newborn babies are given a dose of Vitamin K.