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Willner Chemists: The Nutritional Supplement Professionals
Vitamin K, Cardiovascular Health and
Calcium Deposits
There are several forms of vitamin K used therapeutically.
Vitamin K1 (phytonadione) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone) are
the most common.
Vitamin K is most commonly used for blood clotting
problems. For example, vitamin K is used to reverse the effects
of "blood thinning" medications when too much is given. It is
also used to prevent clotting problems in newborns who don't
have enough vitamin K. Vitamin K is also given, as you might
expect, to treat and prevent vitamin K deficiency
An increased understanding of the role of vitamin K in the
body beyond blood clotting led some researchers to suggest
that the recommended amounts for dietary intake of vitamin K
be increased. In 2001, the National Institute of Medicine Food
and Nutrition Board increased their recommended amounts of
vitamin K slightly, but refused to make larger increases. They
explained there wasn't enough scientific evidence to make
larger increases in the recommended amount of vitamin K.
One of the reasons for increased interest in vitamin K is
related its possible role in preventing coronary calcification.
Vitamin K might play a role in the prevention of
atherosclerosis. The development of atherosclerosis is linked to
low serum levels of vitamin K.
Vitamin K is a cofactor for activation of matrix Gla-protein
by carboxylation. This protein is found in blood vessel walls,
where it inhibits vascular calcification. Vascular vitamin K
deficiency is thought to increase the amount of
undercarboxylated, non-functional matrix Gla-protein, leading
to increased calcification and atherosclerosis. Some population
research suggests that higher dietary intake of vitamin K2,
especially the MK-4 fraction, is associated with a reduced risk
of coronary calcification and risk of and mortality from
coronary heart disease. Interestingly enough, although there is
some discrepancy, overall it appears that dietary intake of
vitamin K1 does not seem to affect cardiovascular outcomes.
In hemodialysis patients, accelerated vascular calcification is
common due to low intakes and circulating levels of vitamin K
in these patients. A specific type of vitamin K2 (menaquinone-
7; MK-7) appears to reduce levels of the undercarboxylated,
non-functional matrix Gla-protein in these patients.
When people lose kidney function, they must go on dialysis
to cleanse the blood of water and waste--but they often see
calcium build up in blood vessels. Vitamin K2 may play a role
in controlling this calcium build-up.
Earlier studies found those on dialysis tended to have lower
levels of vitamin K2 compared to healthy people. In a recent
study, 50 people on dialysis took 360 mcg of vitamin K2, as
menaquinone-7, per day for four weeks.
Doctors measured a protein in the blood called matrix Gla
protein, or MGP, which inhibits calcium build-up in blood
vessels but needs vitamin K to activate this function. When
vitamin K levels are low, MGP becomes inactive.
Doctors found those with high levels of inactive MGP were
deficient in vitamin K2 and had more blood vessel
calcification. Compared to the start of the study, levels of
inactive MGP decreased 86 percent after taking vitamin K2 for
four weeks.
(Reference: BMC Nephrology; June, 2017, 18:191; Published
Online)
Thus, the protective role of vitamin K2 in preventing blood
vessel calcification seems to be validated.
Vitamin K2 can be found in various types of nutritional
supplements. Your multivitamin should contain vitamin K2.
Willvite, from Willner Chemist (#30439, #44384) contains 60
mcg as MK7, or 75% of the Daily Value in a full 4 tablet dose.
Bone Support supplements such as Jarrow Formulas Bone Up
will typically contain vitamin K2 among other bone support
nutrients. Several companies also combine vitamin K2 with
vitamin D. And, of course, there are numerous products that
contain vitamin K2 or MK7 alone, as a stand-alone
supplement. Please talk to one of the pharmacists or
nutritionists at Willner Chemists for assistance in selecting the
most appropriate vitamin K2 supplement for your specific
needs. Call 1-800-633-1106 or stop by the store (100 Park
Ave, New York, NY 10017 (corner 41st St.).
Vitamin K1 is generally the preferred form of vitamin K
because it is less toxic, works faster, is stronger, and works
better for certain conditions
T
here are several forms of Vitamin K used
therapeutically. Vitamin K1 (phytonadione) and Vitamin
K2 (menaquinone) are the most common.
The pharmacists and nutritionists at
Willner Chemists will be happy to
advise you about appropriate
supplementation.
The Willner Chemists web site is a
valuable resource for information
on nutritional supplements...
how to choose them,
and how to use them.
. . . and remember to visit Don’s
Blog
“
Vitamin K is a vitamin found in leafy green vegetables,
broccoli, and brussel sprouts. The name Vitamin K
comes from the German word "Koagulationsvitamin.”
