Essential for preserving the health of the skeleton and teeth, it removes calcium from the arteries to bring it to the bones. Here’s what to know
When we talk about vitamins, the first that comes to mind is almost always la C. On the contrary, the one probably least known is the vitamin Kof which there are two forms: the K1 (phylloquinone) and the K2 (menaquinone). These substances are united by a close bond, in the sense that it is above all from the first that the second is obtained. Furthermore, the vitamin K2 has a synergistic action with vitamin D.
vitamin k2
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If vitamin K1 plays a fundamental role in blood clotting, K2 is especially useful for the health of the skeleton and teeth. Phylloquinone is found in several foods, while menaquinone is produced from a fermentation process which takes place in the intestine and involves the bacteria present in this organ and phylloquinone. The main food sources of vitamin K1 are green leafy vegetables (spinach, chard, cabbage, broccoli, rocket etc.) and theolive oil. Although to a lesser extent, they also contain this substance pork and beef and the egg yolk. “In reality, there are also foods that contain vitamin K2. The ‘problem’ is that they are little known in Italy. These are fermented foods, among which the most consumed in our country is undoubtedly kefir. The menaquinone however, it is also found in nattoa traditional Japanese dish obtained from the fermentation of soy beans, and in fermented vegetables and cheeses” specifies the Dr. Federica Grandi, dietician at the Eating Disorders Treatment Center of the San Pietro Polyclinic in Ponte San Pietro (Bergamo). In these cases, Vitamin K2 is produced outside the bodywhile when you eat foods that contain vitamin K1 it is produced in the intestine.
fights osteoporosis
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The specific function of vitamin K2 consists in removing calcium from the bloodstream to direct it tostrengthening of the bones. “By reducing the concentration of circulating calcium in the blood flowing through the arteries, menaquinone avoids calcification of these vessels, thus preventing cardiovascular problems” underlines Dr. Grandi. However, the main effect of vitamin K2 remains that of preserve the condition of the teeth and skeleton. Therefore, it is useful for preventing osteoporosis. The action of this substance on the bones is synergistic with that of vitamin D. In fact, the latter fixes the calcium in the skeleton that brought the menaquinone after removing it from the blood circulation of the arteries. If until some time ago for prevent osteoporosis supplements containing only vitamin D were available, recently some have also been found that contain both this vitamin and K2. “Any supplement should be taken under medical advice. In particular, those who follow one should pay particular attention to the use of vitamin K ones anticoagulant therapybecause these products interfere with blood clotting” recommends the expert.
Vitamin K2 deficiencies
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To avoid vitamin K2 deficiencies it is essential to follow a diet that includes the consumption of foods that contain it or, especially in our latitudes, that contain vitamin K1. “Even those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, who therefore renounce from the start the menaquinone contained in meat and in the case of vegans also that found in egg yolk, should be careful about the vegetable sources you bring to the table” warns Dr. Grandi. Since the process of transformation of vitamin K1 into vitamin K2 takes place in the intestine, to reduce the risk of deficiencies of the latter it is essential to preserve the health of this organ. In particular, the dysbiosis, i.e. the alterations of the normal bacterial flora, which can have negative effects on the fermentation from which menaquinone originates. In addition to following a healthy diet, regular exercise is essential to maintaining intestinal well-being physical activity.
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