HEALTH REPORT
Revitalising your heart: the power of vitamin K2
Dr Brad McEwen explores the potent power of vitamin K2, the unsung hero in the quest for optimal cardiovascular health.
Vitamin K isn't just another vitamin on the shelf; it holds the potential to transform cardiovascular health. Let's dive into the wonders of this fat- soluble vitamin, which wears multiple hats - from promoting bone health and reducing cardiovascular risks to decelerating age-related chronic diseases. But here’s the catch: not all vitamin K is made equal. While Vitamin K includes phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinone (vitamin K2), and menadione (vitamin K3), it's vitamin K2 (specifically menaquinone-7 - MenaQ7) that steals the show. Research unveils its enhanced absorption, superior bioavailability, and extended half-life, making it more potent than its siblings. The villain in our story? Coronary artery calcification—a prime predictor of heart ailments. While a vitamin K deficiency is a conspirator in vascular calcification, a diet rich in vitamin K2 combats coronary artery calcification, slashing the risk of heart diseases. That's not all; those consuming generous amounts of menaquinones have shown fewer instances of breast arterial calcification. One groundbreaking trial unveiled the potency of vitamin K2. Postmenopausal
women, after a 3-year regimen of vitamin K2 (MenaQ7) at 180 micrograms daily, demonstrated remarkable reductions in arterial stiffness – a precursor of cardiovascular disease. The accolades for vitamin K2 don’t stop here. Patients with type 2 diabetes, prone to peripheral arterial disease, find hope in vitamin K2. A 12-year study, involving 36,629 patients, revealed a
K2 specifically associates with lowered triglyceride levels. Can your diet provide adequate vitamin K2 intake? Dietary sources like fermented
foods, natto (a traditional Japanese food), grass-fed meats, and certain aged cheeses are rich in K2. However, the modern diet, rich in processed foods, often lacks these traditional nutrient-dense foods. This shift in our diets underscores the significance of either incorporating more of these foods or considering supplementation, especially for those at higher risk of heart diseases. While immediate symptoms of vitamin K2 deficiency aren't overtly noticeable, the long- term implications can be detrimental. It’s much like a silent undercurrent that affects your health over time. This makes
Without vitamin K2 , calcium can get deposited in arteries instead of bones, leading to arterial calcification, a significant risk factor for heart diseases.
While immediate symptoms of vitamin K2 deficiency aren't overtly noticeable, the long-term implications can be detrimental.
significant drop in peripheral arterial disease risks among high vitamin K2 consumers, especially those grappling with diabetes or high blood pressure.
it even more essential to keep tabs on your vitamin K2 levels and understand its crucial role in heart and overall health. Dr Brad McEwen is a naturopath, herbalist, nutritionist, educator, researcher and mentor. References available on request.
Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions amplifying heart disease risks, bows down to vitamin K2. While high vitamin K status links to decreased waist circumference, vitamin
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ISSUE 69 • 2023
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