Emerging research has highlighted vitamin K2 as a critical nutrient for both cardiovascular and bone health. Unlike vitamin K1, which is primarily involved in blood clotting, K2 activates proteins that regulate calcium deposition—preventing arterial calcification and improving bone density. A meta-analysis published in Advances in Nutrition reviewed 15 clinical trials and found that K2 supplementation reduced arterial stiffness by 12% and lowered the risk of coronary heart disease by 9%.
Dr. Sarah Booth, a nutrition scientist at Tufts University, noted that vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods like natto, cheese, and sauerkraut, but modern diets often lack sufficient amounts. “Most people don’t consume enough K2, which may contribute to the rising prevalence of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease,” she said. Some researchers advocate for updating dietary guidelines to include specific K2 recommendations, as current intake levels in Western populations are suboptimal.
A separate study in Osteoporosis International found that postmenopausal women taking K2 supplements experienced a 60% reduction in bone fracture risk compared to a control group. These findings suggest that K2 could be a game-changer in managing age-related bone loss. However, more long-term studies are needed to confirm its benefits and establish safe dosage limits.
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