What is vitamin K2 and what is it for?

Understand what vitamin K2 is for and what benefits it brings to your health

Consumption of foods containing vitamin K, especially K2, is extremely important for the health of the human body. Nutrients are most easily found in animal foods, but they can also be produced by the body and even come in the form of supplements. Understand what it is for and what the benefits of vitamin K2 are.

What is vitamin K2 used for?

Known as menaquinone, vitamin K2 is important for blood clotting in wounds and maintaining bone stiffness. Vitamin K2 is used by several proteins in the body that help in the clotting process. Its consumption prevents, for example, osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Definition and classification of vitamins K

Vitamins K are fat soluble. This means that the action of lipids, in addition to bile and pancreatic juice, is necessary to be absorbed, and of fats to be transported throughout the body. In addition to being of animal origin, vitamins K are produced by the bacteria of the intestinal flora.

Differences between vitamin K1 and K2

There are two main types of vitamin K that can be found naturally: K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone). K3 (menadione) also exists, but it is produced synthetically and is taken in the form of supplements. Vitamin K2 is the one that remains in the body the longest.

Food sources of vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 is found in various foods, such as some types of cheese (gouda and blue) and egg yolks, as well as beef and chicken. Other foods include liver, lard, milk, butter, curd, and natto, a Japanese food made from fermented soybeans.

Functions of vitamin K2 in the body

The term “vitamin K” comes from the German word “koagulation”, which means coagulation. Vitamin K2 helps produce proteins that prevent clotting. In addition to its anticoagulant and bone-strengthening effect, vitamin K2 also serves to prevent the accumulation of calcium in the vessels, which can lead to cardiovascular disease. The Ministry of Health recommends the application of a vitamin K2 injection to newborns in the first hour of life.

Potential anti-inflammatory benefits

Foods rich in vitamin K have properties that help prevent internal inflammation in the body. Furthermore, vitamin K2 is of considerable importance for liver health.

Symptoms associated with vitamin K2 deficiency

Some symptoms that may indicate a vitamin K2 deficiency are increased bruising throughout the body, weakening of bones, and bleeding or hemorrhaging. Even so, it is rare for the body to lack the vitamin. It is more common for children to have a deficiency of vitamin K in their body because their liver functions may not be fully formed.

What happens if the body is deficient in vitamin K2?

When the body has a low level of vitamin K2, the risk of weakening of the bones increases, which can lead to bone fractures. Additionally, the condition can lead to clotting and bleeding problems.

How to prevent vitamin K2 deficiency

The best way to prevent vitamin K2 deficiency is to eat well. And if, for some specific reason, what you eat is not enough to meet your vitamin K needs, there is the option of taking vitamin supplements.

How to supplement vitamin K2

It is possible to take a vitamin K2 supplement when tests indicate that there is a deficiency of the substance in the body. For example, there are vitamin K supplements combined with vitamin D. However, medical supervision is important, since excessive use of the substance can lead to other health problems. Particular attention should be paid to patients taking anticoagulant drugs and pregnant women. In both cases the integration must be carried out strictly under the guidance of a specialist.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.