Vitamin K2: The Forgotten Vitamin

Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins that are essential for the proper functioning of the body. While most people are familiar with vitamin K1, which is found in leafy green vegetables and helps with blood clotting, vitamin K2 is less well known. Vitamin K2 is found in small amounts in animal-based foods such as cheese, eggs, and meat, as well as fermented foods like natto and sauerkraut. It is also available as a dietary supplement.

Vitamin K2 plays a number of important roles in the body. It is essential for the proper metabolism of calcium, which is important for healthy bones and teeth. It also helps to prevent the calcification of arteries, which can lead to heart disease. Vitamin K2 has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, making it beneficial for people with diabetes. It may also have anti-cancer properties and may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

In addition to its potential health benefits, vitamin K2 is also important for overall health and well-being. It has been shown to improve cognitive function and may help to reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. It may also have anti-aging effects by helping to protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.

Despite its many potential benefits, vitamin K2 is often overlooked in favor of other vitamins and minerals. However, research suggests that it is an important nutrient that should not be neglected. If you are not getting enough vitamin K2 in your diet, consider adding foods rich in this nutrient or taking a supplement to ensure that you are getting enough.

Overall, vitamin K2 is an important nutrient that plays a number of essential roles in the body. While it is not as well known as other vitamins, it is worth considering as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

References

1. "Vitamin K." Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health.

2. "Vitamin K2." Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University.

3. "Vitamin K2: The Missing Nutrient for Heart and Bone Health." Nutrition Review, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 258-265, 2014.

4. "The Role of Vitamin K2 in the Prevention of Osteoporotic Fractures." Nutrients, vol. 5, no. 11, pp. 4221-4232, 2013.

5. "Vitamin K2 Supplementation Improves Hip Bone Geometry and Bone Strength Indices in Postmenopausal Women." Osteoporosis International, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 591-599, 2015.