In the groups receiving high-dose vitamin K1 or K2 (MK-4), not only was there no further arterial calcium accumulation, there was a 37% reduction of previously accumulated arterial calcification after six weeks.
Scientifically reviewed by Dr. Gary Gonzalez, MD, in May 2022. Written by: Jennifer Ming. In a new study, scientists have presented powerful evidence that vitamin K2 can reduce the progression of atherosclerosis, the “blockage” of the arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
A daily K2 dosage of 75–120 µg, a range encompassing the recommended dose in many countries, provides adequate osteocalcin activation. A dose of 375 µg per day, however, may provide more efficient osteocalcin activation and, therefore, better utilisation of available calcium for bone building.
Vitamin K (phytonadione) starts working in six to 10 hours and reaches maximum effect in 24 to 48 hours (one to two days).
Increased vitamin K2 intake may reduce arterial stiffness, slow progression of vascular and valvular calcification, lower the incidence of diabetes and coronary artery disease, and decrease cardiovascular mortality.
It is responsible for making blood coagulate or thicken, to form a clot. Clotting stops the flow of blood anytime we scrape our knees or get a nasty paper cut.
In contrast, vitamin K2 is associated with the inhibition of arterial calcification and arterial stiffening. An adequate intake of vitamin K2 has been shown to lower the risk of vascular damage because it activates matrix GLA protein (MGP), which inhibits the deposits of calcium on the walls.
You can take vitamin K2 at any time of the day, as long as it's with a meal or snack that contains some fat.
How much vitamin K2 do you need a day? Adults should ensure they are getting between 100 and 300 micrograms of vitamin K2 per day. Children under 12 need just 45 micrograms per day. People with particular medical conditions may need more, as recommended by their doctor.
You can take vitamin K supplements at any time of day with a meal or snack that contains fat.
You can “unclog” your arteries with natural methods, including diet, exercise, and stress management. Quitting smoking, if you smoke, can also help reverse plaque.
Both Vitamin K2 as MK-4 and MK-7 are nearly completely absorbed, with peak serum concentration at 2 hours for MK-4 and 4 hours for MK-7 after intake. However, MK-4 quickly disappears from the circulation, whereas MK-7 is capable of accumulating in the bloodstream (remaining in the body for approximately 72 hours).
So, vitamin K2 helps to keep calcium out of your arteries and in your bones, which is exactly where you want it. Plus, it keeps your arteries flexible and responsive, your circulation robust—and your risk of vascular disease lower.
Vitamin K2's role in heart health
They found that Vitamin K2 intake (of about 25 μg/day) reduced the risk of dying from heart disease by 57%.
Accordingly, subjects in the Rotterdam Study with the highest vitamin K2 intake consumed more total and saturated fats and also had lower total cholesterol values and higher levels of heart-protective HDL cholesterol.
In vitro (15–19) and animal (19–23) studies suggest biological mechanisms through which magnesium may prevent or reverse plaque formation and calcification.
Vitamin K toxicity is extremely rare. The only reported toxicity comes from menadione, which has no use in humans. Its toxicity is thought to be associated with its water-soluble properties. When toxicity does occur, it manifests with signs of jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia, hemolytic anemia, and kernicterus in infants.
When taken by mouth: The two forms of vitamin K (vitamin K1 and vitamin K2) are likely safe when taken appropriately. Vitamin K1 10 mg daily and vitamin K2 45 mg daily have been safely used for up to 2 years.
Vitamin K2 Contraindications
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any single vitamin or multivitamin. Do not use this medicine if you are under 18 years old.
Less is known about the absorption of vitamin K2. Yet experts believe that because K2 is often found in foods that contain fat, it may be better absorbed than K1 ( 2 ). This is because vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. Fat-soluble vitamins are much better absorbed when eaten with dietary fat.
The researchers were also able to determine that the energy production was restored because the vitamin K2 had improved electron transport in the mitochondria. Vitamin K2 plays a role in the energy production of defective mitochondria.
Current research shows the important synergistic relationship between Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D3. Taking Vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2 helps to ensure the calcium transported by the Vitamin D is absorbed by your bones where it's needed, rather than accumulating in deposits in your arteries.
Adequate dietary vitamin K2 prevents calcification of our skin's elastin, the protein that gives skin the ability to spring back, smoothing out lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin K2 (VK2, menaquinone) has been investigated as a potential anti-inflammatory and protective drug in type 2 diabetes mellitus and has been used in the treatment of liver cirrhosis (Li et al. 2018).