From the Guidelines
Vitamin K2 helps by bypassing the warfarin-sensitive vitamin KO reductase step in the formation of vitamin KH2, thereby overcoming the effect of warfarin on blood clotting. This is crucial for patients on warfarin therapy, as vitamin K2 can counteract the anticoagulant effect of warfarin by providing an alternative source of vitamin KH2 for the carboxylation of glutamic acid residues on coagulation factors 1. The vitamin K cycle is complex, and vitamin K2 plays a key role in activating proteins that regulate calcium distribution in the body, which can help prevent arterial calcification and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Key aspects of vitamin K2's benefits include:
- Activating proteins like osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein to regulate calcium distribution
- Supporting blood clotting by providing an alternative source of vitamin KH2
- Potentially improving insulin sensitivity and having anti-inflammatory properties
- Working synergistically with vitamin D3, calcium, and magnesium for bone health
It's essential to note that people on blood thinners, such as warfarin, should consult their healthcare providers before supplementing with vitamin K2, as it may interfere with these medications 1. Additionally, dietary sources of vitamin K, such as dark green vegetables and certain oils, can affect the body's response to warfarin therapy, and consistency in vitamin K intake is crucial for maintaining therapeutic INR levels.
From the Research
Health Benefits of Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including:
- Reducing the risk of bone fractures and improving bone health by facilitating the deposition of calcium in bones and preventing vascular calcification 2, 3, 4, 5
- Improving cardiovascular health by preventing vascular calcification and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease 2, 3, 6
- Managing diabetes and reducing the risk of complications 2, 6
- Reducing the risk of cancer by suppressing the growth of cancer cells via cell-cycle arrest, autophagy, and apoptosis 2
- Improving cognitive function and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease 2, 6
- Reducing inflammation and improving immune function by suppressing proinflammatory mediators such as IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α 2
Mechanism of Action
Vitamin K2 acts as a cofactor for the conversion of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) and matrix Gla protein (ucMGP) to their carboxylated forms, which is essential for bone health and vascular calcification prevention 2, 4, 5. It also upregulates osteoprotegerin, a decoy receptor for RANK ligand (RANKL), which inhibits bone resorption 2.
Supplementation and Bioavailability
Vitamin K2 supplementation has been shown to be effective in improving bone health and reducing the risk of fractures 3, 4, 5. It has higher bioavailability and a longer half-life compared to other vitamin K homologs, making it a more effective supplement 4. However, the optimal dosage and duration of supplementation are still being researched 6.