The Value Of K Vitamins And Their Function in the Body

According to the International Science and Health Foundation (ISHF) there are 17 different VKDPs that have been identified. Vitamin K kicks in and activates these proteins (including osteocalcin in the skeletal bones) as well as Matric Gla Protein (MGP) that is present in the arteries, as well as activating blood-clotting abilities via the liver.

The body is totally dependent on vitamin K to bind calcium to the surface of the bones and to prevent it being deposited in the arteries. Vitamin K also helps to coagulate the blood. If there is insufficient vitamin K in the system, then these vital proteins (VKDPs) will stay inactive and the body’s health will be seriously compromised. The result will likely be weak bones (and the threat of osteoporosis) as well as stiff, inelastic arteries (and the threat of cardiovascular problems.)

Other Benefits Of Vitamin K

While vitamin K (specifically vitamin K2) has been singled out in terms of its value to prevent osteoporosis and cardiac disease, it also has potential benefits for:

• Countering tumors
• Improving brain health
• Improving the condition of the central nervous system
• Inflammation
• Skin health

Additionally, emerging health applications singled out by ISHF are:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Dementia
• Parkinson’s Disease

Chronic kidney disease is commonly a predictor of mortality that is associated with vascular calcification and serious cardiovascular problems likely to be fatal. Both are often associated with a deficiency in vitamin K that can often be treated effectively with supplements. 

Diabetes is another disease that has serious vascular complications that commonly results in life-saving amputation of limbs (usually toes, feet and legs.) It is also proven that diabetes increases not only vascular calcification but that it also accelerates atherosclerosis. It often leads to cardiovascular problems that ultimately end in death. While vitamin K is not a proven therapeutic option, it is one that scientists are looking at, and one that is likely to be studied further.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease are attracting increased research studies, but the impact of vitamin K on dementia is in its very early stages. However, at least one relatively recent 2001 study has found that vitamin K could help patients improve cognitive control. Apart from anything else, it is a well-established fact that proteins dependent on vitamin K play a key role in the human nervous system.  

Parkinson’s Disease is a dreaded mitochondrial disease that affects the brain and neural communication. While no human studies involving vitamin K2 have been done yet, a study that involved fruit flies has given scientists encouragement to see if they can find links that could help patients. 

Current Research Involving Vitamin K2

Most of the current research involving vitamin K2 relates to osteoporosis and heart health, but there is also interesting ongoing research that relates to aging. For example:

• A three-year Norwegian study published earlier this year indicated that vitamin K2 can successfully improve arterial flexibility and reduce the risk of cardiovascular risk. Participants included 244 healthy women between the ages of 55 and 65.
• A current study at Boston’s Tufts University that is aiming to identify vitamin K-dependent pathways in the progress of osteoarthritis.
• A study underway at Tufts University’s Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging is looking at vitamin K and how it affects aging. Additionally it is looking at the association between vitamin K and knee osteoarthritis in older adults, amongst other things.