Like the other various aspects of comprehensive wellness, both heart and bone health rely on a variety of nutrients to support optimal function. Yet, many of these nutrients also rely on other nutrients in order to be utilized, and sometimes even absorbed, properly by the human body. Calcium, for example, is often the first nutrient mentioned in regard to supporting optimal bone health. Yet, even calcium struggles to support proper bone health without the assistance of other nutrients like vitamins K2, D and A. That is not to say that vitamin K only enhances the function of other nutrients; in fact, the two unique forms of vitamin K have been recognized for making their own contributions to blood clotting and other aspects of healthy cardiovascular function.
This ability to not only provide its own benefits to whole body health but to also enhance the overall function and efficacy of other nutrients allows for vitamin K to support comprehensive wellness through a variety of avenues. Fortunately, both vitamins K1 and K2 can be found in a wide range of natural food sources. The nutraceutical industry has also spent many years developing products to ensure that the average person can obtain enough of this super vitamin to promote the optimal function of various processes throughout the body, particularly building strong bones and maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
What are the Differences Between Vitamins K1 and K2?
The term “vitamin K” actually refers to a class of two fat-soluble vitamins, phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and menaquinone (vitamin K2), that provide similar benefits to whole body health despite coming from different sources.
Vitamin K1
Vitamin K1 is often considered to be the plant-based form of vitamin K, because it is found in sources like blueberries, vegetable oils and leafy greens in addition to dairy products. Some of the most common leafy greens considered to be good sources of vitamin K1 include broccoli, kale, collard greens, brussels sprouts, turnip greens and spinach.
Vitamin K1 is also required by the liver for producing the necessary molecules for proper coagulation of the blood, making this vitamin a crucial component of the blood clotting process. This relationship with blood clotting also means that a deficiency of vitamin K1 could lead to an increased risk of hemorrhage. Unfortunately, vitamin K1 is neither highly bioavailable nor durable. In fact, a large percentage of any vitamin K1 obtained from dietary sources never gets absorbed by the body, and any vitamin K1 that does get absorbed does not survive in the body for very long.
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2, which can also be broken down into several subtypes, can also come from dietary sources. The various subtypes of vitamin K2 can be obtained most commonly from dairy products and certain fermented food products like sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) and natto (fermented soybeans). In addition to being found in dietary sources, vitamin K2 is also produced by some bacteria in the body’s gut microbiome.
As is the case with vitamin K1, the body requires vitamin K2 for proper blood coagulation and clotting. Fortunately, vitamin K2 is both more durable and more readily bioavailable than vitamin K1.
Supporting Optimal Cardiovascular Health with Vitamin K
Vitamin K2 further supports optimal heart health by helping the body metabolize calcium, which prevents calcification in the blood vessels. If not addressed properly, the accumulation of calcium in the bloodstream can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) and, eventually, more serious cardiovascular issues like strokes and heart attacks.
Supporting Optimal Bone Health with Vitamin K
Vitamin K2 also plays a critical role in building and maintaining strong, healthy bones. This nutrient works in tandem with vitamin D to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and the fractures that can occur as a result of reduced bone density. In fact, vitamin K2 and D3 actually enhance one another in a synergistic relationship.
In terms of rebuilding strong bones, vitamin K2 is required for remodeling the bone matrix. Over time, the body actually needs to replace the supplies of calcium stored in the bones. In order to do so, the body needs a molecule known as osteocalcin to deliver new calcium to the bone matrix, and these molecules can only be activated by vitamin K2. Due to this direct relationship between vitamin K2 and bone health, deficient levels of this vitamin have been connected to reduced bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Obtaining Vitamin K Through Professional Grade Nutraceuticals
To help people provide their bodies with the necessary amounts of vitamin K for supporting optimal cardiovascular and bone health, the nutraceutical industry has developed high quality products like ADK from EVEXIAS Health Solutions. This professional grade nutraceutical product contains a powerful, synergistic blend of the essential vitamins A, D3 and K2. Vitamin D has long been recognized for its ability to enhance the bioavailability of calcium; in fact, the body would not be able to properly absorb calcium into the bloodstream without the presence of vitamin D. Vitamin A, in addition to supporting healthy bone density, is a potent antioxidant that has been recognized for its ability to promote both optimal immune and cardiovascular function.
For more in-depth support of cardiovascular and bone health, as well as other aspects of whole-body health, EVEXIAS practitioners are equipped with the latest therapies and technologies. Discover an EvexiPEL Certified Provider near you today to learn more about optimizing comprehensive wellness with customized care.
