Introduction
Vitamin K2 (=menaquinone-7 or MK-7) is essential for the prevention of osteoporosis. At the same time it is also necessary for prevention of hardening of arteries. But a new study from April 2015 from the Maastricht University in the Netherlands has found that flexibility of arteries, which is associated with youthfulness, can be achieved in postmenopausal women aged 55 to 65 with vitamin K2. 244 postmenopausal women were part of this study; 124 of them received 180 micrograms of vitamin K2, the other 120 women served as a control group and received a placebo. The double blind, placebo-controlled trial lasted for 3 years.
Details of the study
The researchers took multiple blood tests to look for inflammatory markers, and they also took physical arterial measurements. Using an ultrasound machine they measured carotid intimal thickening and arterial stiffness by assessing the diameter of the artery at the end of a heartbeat (end-diastolic distension). The researchers also recorded carotid-femoral and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity, which gave some measure for aortic stiffness. After three years the carotid arterial stiffness in the vitamin K2 treatment group was 50% of the placebo group indicating that arterial flexibility can be acquired again with the help of vitamin K2. Cardiologists have long known about how important arterial flexibility is for prevention of heart attacks and strokes.
Other vitamin K2 studies
Researchers determined that vitamin D and vitamin K2 together lower calcium in the blood vessels and retain calcium in the bone thus preventing osteoporosis. This is particularly useful in postmenopausal women. This October 2014 publication mentions that apart from vitamin D and vitamin K2, resveratrol and inositol are additional factors helping to prevent heart disease and osteoporosis.
This September 2013 publication confirms that a deficiency for vitamin K2 is common in the general population. This deficiency leads to osteoporosis and calcification of the arterial wall and causes heart attacks, strokes and bone fractures. Supplementation with vitamin K2 every day is recommended to prevent this from occurring.
Vitamin K2 For Your Arteries
Conclusion
Vitamin K2 at a dose of 200 micrograms per day in combination with vitamin D3 (4000 to 5000 IU per day) have emerged recently as a powerful tool to prevent osteoporosis and hardening of the arteries. We need to use these supplements to prevent illness, suffering and premature deaths.
More info on arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries).
More info on causes of osteoporosis.
Reference:
