What is Vitamin K2
Calcification?
Preventing Vascular Calcification with Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 plays a critical role in regulating calcium metabolism and preventing vascular calcification. It activates Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), which inhibits calcium
Is calcium Causing Vascular accumulation in the arteries,
thereby reducing cardiovascular damage. Without sufficient Vitamin K2
When calcium levels are not properly managed, without factors like Vitamin K2, there is an increased risk of cardiovascular damage. With adequate Vitamin K2, it can lower the risk of cardiovascular damage because it activates matrix Gla protein (MGP), which helps inhibit the accumulation of calcium in blood vessel walls.
Calcium is predominantly stored in bones (99%), with a minimal amount present in blood and cells (1%). While calcium is essential for bone health, its role extends to various physiological functions crucial to human life, including blood clotting, nerve transmission, hormone secretion, muscle contraction regulation, and maintaining body pH balance. However, excessive calcium supplementation has raised concerns about cardiovascular health.
[Reid, I. R., Bolland, M. J., & Grey, A. (2014). "Calcium supplementation and cardiovascular risk: the last word?" The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 2(5), 341-342.]
A large-scale study tracking 219,059 men and 169,170 women over 12 years revealed that men consuming more than 1000 mg/day of calcium supplements faced a 20% higher risk of total cardiovascular death compared to non-users.
[ Bolland, M. J., Avenell, A., Baron, J. A., Grey, A., MacLennan, G. S., Gamble, G. D., & Reid, I. R. (2010). "Effect of calcium supplements on risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular events: meta-analysis." BMJ, 341, c3691.]
This elevated risk could be attributed to disruptions in calcium metabolism regulation, such as insufficient levels of Vitamin K2, which are crucial for maintaining calcium homeostasis in the body. Excessive calcium accumulation in the bloodstream can lead to calcification in various blood vessels, including arteries, veins, heart valves, coronary arteries, brain vessels, muscles, and ligaments. Coronary artery calcification reduces oxygen supply to the heart, increasing the likelihood of myocardial infarction. Similarly, calcification in brain vessels can contribute to conditions like dementia and cerebral hemorrhage.
The Side – effects of Statins on Osteoporosis
Preventing Osteoporosis with Vitamin K2
Statin medications, widely used to manage hyperlipidemia, have been linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis. Statins can interfere with metabolism of Vitamin K2, disrupting calcium regulation and contributing to bone loss. This demonstrates, Vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in preventing osteoporosis through regulating calcium metabolism, specifically directing calcium to the bones.
The prevalence of osteoporosis in the EU is projected to rise significantly, from 27.5 million in 2010 to 33.9 million in 2025 (Table 1).
[Bauer, D. C., et al. (2012). "Osteoporosis in Europe: The State of the Art." Osteoporosis International, 23(4), 1111-1124.]
With a notable portion of hyperlipidemia treatments relying on statins. As of 2018, statins alone accounted for approximately 78% of the hyperlipidemia drug market. (Table 2).
Table 1
Credit to international osteoporosis foundation
Table 2
The market size of the hyperlipidemia treatment
Credit to UBIST date
Research conducted at the Medical University of Vienna revealed a significant correlation between statin use and osteoporosis risk among 8 million individuals under 90 years old. Compared to the control group, those taking statins faced a 3.62-fold or higher increased risk of osteoporosis.
[Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. (2019). "Diagnosis of osteoporosis in statin-treated patients is dose-dependent." Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 78(7), 1003-1010.]
These findings underscore the critical role of Vitamin K2 in protecting bone health and preventing complications associated with calcium imbalance.
Resolution: Vitamin K2 for Proper Calcium Metabolism
Vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in regulating calcium metabolism by activating osteocalcin and Matrix Gla Protein (MGP). These proteins prevent calcium accumulation in blood vessels and facilitate its transfer from the bloodstream to the bones.
When Vitamin K2 is taken alongside calcium supplements, it ensures that calcium is directed towards bone growth and density, while preventing its deposition in blood vessels or coronary arteries, which can lead to heart disease.
Therefore, incorporating Vitamin K2 into one’s regimen is essential for preventing blood vessel calcification and promoting bone strength