Vitamin K

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The Bodyshock.pro store offers a wide selection of preparations rich in vitamin K both in the form of mono-preparations and complex supplements. Vitamin K over the counter capsules: vitamin K MenaQ7, vitamin K2MK-7 Natto, vitamin k2 d3, vitamin k2, vitamin k2 mk7, vitamin k2 omega 3.

Vitamin K1 vs. K2: Know the differences that are crucial for your health

When we say "vitamin K," we are talking about a whole family of compounds. The two most important of them are vitamin K1 and K2. Although they belong to the same group, their roles in the body are completely different, and understanding this difference is the foundation of conscious supplementation.

Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone): The guardian of proper blood clotting

Vitamin K1 is the one we most often learned about in school. Its main task is to activate proteins in the liver that are essential for the proper blood clotting process. It is thanks to it that a small cut does not end in a dangerous hemorrhage. Its main dietary sources are green leafy vegetables, such as kale, spinach, broccoli, or lettuce. K1 deficiencies are rare in healthy adults, because the body can store it, and a diet rich in vegetables usually covers the need. Its role, although absolutely crucial, is very specialized.

Vitamin K2 (menaquinone): The intelligent distributor of calcium in the body

Vitamin K2 is a true star of recent years, whose extraordinary properties are the subject of intense research. Its action is concentrated outside the liver – in the bones, blood vessels, and other tissues. The main task of vitamin K2 is to manage calcium metabolism. It is the one that decides where the calcium circulating in the blood should go. Its sources are mainly fermented products (especially Japanese natto) and animal products, such as egg yolks, butter, or cheeses, from grass-fed animals. Unfortunately, it is very scarce in the typical Western diet, which makes supplementation extremely important.

Vitamin K2 protects arteries from calcium

For years, we've heard that we need calcium for strong bones. Many people, especially older people, supplement it in large doses, often in combination with vitamin D3, which increases its absorption. However, research from recent years has revealed the so-called "calcium paradox." It turned out that in people with vitamin K2 deficiency, the supplemented calcium, instead of going to the bones, can deposit in the walls of blood vessels, leading to their calcification, stiffness, and the development of atherosclerosis. Vitamin K2 is the missing link that solves this paradox.

Imagine this process in three simple steps:

Step 1: Vitamin D3 absorbs calcium into the blood

You take a meal rich in calcium or a supplement. Vitamin D3 ensures that the calcium is effectively absorbed from the intestines and enters your bloodstream. At this moment, calcium is like a traveler who has arrived at a large railway station (the bloodstream), but does not know which train to get on.

Step 2: Vitamin K2 activates transport proteins

Vitamin K2 acts as the stationmaster. It activates two key proteins:

• Osteocalcin: This is the "taxi" that takes calcium from the blood and transports it straight to the bone tissue, embedding it in its structure. Without activation by K2, osteocalcin is inactive, and calcium circulates aimlessly.
• MGP protein (Matrix Gla Protein): This is the "security guard" of the arteries. Its job is to catch calcium particles from the blood vessels and prevent them from depositing in the soft tissue of the arteries.

Step 3: The result: Strong bones and flexible blood vessels

Thanks to vitamin K2, calcium goes exactly where it is desired – to the bones, making them dense and resistant to fractures. At the same time, your arteries remain clean, flexible, and healthy, which is the foundation of a healthy heart and proper blood pressure. Supplementing D3 without K2 is like inviting a lot of guests (calcium) to a party without providing them with seats – it creates chaos that can do more harm than good.

The best form of vitamin K2: Why is MK-7 from Natto (MenaQ7) your best choice?

When you decide to supplement with vitamin K2, you will encounter mysterious markings on the label, such as MK-4 and MK-7. This is not just marketing – it is key information about the quality and effectiveness of the product.

• MK-4 (menaquinone-4): This is a form with a very short half-life in the body – just a few hours. This means that to maintain its constant, therapeutic level, you would have to take it several times a day. It is often produced synthetically.
• MK-7 (menaquinone-7): This is a form with a long half-life, remaining active in the bloodstream for up to 72 hours! Thanks to this, one dose per day is enough to provide the body with constant protection. The best and most well-researched source of natural vitamin K2 MK-7 is the Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans – natto.

Lesser-known benefits of vitamin K supplementation

Although the role of vitamin K2 in bone and circulatory system health is the most important, its beneficial effects do not end there. New studies are discovering its other fascinating properties.

Skin health and a radiant appearance

The elasticity of the skin depends on a protein called elastin. With age, like arteries, elastin fibers can calcify, which leads to a loss of firmness and the formation of wrinkles. Vitamin K2, by activating the MGP protein, helps prevent this process, keeping the skin smooth and elastic for longer.

Vitamin K2 supports brain health and cognitive functions

The brain is an organ with a very high fat content, and vitamin K plays an important role in the metabolism of sphingolipids – key fats that build brain cells and myelin sheaths. Research suggests that maintaining an adequate level of vitamin K can support the health of neurons and cognitive functions, especially in old age.

Can I take vitamin K if I am taking anticoagulants?

This is a VERY IMPORTANT question. If you are taking older-generation anticoagulants, such as warfarin or acenocoumarol, you **should NOT** supplement with vitamin K on your own. The action of these drugs is to block vitamin K. Its supplementation will cancel out their action and can lead to dangerous blood clots. You must absolutely consult your doctor about any decision to supplement. Newer anticoagulants work through a different mechanism and usually do not interact with vitamin K, but medical consultation is also necessary here.

What is the recommended daily dose of vitamin K2 MK-7?

There are no official, strict standards. However, in clinical trials and for preventive purposes, doses in the range of 100 to 200 micrograms (mcg) per day are most often used. This amount is considered effective and completely safe for healthy adults.

Does vitamin K have to be taken with a meal?

Yes. Vitamin K, like vitamins A, D, and E, is fat-soluble. This means that its absorption is much better in the presence of fat. Therefore, it is best to take it during or immediately after a meal containing healthy fats, such as avocado, olive oil, nuts, or fatty fish.

I bought a D3+K2 supplement. Is the K2 dose in such a preparation sufficient?

Most good quality D3+K2 preparations contain appropriately selected proportions. The most common doses are, for example, 4000 IU of vitamin D3 and 100 mcg of vitamin K2. This amount is fully sufficient to ensure proper synergy and health benefits for most adults. It is always worth checking the label to see if vitamin K2 is in the form of MK-7.