History
The Danish doctor Hendrik Dam discovered vitamin K in 1929 through research on chickens. A cholesterol-free diet caused subcutaneous haemorrhages in muscles and organs. Other factors were ruled out, leaving vitamin K as the cause. This is where the vitamin gets its name ‘K’ from ‘Koagulations Vitamin’, meaning coagulation or blood clotting. In 1939, Hendrik Dam isolated vitamin K1 and Edward Adelbert Doisy isolated vitamin K2 from fish. In 1943, Dam, for his discovery, and Doisy, for elucidating the structure of this group of vitamins, were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Difference between vitamins K1 and K2
Vitamin K, and specifically K1 (phylloquinone), is known for its role in blood clotting. Babies are given this during the first few months after birth because they do not yet produce the vitamin in their intestines. Legally speaking, no distinction is yet made between vitamin K1 and K2. The distinction between these forms has long been known, but the different effects they have on the body have only recently been supported by relatively new research. Both K vitamins are essential for blood clotting and for the blood vessels, but vitamin K2 has an important regulatory function and plays a major role in bone formation.
Vitamin K is found mainly in green leafy vegetables as vitamin K1; however, its bioavailability is low as only around 20 per cent is absorbed. Vitamin K2 is mainly found in animal products as MK-4 and in fermented products as MK-7. MK-4 and MK-7 are the most active forms of vitamin K2, with MK-7 remaining active in the body for the longest period.
Function of Vitamin K2
: Vitamin K2 is very important for both bone formation and bone maintenance. In the body, vitamin K2 facilitates the transport of calcium from the blood vessels into the bones. K2 activates osteocalcin to help the bones absorb calcium. Vitamin K2 also activates matrix Gla protein (MGP), which binds excess calcium to prevent it from being deposited in the arteries. This ensures that the blood vessels retain their elasticity.
It is also an important vitamin for athletes and, when taken in combination with calcium, can help with muscle development and the prevention of muscle cramps.
Vitamin K2 deficiency
is common in most populations. As such, K2 supplementation is essential for maintaining optimal bone and heart health in both men and women across all age groups.
Recent Dutch research* involving COVID-19 patients suggests that vitamin K may play a role in COVID-19. The study concluded: “Vitamin K status was reduced in patients with COVID-19 and was associated with a poor prognosis. Low vitamin K levels also appear to be associated with accelerated breakdown of elastin. An intervention trial is now needed to assess whether the administration of vitamin K improves outcomes in patients with COVID-19.”
DuSart Pharma
We use a high-quality menaquinone-7 product. The company that supplies MK-7 carries out extensive research to optimise the product and investigate the applications of vitamin K2. It is available as a powder and in liquid form and can therefore be used in all dosage forms.
The ideal combination for vitamin K2 is with vitamin D3, calcium and magnesium.
* Reduced Vitamin K Status as a Potentially Modifiable Prognostic Risk Factor in COVID-19. Dofferhoff et al. Posted: 25 April 2020. doi:10.20944/preprints202004.0457.v1
