Properties of Vitamin K and Its Functions in the Body

Melanie Ramos 7 min. of reading Vitamins Leave a comment

Vitamin K, often overlooked, plays a fundamental role in bone health and in preventing improper blood clotting, thereby contributing to cardiovascular wellbeing.

This compound, divided into the K1 (Phylloquinone) and K2 (Menaquinone) variants, offers distinct benefits, from improving bone health to minimising the risks of arterial conditions through the activation of specific proteins that manage calcium effectively.

With this post, you will discover what some call the “forgotten vitamin”, revealing its importance and the protective effects it has on the body, beyond what is conventionally known.

Regulates calcium.
Protects bones.
Looks after the arteries.
Does not cause hypercoagulation.
Activates other tissues.

Index

1 1 Regulates calcium
2 2 Protects bones
3 3 Looks after the arteries
4 4 Does not cause hypercoagulation
5 5 Activates other tissues
6 What function does it fulfil in the human body?
7 How can I tell if I am lacking it?
8 Sources of Vitamin K
9 For whom is it important to take it?
10 Discover the most synergistic combinations
11 Does it have side effects?
12 Do not forget to read the experts’ opinion

1 Regulates calcium

It is responsible for the so-called “carboxylation” of GLA proteins. During this process, GLA proteins visually form a kind of claw with which they can attach to calcium in order to move it.

Proteins that do not have enough vitamin K are unable to form these claws and, therefore, lose control over this mineral. Thus, without activated GLA proteins, calcium tends to migrate uncontrollably towards the arteries and soft tissues of the body.

2 Protects bones

GLA protein is also known as osteocalcin, which is related to bone density. Osteocalcin requires this fat-soluble substance for calcium storage.

Undercarboxylated osteocalcin is not capable of regulating calcium. The result? A reduction of calcium in teeth and bones, which become porous. At the same time, calcium builds up in the arteries. As for vitamin K, it can reverse this process.

3 Looks after the arteries

The vitamin we are dealing with activates matrix GLA protein (MGP), which regulates calcium in the arterial walls. When a deficiency occurs, these proteins cannot be activated, giving rise to calcium deposits in the form of atherosclerotic plaque.

This explains why patients undergoing treatment with anticoagulants (for example, coumarins, which inhibit its effects) suffer from accelerated atherosclerosis.

4 Does not cause hypercoagulation

Despite its indispensable role in the blood clotting process, a notable aspect of vitamin K is its ability to keep this process within healthy limits without causing hypercoagulation, a state in which the blood clots excessively and may lead to complications such as thrombosis.

This balance is due to the fact that vitamin K activates proteins that not only help the blood to clot when necessary, but also play a role in inhibiting unnecessary clots.

5 Activates other tissues

This nutrient goes beyond its well-known hepatic function and extends to the activation and support of other tissues, including soft tissues and the arteries. By activating specific proteins, such as matrix GLA protein (MGP) in the arteries, vitamin K contributes significantly to vascular health, preventing calcification of the arteries.

This calcification is a process in which calcium is deposited in the arterial walls, which can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition characterised by hardening and narrowing of the arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

What function does it fulfil in the human body?

The uniqueness of vitamin K lies in its ability to activate GLA proteins (gamma-carboxyglutamic acid), which are essential in the management of calcium in the body, a function that no other vitamin shares.

These proteins are vital not only for bone health, preventing osteoporosis and promoting proper mineralisation of bone tissue, but also for cardiovascular protection by preventing arterial calcification that could lead to serious complications.

Case studies

Clinical studies, including a notable long-term study conducted in Rotterdam, have demonstrated the significant benefits of vitamin K, especially K2, for cardiovascular and bone health.

People who consumed adequate amounts of vitamin K2 experienced a reduction in arterial calcification and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, vitamin K supplementation has been shown to reduce the risk of vertebral and hip fractures, and improve bone density, underlining its essential role in maintaining a strong bone structure and a healthy cardiovascular system.

How can I tell if I am lacking it?

As an initial point, we should say that, a priori, it is not easy to know far in advance that you are suffering from a vitamin K deficiency, a circumstance that, on the other hand, you must keep under control if you do not want it to end up affecting your health.

Sources of Vitamin K

Although for decades it has been considered that the dietary supplements chosen to strengthen the bone area were calcium and vitamin D3, the latest clinical studies have shown that the supply of calcium and D3 is insufficient for maintaining a healthy bone structure.

Thus, and given that vitamin K2 is beneficial for the development of improved bone health, like calcium and D3, knowing where vitamin K is found is essential so that you can ensure its optimal maintenance.

To tell you everything about it, we have prepared a complete post on foods with vitamin K which you can consult by clicking on this link.

For whom is it important to take it?

Although vitamin K is necessary for everyone, having sufficient quantities of it becomes essential in some cases.

Take note of who it is especially recommended for!

Those who suffer from a blood disorder or disease (arteriosclerosis)
Elderly people with bone diseases
Children, in order to build and strengthen their bone quality
People who suffer from tooth sensitivity

Because the body does not produce enough vitamin K, remember that it must be obtained through diet or dietary supplementation.

Buy the best Vitamin K food supplements from the HSN online store.

Discover the most synergistic combinations

Here are the best combinations with vitamin K!

With vitamin D3: The “star” combination for calcium absorption, increasing bone mineral density, as well as strengthening the bones. Take a daily dose of between 2000–10000 IU.
With magnesium: One of the main properties of this combination is to provide bone support. Take a daily dose of between 200–400 mg, bearing in mind the amount provided by other sources.
With calcium: The combination that includes this mineral is intended to strengthen and support the entire skeletal system. Take a daily dose of around 500 mg, taking into account the rest of the sources.

Does it have side effects?

In principle, vitamin K is a natural product that does not present any kind of side effects.

There is also no risk that it will cause excessive blood clotting, since the proteins responsible for this task have a limited capacity to absorb it. In this way, once the body is saturated, aggregation can no longer occur.

Do not forget to read the experts’ opinion

Experts attached to Maastricht University have stressed the importance of taking it. The recommendation is to opt for natural vitamin K2, since it is the form that is fully absorbed and processed by the body.