It is vital to understand the differences between vitamin K and vitamin K2, as each one fulfills its own different metabolical tasks in your body.
What is Vitamin K?
Vitamin K is a bunch of fat-soluble vitamins, not just one. The name vitamin K comes from the German word for blood coagulation, Koagulationsvitamin and is found in abundance of leafy greens such as spinach, kale and broccoli. Vitamin K1: The main role of vitamin K1 is in blood clotting – it helps your blood coagulate properly when you’re injured, and avoids excessive bleeding.
Enter Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 is a less-known yet equally important nutrient in the vitamin K family. Although it does also have a role in blood clotting, K2 performs its own distinct job that can only be done by K2. For a Vitamin K2 Supplement, visit https://www.vitortho.co.uk/supplements/categories/a-z-all-supplements/vitamin-k2-200mcg-mk7/
The Crucial Roles of K2
This is where Vitamin K2 comes in as it helps shuttle calcium to where we want it. The more sun you get, vitamin D3 turns into something called calcitriol which activates proteins that lead to calcium going into your bones/teeth making them stronger and reducing the risk of fracture. At the same time, K2 also helps to ensure that calcium does not settle in soft tissues such as arteries and kidneys.
It is through this calcium-directing effect that K2 plays an incredibly pivotal role in not only ensuring bone health but also protecting against cardiovascular disease. In the absence of sufficient K2, calcium from your diet or supplements will end up in places you do not want it – tartar on your teeth, as spurs under arthritic bone (bone build-ups), and even calcified arteries.
Different Sources, Different Benefits
K1 can easily be attained by a diet full of green vegetables, but K2 is a bit more tricky. Fermented foods such as natto, some cheeses and egg yolks from pasture-raised chickens Some K1 is converted to K2 by your gut bacteria, but the conversion is frequently inadequate for optimal health.
Why Both Matter
K1 Is needed for proper blood clotting where K2 is what protects your bones and cardiovascular system. The problem is many folks get a bunch of K1 but not so much in the way of K2 – especially if you don’t regularly eat fermented foods or grass-fed animal products.
Knowing the difference can guide dietary decisions. In other words, though leafy greens are a great source of K1 – make sure you also consume some foods rich in K2 (or opt for supplement) to receive all the vitamin k benefits your body needs.
