Nature's Plus Source of Life Garden Vitamin K2 120mcg For Cardiovascular Health Blood Coagulation & Strong Bones 60 herbal capsules

Nature's Plus Source of Life Garden Vitamin K2 120mcg For Cardiovascular Health, Blood Coagulation & Strong Bones 60 herbal capsules

Each herbal capsule provides 120 mcg of vitamin K in its most bioavailable form, K2 (menakinone 7), from a certified 100% organic natto (soy fermentation product). In addition, it contains a mixture of unprocessed organic foods (fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, algae, plant enzymes) with synergistic action for maximum absorption.

Suitable for herbivores.

Importance: Healthy bones, liver & blood.

Common Use: One capsule a day.

The term "vitamin K" refers to a group of fat-soluble substances with a similar chemical structure, belonging to the class of naphthoquinones and distinguished into phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and menakinones (vitamins K2). Vitamin K1 is also produced by higher plants. , while its highest concentrations are found in green leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce, etc.).

Menakinones are produced by a wide range of bacteria, including beneficial bacteria in the human intestinal flora. The most studied members of this group are menakinone-4 (MK-4) and menakinone-7 (MK-7).

Recent studies have also shown that MK-4 is produced in various human tissues by the conversion of dietary phylloquinone. Although all vitamins K have a similar effect, they differ in their absorption from the intestine, their transport and distribution in the tissues and their bioavailability. Thus, K2 [especially those with a long side chain, such as menakinone 7 (MK-7)] show better absorption and longer half-life than K1, resulting in higher blood serum levels and better action. Therefore, the adequate supply of different tissues to vitamin K depends not only on the amount, but also on the type of vitamin taken.

Vitamin K is mainly known for its important role in normal blood clotting, as it contributes to the production of functional protein factors (prothrombin, procombertin, etc.) that are synthesized in the liver and are involved in the above mechanism.

Vitamin K deficiency significantly increases the risk of bleeding. Symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstruation, and the presence of blood in the urine and / or stool.

However, vitamin K is also essential for the proper functioning of proteins synthesized in other tissues, such as osteocalcin (synthesized in osteoblasts) and MGP (synthesized in cartilage and vessel walls), which are involved in bone metabolism. Osteocalcin is responsible for the incorporation of calcium into the bones, while the main function of MGP is to prevent the deposition of calcium in the arteries.

Numerous clinical studies indicate the effectiveness of vitamin K2 in the treatment of osteoporosis, while it seems to act synergistically with drugs (bisphosphonates) used to treat it. Research to date has shown that K2 significantly reduces bone loss and the risk of fractures in menopausal women with osteoporosis (especially in combination with vitamin D3 and calcium), in patients with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, liver cirrhosis, neuralgia, primary biliary cirrhosis, people who have had a stroke, and people taking corticosteroids or the anticancer leuprolide acetate. Clinical studies and animal studies have shown that vitamin K2, but probably not K1, prevents the calcification of arteries and the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

It is also worth noting that vitamin K2, in in vitro and in vivo experiments, had a significant effect against various forms of cancer, such as prostate, liver, breast, etc. According to the US Institute of Medicine, the recommended daily allowance of vitamin K1 is 2 mcg for infants 0-6 months, 2.5 mcg for infants 6-12 months, 30 mcg for children 1-3 years, 55 mcg for children 4- 8 mcg 60 mcg for children 9-13 years, 75 mcg for teens (14-18 years), and for adults (19 years and older) 90 mcg for women (including pregnant and lactating women) and 120 mcg mcg for men.

The above dosages have been formulated based on the requirements of the human body for the proper functioning of the liver and the production of functional coagulation factors. It should be noted, however, that larger amounts of vitamin K are required to achieve proper and complete production of functional proteins synthesized outside the liver, such as osteocalcin and MGP.

People who are at risk of developing vitamin K deficiency are those with liver disease.Insufficiency and pathological conditions (bile duct obstruction, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, localized enteritis, cystic fibrosis, short bowel syndrome, etc.) that significantly reduce the absorption of fats, as well as people receiving anticoagulant therapy or taking drugs (chole colestipol, orlistat) or substances (eg the fat substitute olestra) that reduce the absorption of vitamin K.

In addition, the extensive use of antibiotics, which upset the balance of the intestinal flora, low dietary intake and advanced age increase the risk of vitamin K deficiency. Also, newborns have low levels of vitamin K, which can lead to blood clots. This is why the vitamin is usually given prophylactically to infants.