What is vitamin K2 and why is it so important? Well, when you think of bone health, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Calcium, right? Don’t get me wrong, we all need calcium, but it has a dark side that most people don’t know about. Popping calcium supplements may just break your heart.
It’s not enough to just take calcium, we need to aim it at the bones. If we take calcium willy nilly without paying attention to where it goes, it will end up in our soft tissues, like arteries and joints. The last place we want calcium is in soft tissues as it can increase risk for heart attacks, strokes, and pain.
Vitamin D is another popular nutrient that is really big in the research world and is now even being prescribed for hospitalized patients. The doses can range anywhere from 1000 IUs daily to 50,000 IUs weekly. Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium.
If you take calcium with vitamin D, you will absorb more of the calcium which might seem like a good thing. But, if you don’t have enough Vitamin K2 on hand, the calcium will end up where you don’t want it.
What Is Vitamin K2?
K2 activates a protein called matrix GLA. It removes calcium from soft tissues and it also activates osteocalcin which holds calcium to bone. So, if you have a lot of calcium, you need K2 to direct it.
Think of parking attendants at large events; they tell you where to put your car. K2 tells you where to put calcium. Contrary to some belief, when it comes to calcium, where it ends up is what counts. Not how much you have.
Below are some tips to support healthy bones without risking a heart attack.
Get Calcium From Food First
Good food sources for calcium include;
- Sardines
- Salmon with soft bones
- Green leafy vegetables
- Broccoli
- Dried beans and peas
- Sesame seeds
- Dairy for those who can tolerate it
Limit Calcium Supplements To 500 mg Daily
Take Vitamin K2
You can take up to 300 mcg daily of MK-7. In foods, K2 is found in natto (a fermented soy product), gouda and edam cheese. In addition, butter from grass fed cows.
Take Vitamin D If You Need It
It’s safe to take 1000 IUs of vitamin D daily and some people need 50,000 IUs weekly. Before taking high doses of D, you should get your levels tested and work with a physician. Supplemental D should be in the D3 (cholecalciferol) form. Not the D2 (ergocalciferol) form. Also, you should have your levels checked every year or two. Learn how K2 + Vitamin D boosts your immune system.
Click here to read, Top 5 Natural Flu Busters !
Get Adequate Magnesium
Magnesium helps to convert vitamin D to it’s active form. A deficiency exacerbates inappropriate calcification, so you’ll end up with more calcium getting in your soft tissues. You especially need magnesium if you take a proton pump inhibitor for acid reflux.
Click here for more information about the importance of magnesium!
Final Thoughts
When it comes to bone health, Vitamin K2 is the nutrient you want to pay the most attention to. Calcium is only good if it is aimed appropriately. K2 is the bow that shoots the calcium arrow into the bone.
Annette Presley RD, LD, is a functional nutritionist, author, speaker, and entrepreneur. She enjoys helping people live their lives well so they can stay out of hospitals and spend more time with their families and doing the things they love.