4 mins
Vitamin K2
The article in a few key points
Vitamin K2 (or menaquinone) is a fat-soluble vitamin synthesized by bacteria! And yes ! Be careful, not just any fats: those present in cheese, the intestine or certain animal fats.
Essential for the proper functioning of our body, vitamin K2 plays a major role in building bones and for dental health as well as blood clotting.
Vitamin K2 is obtained through a diet rich in fish such as eel or cheese.
In the event of insufficient dietary intake of vitamin K2, taking a food supplement may prove beneficial. In this case, it is preferable to opt for a K2-MK7 MenaQ7 type vitamin, natural and bioavailable.
Although it is little known, vitamin K2, or menaquinone, plays a major role in the health of bones and teeth (it helps in particular to fix calcium in bones and teeth).
But do you really know all the benefits of vitamin K2? Where is it found and how can you avoid a deficiency and health problems? Discover our answers.
What is vitamin K2?
Vitamin K2 belongs to the vitamin K subfamily, fat-soluble vitamins essential for blood clotting, but also for the construction of muscle tissue, bone formation and calcium fixation.
Vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone , participates in the same functions in the body as the group of vitamins to which it belongs.
Vitamin K2 is mainly synthesized by bacteria present in certain cheeses, in the intestine or even certain animal fats.
It is involved in liver function, in the flexibility of the arteries, in the proper functioning of blood vessels and in the strengthening of bone stock. It also plays a role in cell division and cell migration in the body.
The main sources of vitamin k2
Vitamin K2 is present in everyday foods in varying amounts. Three dietary sources of K2 are preferred:
- Eel, known for its high energy value and nutritional values, has a good vitamin K2 content with 0.5 µg per 100 grams.
- Nattō , a traditional Japanese fermented food made from fermented soybeans, most commonly eaten as an accompaniment to plain rice in Japanese cuisine. It is an important source of vitamin K2 with the equivalent of 150 µg for one tablespoon of nattō.
- Cheeses also represent a natural source of menaquinone (vitamin K2). The origin of the cheese and its quality have an influence on the more or less significant presence of vitamin K2. Raclette cheese, for example, is the cheese that contains the most.
We recommend you
Multivitamins
Synergistic formula based on 29 vitamins, minerals and plant cofactors.
- ✅ Assimilated or natural shapes
- ✅ 25 μg of vitamin K2-MK7 MenaQ7® (for 3 capsules)
- ✅ Made in France
- ✅ 1 month of treatment for 4 capsules per day
Vitamin K2 deficiencies: what are the consequences?
Menaquinone is a substance that must be supplied regularly and in sufficient quantity to avoid any deficiency. One of the symptoms of vitamin K2 deficiency is poor clotting and difficulty stopping bleeding. When blood leaks out of the body, complications can arise if the metabolism is not able to stop the blood flowing naturally.
What are the benefits of vitamin K2?
Vitamin K2 is essential for the proper functioning of our body. Here are its main benefits:
It contributes to the good maintenance of bone stock
Bone stock is defined as the total quantity of good quality bone acquired by a person during the growth period. At the end of this, the bones gradually lose strength and become more fragile over time. The two main risks are seeing bones break or collapse more easily.
Vitamin K2 acts on calcium and bone metabolism to maintain normal bones and help repair bones . Supplementation can therefore be useful from a certain age to strengthen bone mass.
It helps prevent calcification of the arteries
Also called arteriosclerosis, calcification of the arteries is a big word that represents a condition of the blood vessels.
Vitamin K2 will target calcium phosphate crystals which participate in bone growth and prevent their accumulation in tissues. If reducing salt intake allows you to stay in good health, stocking up on vitamin K2 allows you to recover the full capacity of the body's arterial functioning .
It promotes calcium fixation
99% of the calcium ingested contributes to the formation and strength of bones. In addition to its role on bone mass, the function of calcium extends to: blood coagulation, muscle contraction, the release of hormones, etc. Knowing that vitamins represent a third of the composition of bones, they have a direct impact on its assimilation in the body.
Combined with vitamin D3, vitamin K2 improves the absorption and fixation of calcium .
It regulates blood sugar
Vitamin K2 is associated with glycemic control, particularly in type 2 diabetic patients.
How to choose the right vitamin K2 supplement?
When nutrition does not guarantee sufficient supply of vitamin K2, taking a food supplement may then be the solution to consider.
Vitamin K2 comes in different forms. The best known are the MK4 and the MK7.
MK4 is of animal origin since it is drawn from the animal body. MK7, for its part, comes from the fermentation of bacteria, or plant extracts such as farnesol and geraniol. The MK7 has a longer life than the MK4, and is therefore the most recommended form.
The recommended dosage is between 90 μg and 120 μg per day (generally higher doses for men). For children and adolescents, it is not recommended to exceed 60 μg per day.
If you wish to supplement yourself with vitamin K2, we advise you to opt for taking the patented MenaQ7® vitamin K2-MK7 (high quality micro-encapsulated form), as is the case in our Multivitamins .
Please note that our Multivitamin supplement also contains plant-based vitamin D3 which combines perfectly with MenaQ7® vitamin K2-MK7; it actually improves the absorption and fixation of calcium.
Vitamin k2: contraindications
Vitamin K2 side effects are relatively few (diarrhea, stomach aches, nausea, etc.). However, it is advisable not to take it if you have had an allergic reaction in the past.
In the event of kidney, heart or liver disease, the organic molecule is not recommended and the advice of a doctor is encouraged. Pregnant women and children are also advised to seek advice from a healthcare professional before supplementing with pure vitamin K2.
