What does the body need vitamin K for? Necessary for proper absorption of calcium. Vitamin K regulates the activity of special proteins – matrix Gla protein (MGP) and osteocalcin. Thanks to the first protein, calcium, which we receive from food or from dietary supplements, is not deposited in the blood vessels, but is directed towards building bone tissue. Meanwhile, the second protein, osteocalcin, binds calcium in the bones and thereby helps maintain their density. By the way, vitamin K2 is a more powerful regulator of calcium metabolism compared to K1. Helps maintain vascular and heart health. This effect is a consequence of the previous one. If calcium is not absorbed correctly, it can be deposited in the vascular walls, on atherosclerotic plaques. The results of a number of studies confirm that timely intake of vitamin K2 prevents this process and reduces the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Participates in the regulation of blood clotting. Vitamin K takes part in the modification of a number of proteins of the blood coagulation system. Vitamin K deficiency leads to a decrease in prothrombin levels and an increase in blood clotting time. Helps maintain a healthy nervous system and brain activity. Vitamin K is involved in the synthesis of sphingolipids. These are special lipids that are part of the membranes of nerve cells and the sheaths of nerve fibers. Maintaining normal concentrations of vitamin K helps slow down age-related negative changes in the nervous system and maintain full brain activity. Helps increase insulin production. It turns out that the protein osteocalcin, already known to us, which is activated by vitamin K2, is needed not only for bones. It is believed that it may influence the beta cells of the pancreas and help increase insulin production. Shows anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, research shows that vitamin K2 helps reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Affects the immune system. In recent years, more and more reports have appeared about the immunomodulatory properties of vitamin K, and various mechanisms of its influence on the defenses of our body are described. Has antioxidant activity. In particular, vitamin K2 has been found to contribute to the protection of maturing nerve cells from oxidative damage.
