Vitamin K2 (menaquinone)

Vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone, is a nutrient that plays crucial roles in bone health and may have benefits for cardiovascular health and glycemic control. Studies indicate that vitamin K2 supplementation can improve skeletal health by working alongside calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium to support bone density. Additionally, research has shown that vitamin K2 might alleviate nocturnal leg cramps and reduce aortic valve calcification, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits. Furthermore, it appears that vitamin K2 could enhance glycemic homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes by influencing the gut microbiome and fecal metabolites. Connections to bone health, heart health, and diabetes management highlight its diverse roles. However, while promising, the evidence base for some of these benefits is still developing and requires further research to confirm long-term effects and optimal dosing.

Sources

• Calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K2, and magnesium supplementation and skeletal health. (PMID:32972636)
• Vitamin K2 in Managing Nocturnal Leg Cramps: A Randomized Clinical Trial. (PMID:39466236)
• Vitamin K2 and D in Patients With Aortic Valve Calcification: A Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial. (PMID:35465686)
• Vitamin K: Double Bonds beyond Coagulation Insights into Differences between Vitamin K1 and K2 in Health and Disease. (PMID:30791399)
• Vitamin K - sources, physiological role, kinetics, deficiency, detection, therapeutic use, and toxicity. (PMID:34472618)
• Vitamin K2 supplementation improves impaired glycemic homeostasis and insulin sensitivity for type 2 diabetes through gut microbiome and fecal metabolites. (PMID:37147641)

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