Vitamin K2 is an essential nutrient with significant health benefits. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has authorized health claims for Vitamin K, which includes both Vitamin K1 and K2.

Authorized Health Claims for Vitamin K2

1. Maintenance of Normal Bones Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
2. Normal Blood Clotting Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting.

Synergy with Vitamin D3:

Vitamin K2 works hand in hand with Vitamin D3:

Calcium Management: Vitamin D3 enhances calcium absorption from the diet, while Vitamin K2 directs calcium to the bones and teeth where it’s needed, preventing it from depositing in soft tissues like arteries and kidneys.

Bone and Heart Health: This synergy not only supports strong bones but may also contribute to cardiovascular health by reducing arterial calcification.

Vitamin K2 is an essential nutrient with significant health benefits. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has authorized health claims for Vitamin K, which includes both Vitamin K1 and K2. Here are the EU-authorized health claims for Vitamin K2:

Authorized Health Claims for Vitamin K2

1. Maintenance of Normal Bones Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
2. Normal Blood Clotting Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting.

Additional Insights

The Role of Vitamin K2:

• Bone Health: Vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in activating osteocalcin, a protein that binds calcium to bones, helping to maintain bone density and strength. This is particularly important in preventing osteoporosis and fractures.
• Cardiovascular Health: While not an EFSA-authorized claim, emerging research suggests that Vitamin K2 helps prevent calcium deposits in arteries, potentially supporting cardiovascular health by keeping arteries flexible.

Natural Sources of Vitamin K2:

• Fermented Foods:
  • Natto: A traditional Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans, it’s one of the richest sources of Vitamin K2.
  • Cheeses: Certain aged cheeses like Gouda and Brie contain significant amounts of Vitamin K2 due to bacterial fermentation.
• Animal Products:
  • Egg Yolks: Free-range and grass-fed chickens tend to produce eggs with higher Vitamin K2 content.
  • Organ Meats: Liver and other organ meats from grass-fed animals are good sources.

Synergy with Vitamin D3:

Vitamin K2 works hand in hand with Vitamin D3:

• Calcium Management: Vitamin D3 enhances calcium absorption from the diet, while Vitamin K2 directs calcium to the bones and teeth where it’s needed, preventing it from depositing in soft tissues like arteries and kidneys.
• Bone and Heart Health: This synergy not only supports strong bones but may also contribute to cardiovascular health by reducing arterial calcification.

Fun Fact

Did you know that the “K” in Vitamin K comes from the German word “Koagulation”, which means coagulation? This reflects its essential role in the blood-clotting process. Vitamin K was first discovered in 1929 by Danish scientist Henrik Dam, who later received the Nobel Prize for his work in this area.