VIT K2 needed to keep CA IN THE BONES & NOT in the arteries

[Guest guest]

Hi from Sue,

While there are many benefits of Vit K.. I'm addressing just two benefits at this time since someone asked me why it's part of the cluster of 6 things to help CALCIUM absorption I posted earlier.

1. It helps with gums that bleed , bruising & nosebleeds ..TYPE O blood types are more prone to having Vit K deficiency..--( which is what I am.... and These things have improved for me with adding Vit. K1 & K2.)

2. It helps keep CA in the bones... rather than in in the arteries... MAY BE A MISSING LINK for many families with heart disease...as well as osteoporosis. --(My bone density is higher now since using Vit. K1 & 2..along with the cluster of 6.)

( I understand there is a "Vit K " group for families with Autism.. any feedback from those who belong???.)

Below is some excerpted info from an article by Dr. Mercola.. explaining points 1 & 2.

"Proteins that don't get enough vitamin K can't hold on to calcium. Without a functioning protein to control it, calcium drifts out of bone and into arteries and other soft tissue. Vitamin K2 gently redirects the "lost" calcium back to the bone bank.*

Vitamin K achieves a process on the proteins called "carboxylation."* Carboxylation gives the proteins CLAWS so they can HOLD onto CALCUIM.* Once the protein grabs onto calcium -- it can be moved.*

In 1929, Danish scientist, Dr. Henrik Dam discovered vitamin K. The "K" is for Koagulation -- essential for proper blood clotting.* Vitamin K is unique because it acts like a hormone, but shows no toxicity. With research now focusing on its potential effects . Sometimes referred to as "the forgotten vitamin," the many other benefits of vitamin K are often overlooked.

Considering the importance of this vitamin, it's reasonable to question if you're getting enough. Vitamin K exists in three forms, K1, K2, and K3. All are fat-soluble. This is important because dietary fat is necessary for the absorption of the vitamin -meaning that in order for your body to absorb it effectively, you need to eat some fat along with it.

Vitamin K1, or phylloquinone, is found naturally in plants. Vitamin K2, also called menaquinone, is made by the bacteria that line the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin K3, or menadione (that I (=Dr. Mercola) do not recommend) is manmade and is generally regarded as toxic because it generates free radicals. It's important to note that toxicity has occurred in infants given synthetic vitamin K3 by injection.

SAFELY Boost Bone Health With K2*

For early support of bone health, nutritional interventions are a great choice as they are non-toxic and inexpensive.* While other nutrients are important for maintaining bone health, there is increasing evidence indicating a significant role for vitamin K in bone metabolism and healthy bone growth.*

Vitamin K has been linked to osteoblasts, the cells that generate or "lay down" bone and produce a specific protein known as osteocalcin.*

It was found that the protein osteocalcin acts as a kind of glue that helps to incorporate calcium into the bones, and vitamin K2 is necessary in order to produce this protein.*

Research shows that vitamin K regulates calcium in the bones and arteries -- promoting heart health and bone health at the same time.

* Vitamin K seems to do the impossible accommodating the needs of both bones and arteries.*

Vitamin K works through an amino acid called "Gla," which stands for gamma carboxyglutamic acid. Gla is part of a certain kind of protein that controls calcium.* Researchers believe there are at least one hundred of these proteins scattered throughout the body. Vitamin K is the only vitamin that makes these proteins work.*

Vitamin K achieves a process on the proteins called "carboxylation."* Carboxylation gives the proteins claws so they can hold onto calcium.* Once the protein grabs onto calcium -- it can be moved.*

Proteins that don't get enough vitamin K can't hold on to calcium. Without a functioning protein to control it, calcium drifts out of bone and into arteries and other soft tissue. Vitamin K2 gently redirects the "lost" calcium back to the bone bank.* "