Viridian Vitamin K2 30 Capsules

Vitamin K is a cofactor in the production of blood coagulation factors (in the liver), osteocalcin (in bone), and matrix Gla protein MGP (cartilage and vessel wall). Accumulating evidence suggests that for optimal bone and vascular health, relatively high intakes of vitamin K are required.

There are two main forms of vitamin K: phylloquinone, also known as phytonadione, (vitamin K1) and menaquinones (vitamins K2). K1 is found in green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli and spinach, and makes up about 90 per cent of the vitamin K in a typical Western diet; while K2, which makes up about 10 per cent of Western vitamin K consumption, is found in fermented foods such as Natto. Vitamin K2 can also be synthesised in a healthy GI tract by the microflora. Studies have shown the body’s ability to convert K1 into the K2 form at a rate of up to 90%. All K2 currently available in supplement form has been subjected to animal testing. Ethnical companies will use K1 and adjust levels to meet supplemental requirements.

- Coagulation Factor
- Cardiovascular Protection
- Osteoporosis

Dosage:
- 45ug per day has been shown to be effective in the studies to date. Higher doses may be beneficial under practitioner guidance.

Bioavailability – MK4 is produced via conversion of vitamin K1 in the body. MK7 is converted from phylloquinone in human intestines by gut bacteria.

Potential applications:
Vascular calcification, arteriosclerosis, hypertension associated with arterial stiffness, calcium precipitation in other tissues (e.g. arthritis with bony spurs), pregnancy, menorrhagia, osteoporosis, cellular protection – prostate. Those with a low plant food diet or with poor digestive function / gut flora imbalance are likely to benefit from increased vitamin K intake.

Vascular calcification is a common feature in patients with advanced atherosclerosis, postmenopausal women and patients with renal failure, which results in reduced elasticity of arteries.

Vitamin K is routinely administered to newborns to prevent hemorrhagic disease. This is due to the fact that the infant gut is a sterile environment.

Deficiency symptoms:
When vitamin K deficiency does present itself (easy bruising, appearance of ruptured capillaries), it is usually a result of taking anticoagulant drugs such as Coumadin and Warfarin or long term antibiotics.