K2 and your arteries

Michael Ventresca • September 6, 2022

Over the past few years, vitamin K2 has exploded in popularity. While many now recognize the important role it plays in building strong bones (especially when paired with vitamin D3), today I want to share a lesser known, but arguably more important, benefit of vitamin K2 – preventing heart disease.


There are actually two kinds of vitamin K, K1 and K2. K1 is primarily found in green leafy vegetables and is not very well absorbed. K2, which is well absorbed, is largely found in fermented foods like cheese, sauerkraut and natto. There is also a small amount in egg yolks and organ meats.


Studies have shown there are specific health benefits to the K2 form, including the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. Simply put, vitamin K2 helps prevent atherosclerosis by activating a special protein called MPG that inhibits vascular calcification. By keeping excess calcium out, K2 helps support the health and elasticity of arterial walls. In fact, according to the well-known Dutch Rotterdam Study, participants with the highest intake of K2 had a 57% lower risk of dying from heart disease. They also had a 26% reduction in risk of dying from any cause, and a 52% lower risk of severe aortic calcification.


While the government has not established a recommended daily intake for K2, many health experts are advocating for one to be established. This is especially important when you consider it is estimated that 97% of Americans fall well short of the levels shown to be so beneficial in the Rotterdam study.


While there are a variety of nice products available, one of my favorites is Vital Choice Vitamin K2. Vital Choice health Store’s K2 product uses a patented form of K2 called vitaMK7 (as menaquinone-7 or MK-7), shown to be the most bioavailable form of K2 as it is derived from all-natural food source. To learn more, please stop in to discuss with one of our Health Assistants today.


Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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