Vitamin K1 and K2

Vitamin K Claims

Vitamin K plays a crucial role in supporting healthy bone development and growth, especially during pregnancy. This fat-soluble vitamin is essential for the synthesis of osteocalcin, a protein produced by osteoblasts (cells which form new bones) that is involved in bone mineralisation.

Vitamin K is a cofactor for an enzyme called gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, which activates osteocalcin. This activated osteocalcin binds to calcium, and helps to incorporate it into bone matrix, to ensure proper bone mineralisation. This process is crucial for the development and maintenance of strong and healthy bones.

Vitamin K is also involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. It helps maintain a balance between bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption or breakdown, by osteoclasts. This process is important for bone maintaining good bone density.

Having adequate Vitamin K levels have also been associated with a reduced risk of fractures. This is particularly significant during pregnancy when the maternal body undergoes changes to support the growing baby, placing additional stress on the skeletal system.

In conclusion, ensuring an adequate intake of vitamin K is crucial for supporting healthy bone development and growth, particularly during pregnancy. Green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach, are excellent dietary sources of vitamin K.

References:

Booth SL. (2009). Roles for vitamin K beyond coagulation. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 90(3), 691-700.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand. (2017). Schedule 4 Nutrition health and related claims. Schedule 1 RDI and ESADDI. Australia Government. Federal Register of Legislation.

Gropper, S., Smith, J., & Groff, J. (2009). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism (5th ed.). Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Reavley, N. (1998). The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs. Bookman Press.

Shea MK, Holden RM. (2012). Vitamin K status and vascular calcification: evidence from observational and clinical studies. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 27(10), 2081-2088.

Thorne Research. (2009). Vitamin K2. Alternative Medicine Review, 14(3).

Van Summeren, M. J., Braam, L. A., Lilien, M. R., Schurgers, L. J., Kuis, W., & Vermeer, C. (2009). The effect of menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) supplementation on osteocalcin carboxylation in healthy prepubertal children. British Journal of Nutrition, 102(8), 1171-1178.