Health Column by Cameron Olsen ND
Osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis and vitamin K2
For several years, evidence has shown us that the first risk indicator for heart disease is the rate of calcium accumulation in the blood vessels. Well known as “arteriosclerosis”, the true hardening (or even ossification) of the arteries.
Osteoporosis is a reduction in bone density caused by a lack of minerals needed for skeletal calcification. Until recently, the link between the two conditions was considered purely coincidental due to aging. On the other hand, for several years the evidence has shown a link between the two conditions other than age. The two conditions are connected by calcium and one of the essential vitamins to ensure its absorption in the right place: vitamin K2. In fact, we can say without risk of contradiction that a vitamin K2 deficiency causes what is called “the calcium paradox”. A lack of calcium in the bones at the same time as an accumulation in the walls and cells of blood vessels.
Why the lack of Vitamin K2?
Vitamin K2 is a vitamin that dissolves in fat (fat-soluble), which requires, for its assimilation, a diet that meets our fat needs. A diet low in fat does not help the assimilation of fat-soluble vitamins. In addition, vitamin D, also a fat-soluble vitamin, is necessary for calcium metabolism. Vitamins K and D work together to benefit calcium, and therefore the blood vessels, heart and kidneys. Currently, there is no measurement of our daily requirement for vitamin K. The best absorbed form is known as menaquinone-7 (mk-7). Fermented foods are the best food sources for mk-7, miso, natto, tempeh, aged cheese, kimchi, sauerkraut.
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