Benefits of vitamin K2

[StephenX]

Chris Kresser, L. Ac
May 6, 2008

A study recently published by the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) has revealed that increased intake of vitamin K2 may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 35 percent. The authors point out that the benefits of K2 were most pronounced for advanced prostate cancer, and, importantly, that vitamin K1 did not offer any prostate benefits. The findings were based on data from more than 11,000 men taking part in the EPIC Heidelberg cohort. It adds to a small but fast-growing body of science supporting the potential health benefits of vitamin K2 for bone, cardiovascular, skin, brain, and now prostate health.
Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the health benefits of vitamin K2. The K vitamins have been underrated and misunderstood up until very recently in both the scientific community and the general public.

The rest of the article is at:
http://chriskresser.com/vitamin-k2-the-missing-nutrient

[Reesacat]

This is a really good article — thank you StephenX for posting it. I didn't know sauerkraut is a good source of K2 (since I can't do dairy or soy I do supplemental K2 but wanted dietary sources as well.

Mr. Kresser writes:
" On the other hand, fermented foods, however, such as sauerkraut, cheese and natto (a soy dish popular in Japan), contain substantial amounts of vitamin K2. "

The fact that vitamin K2 might reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 35% is also very noteworthy.

[mellowsong]

I didn't know sauerkraut is a good source of K2 (since I can't do dairy or soy I do supplemental K2 but wanted dietary sources as well.

You mean I never told you that about lacto-fermented foods? LOL.

[Reesacat]

I am sure you did, but I forgot:)

[mellowsong]

I am sure you did, but I forgot:) I didn't supplement when I was drinking so much kefir along with other ferments but I do now. Kefir and 24 hour yogurt and other long fermented dairy products provide a great deal of K2. Fermented veggies also supply a fair amount but not as much. There's no way to quantify as every batch will be different. Also, if you have a healthy gut, you will be producing some in your gut.

[StephenX]

"It was once erroneously believed that intestinal bacteria are a major contributor to vitamin K status. However, the majority of evidence contradicts this view. Most of the vitamin K2 produced in the intestine are embedded within bacterial membranes and not available for absorption. Thus, intestinal production of K2 likely makes only a small contribution to vitamin K status."

[StephenX]

I'd say the best thing about K2 is the fact that it keeps calcium out of the organs and stops it from forming arterial plaque. FYI the best K2 supplement I've found is MK7 from Jarrow Formulas.