CLINICAL
OSTEOPOROSIS CPD
When taking vitamin D, the body
creates more of the vitamin
K2-dependent proteins, which
move calcium around
mutated in Parkinson's disease that
affects mitochondrial function. We
found that vitamin K(2) was necessary
and sufficient to transfer electrons
in Drosophila mitochondria. Heix
mutants showed severe mitochondrial
defects that were rescued by vitamin
K(2), and, similar to ubiquinone,
vitamin K(2) transferred electrons in
Drosophila mitochondria, resulting in
more efficient adenosine triphosphate
(ATP) production. Thus, mitochondrial
dysfunction was rescued by vitamin
K(2) that serves as a mitochondrial
electron carrier, helping to maintain
normal ATP production."
People diagnosed with osteoporosis
tend to have lower blood levels of
vitamin D than other healthy people of
their age. The body needs vitamin D to
fully absorb calcium.
There is some evidence that getting
enough vitamin D will help bones stay
more dense compared to not getting
enough vitamin D. The people most
likely to benefit from taking vitamin
D supplements to prevent a broken
bone are frail, older people, living in
institutions.
Some researchers believe that to
help treat and manage osteoporosis
and prevent broken bones, it may be
necessary to take both calcium and
vitamin D supplements together.
VITAMIN K2 DEFICIENCY
There's no way to test for vitamin K2
deficiency. But by assessing diet and
lifestyle, one can get an idea of whether
or not patients may be lacking in this
critical nutrient. If patients have any of
the following health conditions, they’re
likely deficient in vitamin K2 as they are
all connected to K2:
• Osteoporosis
• Heart disease
• Diabetes.
If patients do not have any of those
health conditions, but do not regularly
eat high amounts of the following foods,
then the likelihood of being vitamin K2
deficient is still very high:
• Grass-fed organic animal products
(i.e. eggs, butter, dairy)
• Certain fermented foods such as
natto, or vegetables fermented using
a starter culture of vitamin K2-
producing bacteria. Please note
that most fermented vegetables
are not really high in vitamin K2
and come in at about 50mcg per
serving. However, if specific starter
cultures are used they can have
ten times as much, or 500 mcg
per serving
• Certain cheeses such as Brie and
Gouda (these two are particularly
high in K2)
Note that not every strain of bacteria
makes K2. For example, most yoghurts
have almost no vitamin K2. Certain
types of cheeses are very high in K2,
and others are not. It really depends on
the specific bacteria.
THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN
VITAMINS K2, D AND
CALCIUM
Vitamin D is a critical nutrient for
optimal health and is best obtained
from sun exposure. However, many
are taking oral vitamin D, which may
become problematic unless patients
are also getting sufficient amounts of
vitamin K2. When taking vitamin D,
the body creates more of the vitamin
K2-dependent proteins, which move
calcium around. Until the K2 comes in
to activate those proteins, the benefits
aren't realised. Taking vitamin D creates
an increased demand for K2. Vitamins
D and K2 work together to strengthen
bones and improve your heart health.
More studies are coming out
showing that increased calcium intake
is causing more heart attacks and
strokes. That created a lot of confusion
around whether calcium is safe or not.
But that's the wrong question to be
asking, because we'll never properly
understand the health benefits of
calcium or vitamin D, unless we take
into consideration K2, which keeps the
calcium in its right place. Those taking
oral vitamin D need to also consume
in their food or take supplemental
vitamin K2.
While the ideal or optimal ratios
between vitamin D and vitamin K2
have yet to be elucidated, 150-200
micrograms of K2 will meet the need
for the average healthy person. No toxic
effects of K2 have been demonstrated
in the medical literature. Vitamin K2
activates K2 proteins.
CALCIUM
Calcium plays a crucial role in all kinds
of biological processes. Many high
calcium foods also contain naturally
high amounts of vitamin K2. Nature
cleverly gives us these two nutrients
in combination, so they work optimally.
Good sources of calcium include dairy,
especially cheeses, and vegetables.
Magnesium will help keep calcium
in the cell to do its job far better.
Those who choose to supplement with
calcium, it’s important to maintain the
proper balance between your intake of
calcium and other nutrients such as:
• Vitamin K2
• Vitamin D
• Magnesium.
References available on request.
CPD questionnaire on pg 58. Complete online: www.medicalchronicle.co.za/the-right-vitamins-for-osteoporosis/
MEDICAL CHRONICLE | MAY 2017 33