Arterial calcification, often called “hardening of the arteries,” is a significant health concern that contributes to cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of mortality. This article explores how Vitamin K2 might influence this condition.
Understanding Arterial Calcification
Arterial calcification occurs when calcium and phosphate crystals deposit within arterial walls. This stiffens arteries, impairing their ability to expand and contract. Over time, this elevates blood pressure, increases heart workload, and contributes to heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes.
This gradual process commonly appears after age 60 but can begin earlier. Multiple factors contribute to its development, including aging, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and inflammation. Coronary artery calcification is a strong indicator of existing coronary artery disease and helps predict future cardiovascular events.
Vitamin K2’s Role in Calcium Regulation
Vitamin K2 plays a distinct role in calcium metabolism, guiding calcium to appropriate locations. It functions by activating specific proteins through carboxylation. Two key proteins influenced by Vitamin K2 are Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) and osteocalcin.
MGP, found in arterial walls, is a potent inhibitor of soft tissue calcification. When activated by Vitamin K2, MGP helps prevent calcium from depositing in arteries, maintaining arterial flexibility. Osteocalcin is primarily involved in bone health; its activation directs calcium into bones and teeth, supporting their mineralization.
While Vitamin K1 is primarily involved in blood clotting, Vitamin K2 has a more prominent role in extrahepatic tissues, including bones and vasculature. Insufficient Vitamin K2 can lead to inactive MGP, impairing the body’s ability to prevent arterial calcification.
Evidence for Reversing Calcification
Research has explored whether Vitamin K2 can reverse existing arterial calcification. Early animal studies showed promising results, demonstrating a reduction in previously accumulated arterial calcification and improved arterial stiffness in rats. These findings suggested a potential for reversal in humans, prompting further investigation.
Human clinical trials, particularly those using Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a form of Vitamin K2, have yielded mixed results regarding calcification reversal. The 2022 AVADEC study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, investigated high-dose MK-7 (720 µg/day) and Vitamin D supplementation in men with aortic valve calcification. This study did not find a significant reduction in the progression of aortic valve calcification or coronary artery calcification scores over 24 months.
Another study, the DANCODE trial, also examined high-dose Vitamin K2 (720 µg/day) and Vitamin D3 supplementation for two years in patients with severe coronary artery calcification. While the overall progression of coronary artery calcification score was not significantly different, there was a suggestion that supplementation might slow progression, especially in participants with very high baseline calcification scores (above 400 AU). A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials also indicated that Vitamin K supplementation slowed the progression of coronary artery calcification. These findings indicate that while Vitamin K2 may play a role in slowing progression, definitive evidence for reversing established calcification in humans remains largely inconclusive.
Informed Health Decisions
Understanding the current research on Vitamin K2 and arterial calcification helps in making informed health decisions. While Vitamin K2 plays a role in preventing calcification by activating specific proteins that manage calcium, its ability to reverse existing deposits is still under investigation. Scientific evidence suggests a potential for slowing progression, but not consistent reversal of established calcification.
Vitamin K2 is present in fermented foods like natto, certain cheeses, egg yolks, and specific meats. Supplements containing Vitamin K2, particularly MK-7, are also available. Vitamin K2 is part of a broader approach to cardiovascular health, which includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and managing risk factors like high cholesterol or diabetes. Before considering any dietary changes or new supplements, especially with pre-existing conditions, consult a healthcare professional.