Vitamin K2 requirement for bones

Vitamin K2 is needed in order to activate osteocalcin – the protein responsible for binding calcium ions to the matrix of bone, making bones stronger. Bone loss occurs naturally as we age. However, bone strength and mineral density might be improved during childhood and adolescence, when the skeleton grows most intensively. During late 20s to mid 30s our peak bone mass is achieved, after which bone mineral diminishes slowly as we age. Thus, the higher the peak bone mass gained at younger age, the longer the bone mass can be preserved.

Children have much higher bone metabolism than adults, which in other words would mean they need more vitamin K2 to build healthy bone tissue. Lack of vitamin K2 in growing children might therefore be very important and may have a multi-aspect effect on health in adulthood.

Vitamin K deficiency results in impaired bone strength and mineral density.