Vitamin K2 requirement for cardiovascular health
An adequate intake of vitamin K2 has shown to positively influence the cardiovascular system. Vitamin K2 activates Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), which inhibits calcium from depositing in the vessel walls. Calcium will be removed in a coordinated system of activated MGP, soluble factors, cells and tissues, keeping the arteries healthy and flexible.17 However, vitamin K deficiency results in undercarboxylation - or inadequate activation - of MGP and this greatly impairs normal function of this removal process.18 Hence, vitamin K2-deficiency indicates increased risk of arterial calcification.
Arterial calcification
The amount of arterial calcification is an indicator of one’s cardiovascular health. In other words, too much calcium in the arteries might add years to your biological age. You might say that “you are as old as your arteries”. Studies in large population groups show that significant calcification in young persons actually make them older than their chronological age. On the contrary, older persons with little or no calcification may deduct up to 10 years from their actual age.19
Calcification increases vessels' stiffness and fragility, impeding healthy blood flow to and from the heart.