Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2, scientifically classified as menaquinone, is a group of fat-soluble naphthoquinone compounds primarily synthesized by specific gut bacteria and abundant in fermented foods like natto, as well as certain animal products. Its fundamental physiological role is to serve as an essential co-factor for gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, an enzyme responsible for the post-translational modification of vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs), often referred to as Gla-proteins. This carboxylation process converts specific glutamic acid residues into gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) residues, enabling these proteins to chelate calcium ions. Key VKDPs include osteocalcin, vital for incorporating calcium into the bone matrix, and Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), a potent inhibitor of vascular calcification. By activating these proteins, Vitamin K2 critically supports bone mineralization and prevents ectopic calcification in soft tissues like arteries. Supplementation is clinically considered for enhancing bone mineral density, particularly in post-menopausal women, and for promoting cardiovascular health by reducing arterial stiffness. Research highlights the superior bioavailability of menaquinone-7 (MK-7) and continues to investigate its broader implications in metabolic and neurological health.