K2 and your arteries

By Mike Ventresca, Vital Choice Healthstore

Over the past few years, vitamin K2 has exploded in popularity. While many now recognize the important role it plays in building strong bones (especially when paired with vitamin D3), today I want to share a lesser known, but arguably more important, benefit of vitamin K2—preventing heart disease.

There are actually two kinds of vitamin K, K1 and K2. K1 is primarily found in green leafy vegetables and is not very well absorbed. K2, which is well absorbed, is largely found in fermented foods like cheese, sauerkraut and natto. There is also a small amount in egg yolks and organ meats.

Studies have shown there are specific health benefits to the K2 form, including the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. Simply put, vitamin K2 helps prevent atherosclerosis by activating a special protein that inhibits vascular calcification. According to the well-known Rotterdam Study, participants with the highest intake of K2 had a 57% lower risk of dying from heart disease. They also had a 26% reduction in risk of dying from any cause, and a 52% lower risk of severe aortic calcification.

While the government has not established a recommended daily intake for K2, many health experts are advocating for one to be established, especially when you consider it is estimated that 97% of Americans fall short of the levels shown to be so beneficial in the Rotterdam Study.

I take Vital Choice Vitamin K2 daily. Our product uses a patented form of K2 shown to be the most bioavailable. To learn more, please stop in.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. Call 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.