Cardiovascular disease is the biggest killer worldwide, but understanding this disease is key. There are some simple steps that can be taken to help prevent heart attacks.
The Vitamin K2 problem
Most people in the western world (97% to be exact) are deficient in a particular vitamin, which is key to a healthy heart; Vitamin K2. However, this supplement is slowly becoming more recognised as being essential.
You can get Vitamin K2 from certain foods including grass fed beef, whole yogurt, milk, eggs and certain fermented cheeses plus natto – a fermented soy, but quantities required to get the recommended amount are high.
But, do you need to supplement?
Taking a daily dose of vitamin K2 (specifically in supplement form as MK-7, the only clinically validated form of Vitamin K2) is a simple step in helping to support heart health at any age.
Chris Speed, nutritional scientist, dietician and Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at NattoPharma explains:
“A key area of risk within cardiovascular health is atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries causing blockages. Plaque, which is made up of calcium, hardens in the arteries making them thinner. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs and body systems, such as the cardiovascular system.”
Who’s at Risk?
In the past, atherosclerosis has been seen as a condition that only affects the elderly. Speed contends that “this condition is not age-related but in fact a product of a vitamin deficiency, meaning anyone at any age can be at risk.”
Understanding Calcium Without Vitamin K2
Speed continues: “Whilst everyone knows the importance of having adequate levels of calcium, what a lot less people know is that without Vitamin K2, the body cannot properly utilise this calcium.”
When the body has adequate Vitamin K2 specifically as MK-7, proteins are activated that direct calcium to the bones (where it is needed) and away from arteries and soft tissues (where it can do harm).
Vitamin K2 works synergistically with other nutrients that are already used in cardiovascular health products including Omega-3. While Omega-3 is linked to supporting healthy inflammation, triglycerides, blood pressure, and promotion of arterial health, it is not recognised for impacting vascular calcification, which is what makes Vitamin K2 a perfect complement.
So, if you’re looking to take care of your heart, vitamin K2 is an essential vitamin to be aware of as it plays an essential role in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and regulating blood calcium levels.
Wiley’s Finest Vitamin K2 supplement combines concentrated EPA and DHA Omega-3 with the scientifically validated ingredient – MenaQ7® Vitamin K2.
Promotion and featured post on behalf of
