The reason why calcium loss and calcification occur simultaneously
Postmenopausal women commonly experience bone loss, but may also develop vascular calcification. This seemingly contradictory situation stems from an imbalance in calcium distribution: while calcium is lost from bones, it accumulates in blood vessels and soft tissues.
Vitamin D3 can enhance calcium absorption in the intestines, allowing more calcium to enter the bloodstream; however, without proper regulation, excessively high blood calcium levels can have adverse consequences.
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The core role of Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 is responsible for transporting calcium from the blood to bones and teeth. It activates two types of proteins:
- Osteocalcin : binds calcium tightly to bones, making them stronger.
- Matrix GLA protein : removes calcium from soft tissues such as blood vessels, joints, eyes, kidneys, lungs, skin, and breasts.
When K2 is lacking , these two proteins cannot function properly, and calcium may accumulate in places where it shouldn't be, leading to problems such as arterial calcification.
Dietary sources and causes of deficiency
Sources of Vitamin K2 include:
- MK-4 in animal fats : such as grass-fed butter, cheese, egg yolks, foie gras, chicken liver, beef liver, wild salmon, etc.
- MK-7 in fermented foods : such as French cheese, German sauerkraut, and Japanese natto.
Many people stop eating the foods mentioned above because they reduce their fat intake, resulting in insufficient K2 intake.
The combined effect of D3 and K2
Vitamin D3 is responsible for getting calcium into the bloodstream; Vitamin K2 is responsible for delivering calcium to the correct location. Both are indispensable.
In many cultures, high-fat diets coexist with low heart rates, which can be explained by the high intake of K2 in food .
K2 is also associated with the following health aspects:
- Enhance insulin sensitivity
- Improve varicose veins
- Reduce wrinkles
- Reduce the risk of tooth decay
- Improve jaw development and reduce the need for orthodontic treatment
Selection and proportion of supplements
When supplementing K2 , consider the following key points:
- If not derived from food, MK-4 is mostly produced synthetically.
- MK-7 is derived from bacterial fermentation, is a natural form, has a longer absorption time, and is more suitable for supplementation.
The recommended ratio is:
- Each 10,000 IU of Vitamin D3 is paired with 100 micrograms of K2 ( MK-7 ) .
- Similarly, the intake can be increased or decreased proportionally.
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In conclusion, balanced calcium distribution relies on the coordination of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2.
For calcium to be absorbed and utilized, both vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 are required . Vitamin D3 enhances absorption, while vitamin K2 is responsible for transport and regulation, preventing calcium from remaining in the wrong places. Consuming adequate amounts of animal fats or fermented foods helps supplement K2 , maintaining a stable and healthy calcium environment for bones and blood vessels.
YouTube source: https://youtu.be/T9YrExDKKpU
YouTube Column: Dr. Berg's Chinese Health Knowledge
