Vitamin K is a very important component of human health, and it is essential for ensuring the normal functioning of the body. Vitamin K deficiency can contribute to significant bleeding, poor bone development, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that occurs in two main forms namely, phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and various menaquinones (vitamin K2). The main sources of phylloquinone include plant-based foods like leafy vegetables whereas sources of menaquinones include animal-based foods like meat, fish, dairy products, and fermented foods [1] [2].

Vitamin K2-7 is a natural form of Vitamin K2 found in foods such as natto (traditional Japanese food from fermented soybeans). Vitamin K2-7 is also known as menaquinone-7 (MK-7) and it is known for its beneficial effects on osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy [1].

It plays an important role in various biological functions along with vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs). K2-7 is a cofactor of enzymes that drives the conversion of inactive proteins through the carboxylation process into their active forms such as osteocalcin (OC), and matrix GLA protein (MGP). These calcium-binding proteins in their inactive or uncarboxylated form are unable to effectively regulate the integration of calcium from the intestines, potentially leading to diminished bone mass, higher fracture risk, and the calcification of arteries and other soft tissues.

An adequate intake of vitamin K2 ensures the effective carboxylation of OC and MGP proteins, which in turn helps the body to bind calcium to bones — while keeping levels in the bloodstream at the correct quantities to avoid vascular calcification. In the absence of vitamin K2, the optimal functioning of these proteins is hindered which leads to pathological complications that include chronic degenerative conditions cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and metabolic conditions like diabetes [1].

Vitamin K deficiency in adults is rare but may occur in people taking medications that block vitamin K metabolism such as antibiotics, or in those with conditions that cause malabsorption of food and nutrients. Antibiotic medicines may destroy vitamin-K-producing bacteria in the gut, thereby potentially decreasing vitamin K levels, especially if taking the medicine for more than a few weeks. People who have a poor appetite while using long-term antibiotics may be at greater risk for a deficiency, and may benefit from a vitamin K supplement [3].

References:

1. Jadhav N, Ajgaonkar S, Saha P, Gurav P, Pandey A, Basudkar V, Gada Y, Panda S, Jadhav S, Mehta D, Nair S. Molecular Pathways and Roles for Vitamin K2-7 as a Health-Beneficial Nutraceutical: Challenges and Opportunities. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Jun 14;13:896920. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.896920. PMID: 35774605; PMCID: PMC9237441.

2. Imbrescia K, Moszczynski Z. Vitamin K. [Updated 2022 Jul 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551578/.

3. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-k/