Science publication Nutrients recently published a review analysing the mounting evidence that connects vitamin K2 to factors involved in Alzheimer’s disease. It concluded that Vitamin K2 has the potential to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and contribute to its prevention.
In the review, “Vitamin K2 Holds Promise for Alzheimer’s Prevention and Treatment”, researchers from the Harvard Extension School and Pacific Northwest University considered the effects of vitamin K2 and its impact on neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cognition, cardiovascular health, and comorbidities in Alzheimer’s.
The researchers wrote “Our review is the first to consider the physiological roles of vitamin K2 in the context of Alzheimer’s Disease, and, given the recent shift in Alzheimer’s research toward nonpharmacological interventions, our findings emphasise the timeliness and need for clinical studies involving vitamin K2.”
The number of people in the UK with dementia is predicted to rise up to 35% by 2025 and 146% by 2050.
The US-based National Institutes of Health notes that correcting certain dietary deficiencies can contribute to the prevention or delay of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s, and that what we eat affects the aging brain’s ability to think and remember.
“There is growing evidence for possible dietary risk factors in the development of Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline with age, such as antioxidants, omega-3s, dietary fats, and B vitamins. Moreover, research suggests that people with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We are gratified that Vitamin K2 is becoming a prominent part of this conversation, particularly as most of the world’s population expresses a K deficiency,” says Dr. Hogne Vik, NattoPharma Chief Medical Officer.
WHERE TO GET YOUR VITAMIN K2
K2 is a vitamin that most people have never heard of, however it is also essential for the body to transport and distribute calcium around the body – helping to prevent osteoporosis and improve bone health. There is little benefit in taking calcium supplements without maintaining enough vitamin K2 in your diet.
Vitamin K2 is found in high-fat animal foods such as egg yolks and grass-fed cows, as well as fermented foods such as sauerkraut, fermented soy and miso (which most people don’t eat enough of). Symptoms of Vitamin K2 deficiency include osteoporosis, dental cavities and unwanted calcium deposits in the soft tissue such as arteries, breast and organ tissue. A daily Vitamin K2 supplement can ensure you’re getting enough. You can look for supplements that are easily accessible in your area. For instance, if you live in Israel and start searching for a supplement, you can look for iherb coupon Israel and get the right option at affordable rates.
Pauline Cox BSc MSc nutritionist, author of Primal Living in a Modern World and adviser to sustainable supplement company Wiley’s Finest says: “Vitamin K2 is considered one of the most influential factors in the prevention and possible reversal of atherosclerosis, a condition whereby calcium plaque builds up in the cardiovascular system. Vitamin K2 is also important for myelination of nerve cells (the creation of the fatty sheath that surrounds the nerve cells) and so is very important for individuals with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis.
Wiley’s Finest Vitamin K2 combines MenaQ7® Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D3, with 500mg EPA & DHA Omega-3s from MSC-certified, sustainable Wild Alaskan Fish Oil. Together these nutrients support optimal bone and heart health by helping to incorporate calcium into bones. The non-GMO chickpea sourced MenaQ7® is an easier way to get K2 than traditional dietary sources, such as fermented soy.
Wiley’s Finest™ Vitamin K2 is available at the recommended retail price of £34.99 for 60 softgel capsules (2 month’s supply). Available from wileysfinest.co.uk and independent health food shops and pharmacists across the UK.
