Vitamin K May Help Clear Arteries

Roman Bystrianyk said:

"Vitamin K May Help Clear Arteries", Washington Post, April 2, 2007,
Link:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/02/AR200...

Animals given high levels of vitamin K showed a 37 percent reduction
in calcium buildup in their arteries, a new study finds.

Arterial calcification is an independent risk factor for
cardiovascular disease, researchers noted.

The Dutch study, by researchers at Maastricht University, is the first
in animals to show that arterial calcification and resulting decreased
arterial elasticity can be reversed by consuming high levels of
vitamin K. The findings support the results of a Rotterdam population-
based study published in 2004.

This research into the benefits of high vitamin K intake may prove
especially important for people taking blood thinning medications,
such as warfarin, which are known to cause rapid calcification in the
arteries. Many patients taking blood thinners aren't aware of this
risk, the researchers said.

Vitamin K is found in many kinds of foods, including soybean, olive
and canola oils, and dark green vegetables such as broccoli, kale,
spinach and Brussels sprouts. Vitamin K is also available in
supplements.

The study was funded by Maastricht University and is published in the
April 1 issue of the journal Blood.

vitamin KIt is a component of lecithin, which helps facilitate the
movement of fat ... Vitamin K is important to help support proper
coagulation (blood clotting). ...
www.health4youonline.com/s_vitamin_k.htm

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Roman Bystrianyk said:

"Vitamin K May Help Clear Arteries", Washington Post, April 2, 2007,
Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/02/AR2007040201066.html

Animals given high levels of vitamin K showed a 37 percent reduction
in calcium buildup in their arteries, a new study finds.

Arterial calcification is an independent risk factor for
cardiovascular disease, researchers noted.

The Dutch study, by researchers at Maastricht University, is the first
in animals to show that arterial calcification and resulting decreased
arterial elasticity can be reversed by consuming high levels of
vitamin K. The findings support the results of a Rotterdam population-
based study published in 2004.

This research into the benefits of high vitamin K intake may prove
especially important for people taking blood thinning medications,
such as warfarin, which are known to cause rapid calcification in the
arteries. Many patients taking blood thinners aren't aware of this
risk, the researchers said.

Vitamin K is found in many kinds of foods, including soybean, olive
and canola oils, and dark green vegetables such as broccoli, kale,
spinach and Brussels sprouts. Vitamin K is also available in
supplements.

The study was funded by Maastricht University and is published in the
April 1 issue of the journal Blood.

LEF sells a vitamin K supplement with 10 mg/dosage. What might be a comparable
human dosage?

--

Pramesh Rutajit - [email hidden] - Remove tongue to reply.

Study Shows Vitamin K2 Plays Significant Role in Cardiovascular Health
2007-04-02 - VitaK, Maastricht University

Advertisement

Research Published in Blood Journal Leads to New Human Test for Cardiovascular
Disease Risk to Be Presented at American Heart Association Conference ATVB
Conference

April 19-21 2007

WASHINGTON -- April 2, 2007 -- A new study published in the April 1, 2007
(volume 109, number 7) issue of Blood, the official journal of the American
Society of Hematology, suggests that vitamin K2 provides significant benefits
for promoting cardiovascular health. The study shows for the first time that a
high intake of vitamin K significantly reverses arterial calcification induced
with anti-coagulant medication use.

The animal study, conducted by the Cardiovascular Research Institute (CARIM) and
VitaK, Maastricht University, The Netherlands, found that high dose vitamin K
not only blocked new arterial calcium buildup, but also reduced existing levels
by over 37 percent, within only 6 weeks. The most potent inhibitor of vascular
calcification known is matrix GLA protein (MGP), a vitamin K-dependent protein –
meaning vitamin K is required to activate this important protein. In humans,
oral anticoagulants that interfere with vitamin K (warfarins) block MGP function
and induce calcification. Also, inactive MGP levels in blood are an indicator
of cardiovascular disease, and a new test has been developed to measure these
levels. This new test will be presented at the American Heart Association’s
2007 Annual Conference on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology to
be held April 19-21 at the Palmer House Hilton, Chicago, Illinois.
Calcium buildup in arteries is an early warning sign of increased risk on
coronary heart disease in humans. People with higher arterial calcium levels are
more likely to develop arteriolosclerosis, stroke and other heart ailments later
in life than those with normal levels. Researchers also note as evidence the
increased risk of calcium in blood vessels (arterial calcification) associated
with cardiovascular disease in people with vitamin K-poor diets.

“The medical community now recognizes that vitamin K-dependent MGP plays an
essential role in promoting cardiovascular health,” said lead researcher Leon
Schurgers. “Our study shows that in an animal model vitamin K can actually
regress preformed calcifications. The health implications for humans are
significant, and we have previously published research showing that the highest
vitamin K2 intake from dietary sources has been linked to significant reductions
in vascular calcification compared to those with the lowest K2 intake.”

In a recent 10-year study of 4,800 elderly people published in the Journal of
Nutrition, high vitamin K2 intake was linked to lower coronary heart disease,
less aortic calcification and lower all cause mortality. “Research is showing
much promise associated with vitamin K intake and heart health, and people
should be encouraged to discuss vitamin K use with their physician,” added Dr.
Schurgers.

# # #

http://www.npicenter.com/anm/templates/newsATemp.aspx?articleid=18146&zoneid=28

--

Pramesh Rutajit - [email hidden] - Remove tongue to reply.

How much K2 is too much?

--

Pramesh Rutajit - [email hidden] - Remove tongue to reply.

Pramesh Rutaji said:

How much K2 is too much?

Website http://www.vitamins-supplements.org/vitamin-K.php says:
"There is no known toxicity associated with high doses of
phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinone (vitamin K2), or menadione
(vitamin K3) and its derivatives. High intake of vitamin K is not
recommended for individuals taking anticoagulant medications such as
Warfarin (coumadin)."

"The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin K is 80 mg per
day for adult males and 65 mg per day for adult females, and 5 mg/day
for the newborn infant. Natural forms of vitamin K found in foods are
only about half as potent compared to synthetic version. While
adequate amount of vitamin K can be obtained by consuming leafy green
vegetables on a regular basis for many men and women between 18 and 44
years may benefit from supplemental vitamin K."

I have had trouble donating a full pint blood when on a vitamin K dose
of 100 mcg when not taking therapeutic aspirin because of clotting.

--
Ron

Ron Peterson said:

Pramesh Rutaji said:

How much K2 is too much?

Website http://www.vitamins-supplements.org/vitamin-K.php says:
"There is no known toxicity associated with high doses of
phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinone (vitamin K2), or menadione
(vitamin K3) and its derivatives. High intake of vitamin K is not
recommended for individuals taking anticoagulant medications such as
Warfarin (coumadin)."

"The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin K is 80 mg per
day for adult males and 65 mg per day for adult females, and 5 mg/day
for the newborn infant. Natural forms of vitamin K found in foods are
only about half as potent compared to synthetic version. While
adequate amount of vitamin K can be obtained by consuming leafy green
vegetables on a regular basis for many men and women between 18 and 44
years may benefit from supplemental vitamin K."

I have had trouble donating a full pint blood when on a vitamin K dose
of 100 mcg when not taking therapeutic aspirin because of clotting.

--
Ron

Interesting. I've been taking 10 mg/day (9 mg K1 + 1 mg K2) now for almost 2.5
years. Tests for bleeding times always return an INR of 1.0. I was concerned
at first but what I had read to date then led me to believe that elevating my K
levels would limit hardening of the arteries and calcium build up.

--

Pramesh Rutajit - [email hidden] - Remove tongue to reply.

Ron Peterson wrote:
: On Apr 2, 10:52 pm, Pramesh Rutaji <[email hidden]> wrote:
:: How much K2 is too much?
:
: Website http://www.vitamins-supplements.org/vitamin-K.php says:
: "There is no known toxicity associated with high doses of
: phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinone (vitamin K2), or menadione
: (vitamin K3) and its derivatives. High intake of vitamin K is not
: recommended for individuals taking anticoagulant medications such as
: Warfarin (coumadin)."
:
: "The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin K is 80 mg per
: day for adult males and 65 mg per day for adult females, and 5 mg/day
: for the newborn infant. Natural forms of vitamin K found in foods are
: only about half as potent compared to synthetic version. While
: adequate amount of vitamin K can be obtained by consuming leafy green
: vegetables on a regular basis for many men and women between 18 and 44
: years may benefit from supplemental vitamin K."
:
: I have had trouble donating a full pint blood when on a vitamin K dose
: of 100 mcg when not taking therapeutic aspirin because of clotting.

Japanese fermented soybean food /natto/ is very high in vitamin K2, it is
the richest food source. In addition /natto/ contains nattokinase, a
powerful enzyme preventing blood clotting. I eat one 50 gram package of
/natto/ every other day.

--
Juhana

Ron Peterson wrote:
: On Apr 2, 10:52 pm, Pramesh Rutaji <[email hidden]> wrote:
:: How much K2 is too much?
:
: Website http://www.vitamins-supplements.org/vitamin-K.php says:
: "There is no known toxicity associated with high doses of
: phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinone (vitamin K2), or menadione
: (vitamin K3) and its derivatives. High intake of vitamin K is not
: recommended for individuals taking anticoagulant medications such as
: Warfarin (coumadin)."
:
: "The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin K is 80 mg per
: day for adult males and 65 mg per day for adult females,

There is a mistake. It should read 80 and 65 _mcg_, not mg. But not even 80
mg is dangerous as that dose has been used in some Japanese osteoporosis
studies and safely. 80 and 65 mcg doses are too little to preserve bone
health and to prevent arterial calcification. At least 250 micrograms of
vitamin K is needed for those purposes.

: and 5 mg/day
: for the newborn infant. Natural forms of vitamin K found in foods are
: only about half as potent compared to synthetic version. While
: adequate amount of vitamin K can be obtained by consuming leafy green
: vegetables on a regular basis for many men and women between 18 and 44
: years may benefit from supplemental vitamin K."
:
: I have had trouble donating a full pint blood when on a vitamin K dose
: of 100 mcg when not taking therapeutic aspirin because of clotting.

--
Juhana

Juhana Harju wrote:
: Ron Peterson wrote:
:: On Apr 2, 10:52 pm, Pramesh Rutaji <[email hidden]>
:: wrote:
::: How much K2 is too much?
::
:: Website http://www.vitamins-supplements.org/vitamin-K.php says:
:: "There is no known toxicity associated with high doses of
:: phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinone (vitamin K2), or menadione
:: (vitamin K3) and its derivatives. High intake of vitamin K is not
:: recommended for individuals taking anticoagulant medications such as
:: Warfarin (coumadin)."
::
:: "The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin K is 80 mg per
:: day for adult males and 65 mg per day for adult females,
:
: There is a mistake. It should read 80 and 65 _mcg_, not mg. But not
: even 80 mg is dangerous as that dose has been used in some Japanese
: osteoporosis studies and safely. 80 and 65 mcg doses are too little
: to preserve bone health and to prevent arterial calcification. At
: least 250 micrograms of vitamin K is needed for those purposes.

It should be noticed that vitamin K supplements are more easily absorbed
than dietary vitamin K. 100 mcg of supplemental vitamin K is equivalent of ~
250 mcg of dietary vitamin K. I was referring to the required dietary amount
in the message above.

--
Juhana

Juhana Harju said:

Juhana Harju wrote:
: Ron Peterson wrote:

:: On Apr 2, 10:52 pm, Pramesh Rutaji <[email hidden]>:: wrote:

::: How much K2 is too much?
::
:: Websitehttp://www.vitamins-supplements.org/vitamin-K.phpsays:
:: "There is no known toxicity associated with high doses of
:: phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinone (vitamin K2), or menadione
:: (vitamin K3) and its derivatives.

Vitamin K3 (synthetic) is believed to have a toxicity potential, so it
should be avoided. It may be associated with thrombosis, vomiting,
and porphynuria in pregnancy, causing jaundice in newborns. Vitamins
K1 and K2 are the naturally-occuring forms.

Quoted message said:

High intake of vitamin K is not
:: recommended for individuals taking anticoagulant medications such as
:: Warfarin (coumadin)."

The problem is that warfarin itself is a dangerous drug and without
plenty of vitamin K in the diet, one cannot be well. Use of fish oil
(or adequate fatty fish intake), natural vitamin E, and magnesium
aspartate or glycinate are essential for cardiovascular health.

Quoted message said:

:: "The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin K is 80 mg per
:: day for adult males and 65 mg per day for adult females,
:
: There is a mistake. It should read 80 and 65 _mcg_, not mg. But not
: even 80 mg is dangerous as that dose has been used in some Japanese
: osteoporosis studies and safely. 80 and 65 mcg doses are too little
: to preserve bone health and to prevent arterial calcification. At
: least 250 micrograms of vitamin K is needed for those purposes.

It should be noticed that vitamin K supplements are more easily absorbed
than dietary vitamin K. 100 mcg of supplemental vitamin K is equivalent of ~
250 mcg of dietary vitamin K. I was referring to the required dietary amount
in the message above.

I use LEF brand "Super K with advanced K2 Complex," it's the best I've
seen.

Quoted message said:

Juhana

Juhana Harju said:

Juhana Harju wrote:
: Ron Peterson wrote:
:: On Apr 2, 10:52 pm, Pramesh Rutaji <[email hidden]>
:: wrote:
::: How much K2 is too much?
::
:: Website http://www.vitamins-supplements.org/vitamin-K.php says:
:: "There is no known toxicity associated with high doses of
:: phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinone (vitamin K2), or menadione
:: (vitamin K3) and its derivatives. High intake of vitamin K is not
:: recommended for individuals taking anticoagulant medications such as
:: Warfarin (coumadin)."
::
:: "The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin K is 80 mg per
:: day for adult males and 65 mg per day for adult females,
:
: There is a mistake. It should read 80 and 65 _mcg_, not mg. But not
: even 80 mg is dangerous as that dose has been used in some Japanese
: osteoporosis studies and safely. 80 and 65 mcg doses are too little
: to preserve bone health and to prevent arterial calcification. At
: least 250 micrograms of vitamin K is needed for those purposes.

It should be noticed that vitamin K supplements are more easily absorbed
than dietary vitamin K. 100 mcg of supplemental vitamin K is equivalent of ~
250 mcg of dietary vitamin K. I was referring to the required dietary amount
in the message above.

I found the following source although I haven't determined what the differences
is between menaquinone and menatetrenone. Menaquinone-4 is apparently a
different way of expressing menatetrenone.

Carlson, Vitamin K2, Menatetrenone, 5 mg, 60 Caps

I'm considering giving it try for 2-4 months. In the test on rabbits, 6 weeks
of ??? amount was enough to decrease calcium plaque by 37 percent. Impressive.

--

Pramesh Rutajit - [email hidden] - Remove tongue to reply.