Should you take Vitamin K2 for Calcified Arteries & Heart Disease?

Does Vitamin K remove calcium from arteries? Is it a good idea to supplement Vitamin K for heart health? What is the evidence on Vitamin K and heart disease?
Connect with me:
Facebook: / drgilcarvalho
Twitter: / nutritionmades3
Animations: Even Topland @toplandmedia
Show with Dr. Ford Brewer:
• Vitamin K2 For Plaque ...
References:
1-www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/10/...
2-link.springer.com/article/10....
3-www.acpjournals.org/doi/abs/1...
4-www.frontiersin.org/articles/...
5-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
6-onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/f...
7-www.sciencedirect.com/science...
8-europepmc.org/articles/pmc298...
9-www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
10-www.sciencedirect.com/science...
11-www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/1...
12-www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.ja...
Disclaimer: The contents of this video are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor to replace medical care. The information presented herein is accurate and conforms to the available scientific evidence to the best of the author's knowledge as of the time of posting. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding any medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information contained in Nutrition Made Simple!.
#NutritionMadeSimple #GilCarvalho
0:00 Vitamin K and calcium
2:16 Should we try to reduce calcium?
5:19 Vitamin K and heart disease
7:38 My view on Vitamin K supplements
9:20 Side effects
10:12 Potential danger

[@robertwendell1556]

Not only do we need D3 with K2-MK7, but also with sufficient magnesium.

[@darrellshuman7751]

The K2/D3 conversation is one I would like to see. I take K2 because my PhD at Google University taught me it has a synergistic relationship with the D3 I take daily.

[@ShazWag]

Same. The University of Google taught me that vitamin K2, specifically MK7, would reduce the risk of a potential heart attack through increased calcification of the arteries from taking vitamin D3 alone. Now I'm confused 😐

[@xiamengbaby]

I've seen from a dietician that magnesium should be taken with D because so many people are low on magnesium and that it is needed in the assimilation of the D.

[@Mr._Fit_Atheist]

A few years ago, I went strict keto. Under the close watch of Dr. Google. Not sure if that K2/D/Mag routine I've being doing the past 5 years is working or not. Don't care. It either does, or does not. If it does NOT, then I didn't want to find out the hard way by not taking it, since it really wouldn't really matter either way. If it DOES, then I can chalk it up to just plain luck or it didn't matter in the 1st place. There does seem to be people making big claims about K2. Is it worth not taking it? I'll ask Dr. Google & report back.

[@shawnsanborn2057]

@@pohaaseems like a lot of k

[@pohaa]

@@shawnsanborn2057 there's no upper limit of K, especially K2 which has many benefits, such as preventing and treating atherosclerosis. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and may reduce calcium build up in the brain, staving off dementia etc. Have a look into it 👍

[@GreenTea3699]

I had unknown bumps and growths for years on my shins, hands and other places. The doctors were still stumped after several biopsies and i was told it was a mystery. After taking K2 for other reasons the bumps started disappearing. I take K2 with D3 daily and the bumps have not come back

[@rdmckeever7645]

Have you found much K2 research on bone density when combined with D3 supplementation (with or without resistance training)? Cardiovascular disease is obviously important, but, bones are handy too...

[@Themata]

And hands are bony 😅

[@deel2435]

Agreed, along with Magnesium because without it you're simply depleting your Magnesium. If supplementing D3 you really should make sure you're consuming enough Magnesium and don't over do the D3.

[@oksanakaido8437]

I take K2 along with vitamin D and calcium supplements (for osteoporosis) on the reasoning that it will help the calcium actually get to my bones instead of staying in blood vessels, so was hoping to learn more about the research on nutrition and bone health.

[@SET12DSP]

Never take calcium with D3 as D3 allows the body to absorb 20x more calcium. You could be setting yourself up for a heart attack. Also K2-MK7 can be overrun by to much calcium produced. Proper dosing is 100mcg of K2-MK7 per 1000i.u of D3.

[@HawkeyeFan321]

Merry Christmas! I very much appreciate you and the effort you put into educating others

[@gabymalembe]

I had a high calcium score 12 years ago (1188) and I’ve been taking K-2 since then, and haven’t had any “events”. No way to know if the K-2 is the reason.

[@discbee9107]

Thank you for this honest opinion… another great and very helpful video. I was hoping evidence was more compelling, but I guess there’s always hope… hope that more extensive research is done in the future with better results.

[@tomlongam7653]

Many thanks for this video! I wrote to you on this a long time ago because I was curious from what I had read! Many thanks for this summary!

[@heidisunshine2003]

Great information ❤ Happy new year Dr Gil 🕊️🕊️

[@privtprofile24]

Can we just get a vitamin d3 + k2 video in general? You do it better than anyone else.

[@hiit-itxr-fitness1962]

Let’s add magnesium into that mix

[@deel2435]

@@hiit-itxr-fitness1962 and calcium. If we're talking bone health vs heart health we need a breakdown of all of it.

[@hiit-itxr-fitness1962]

@@deel2435 True, but of the three, Calcium seems to be the least underestimated. If anything, it's overstated

[@deel2435]

@@hiit-itxr-fitness1962 I don't agree, especially for us health conscious women. We tend to not get enough calcium in our diets.

[@Nobody-Nowhere]

@@deel2435its better to get it from your diet, you can get way too much from supplements.

[@calebwert1057]

Merry Christmas Gil!!!!!!!

[@richarddobreny6664]

What I have learned is that no one vitamin/supplement can work on its own. Exercise, balanced diet, reduction of sugar intake, a bit of intermittent fasting etc all work together to make you healthy.

[@DANGJOS]

I would definitely like a discussion on vitamin K2 on bone health and hip fracture risk overall. It would also be interesting to know whether it matters if you use MK4 or MK7.

[@SET12DSP]

I use both mk7 and mk4 with 5000i.u of D3 summer and 10,000i.u winter to maintain a 60ng/dl level of D3. 2400mcg of K2-MK7 per 1000i.u of D3 is the proper dosing K2-MK7 is not toxic I use 45,000mcg of K2-MK4 My first priority is the reversal of my heart disease, which I have been successful at reversing my CAC from 660 to 458.

[@jedi-mic]

Just take Nattokines

[@DANGJOS]

@@jedi-mic How would that help with bone health?

[@melvillejayathissa7415]

Vitamin K2 as MK7 !

[@melvillejayathissa7415]

​@@jedi-micNattoKinase?

[@denniswills8788]

Im 70 yo and have been taking D3K2 for 3years, i done a calcium score and was surprised i had a score of 0. IM not sure if it was k2 but i was happy with the result as only 5 percent of people my age have a score of 0.

[@jacobrpince2000]

Hey doc! New mic is great, however it initially seems worse due to the extra room sounds picked up as echo etc. from the higher quality mic. I have a minor in music tech, alongside my major in bio, but as a scientist I’m sure you’re fine looking this stuff up! I’d gladly help if you want it, but if you did some research into “gain staging” I think that would provide the most benefit to you! That way you can pick up less room and more Gil! Hope this is helpful and not annoying! Thanks for making the highest quality videos on KZbin! Jacob Prince

[@NutritionMadeSimple]

thanks! very helpful. will try to turn down the gain a bit and elevate the mic to be closer to sound source. feel free to msg through the FB page too with more feedback! thanks

[@cherylcampbell7495]

I’ve taken it for the last six months . Raw k-complex. My chiropractor recommended it for my spinal stenosis. Actually has dissolved a lump on my right wrist. Also started taking peptide collagen bovine for energy. I’m 75 and feel like a new person.

[@DANGJOS]

I imagine that eating natto is overall a good thing. Not only does it have vitamin K2, but it also has some nice probiotics (to my understanding)

[@viviandarkbloom8847]

oh yes, and if you like East Asian food, give kimchi a try, as well ;)

[@albineg]

Natto contains a lot of beneficial compounds like PQQ and Nattokinase, good amount of calcium also for a non-dairy source

[@patricknowlan4590]

Thank you! I love how you cut through BS and tell it like it is. One of best health channels on the internet.

[@TheParadigmShiftTV]

Thanks for tackling this issue. I see you have a new microphone but it doesn't sound like it's on? Is it connected to your camera with the correct settings? Sounds like the audio from the camera without an external mic. I recently used a wireless mic connected with a USB-C cable but it needed a mic phono cable to work. The USB-C is for transferring files from the mic to a computer.

[@mikewazowski489]

Thank you for this video!

[@krisvette5874]

Great insights based on the current evidence.

[@emanuelgy729]

Nice one, interesting 😊

[@sandraann5496]

Thank you so much for breaking down and explaining the research done on so many areas of health and nutrition. Could you please do a video on turmeric and the benefits and dosage of this supplement? Thank you.

[@MrSinister718]

He said a whole lotta nothing!

[@kevinstarski1598]

Like he usually does :-) @@MrSinister718

[@jedinxf7]

thanks so much for this. i never imagined that calcification could be a protective effect revealing a problem rather than a problem (or progression of a problem) to solve

[@TheTigers00001]

Thank you for your balanced approach to this subject. On a lot of other videos posted the comments from the general public border on ludicrous. They say their doctor knows nothing about supplements. However as you point out, when you look for REAL scientific evidence in large trials, there is nothing that supports their use. That’s not to say they don’t work at all but it says that there’s currently no evidence to say they do. Well done!

[@raybar1915]

Thanks for the information. I would be interested in hearing your assessment of the evidence of vitamin K2 on bone health. There is some evidence I have seen in the literature that shows benefits of K2 supplementation but it seems like some studies show benefit and others do not.

[@pietrocantuccini5584]

Arthritis & Osteoporosis doi: 10.1155/2017/6254836 CVD & coronary calcification doi: 10.1155/2017/6254836 + DOI: 10.3945/an.111.001628 Coronary Heart Disease DOI: 10.1093/jn/134.11.3100 Dental Caries doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2015.01.011 Inflammation doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2017.11.020 Osteoporosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2020.05.020 Rheumatoid arthritis DOI: 10.12659/MSM.911628 + DOI: 10.5414/CP203827 + doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.06.014

[@brianmoran1968]

Thanks for the information

[@tonyc2489]

Thank you. You have touched on a subject I have often wondered about. If calcification forms as a defence of the artery walls in areas of plaque, is it a good idea to try to remove it? K2 doesn't get rid of the plaque, just the calcium. I have taken K2 as a precaution for a couple of years although, probably like many, I have no idea if I have arterial plaque or not. ( I have noticed that the painful swellings on the knuckles of my hands that appear overnight have stopped).

[@Mick-HHH]

Great video. Cant wait for a dr berg response

[@rn5697]

With what other vitamin should we combine K2? Is it good with D3 and magnesium?

[@larryc1616]

Vit D + K2 + nattokinase = ❤

[@LoiolaALG]

Add Ubiquinol, Acetyl L-Carnitine and Tocotrienols to those for even better results. While at it, add Glycine, NAC and Taurine.

[@parisryan1122]

What about Nattokainese? Love the science based evidence!

[@playfulpatyy57]

Read plus things on natto and if not appropriate does no difference? I have heard nattokinase can be hard on stomach. At high dose 8,000 I had bad acid reflex. Whether that or something else, not sure?

[@greggarlough8955]

Would like a discussion on your thinking as to which supplements you feel would be appropriate for the general population.

[@MunchinYou-jy6km]

If you are fully or almost plant-based, then Vitamin B12, Vitamin D (almost everyone could take it during the winter season) and maybe Omega 3 depending on your nutrition composition

[@pietrocantuccini5584]

The 'general' population (age 20-50) doesn't need supplements, except vD in Winter.

[@MunchinYou-jy6km]

The "general" population is anything but health conscious and they almost certain have one or more deficiencies in vitamins or minerals.@@pietrocantuccini5584

[@bartcop2742]

K2 helps with getting calcium to the bones, so it's still helpful in that way

[@David-tu4ub]

That's where it should go not in your Arteries

[@boblablaw4857]

Great content, as usual. I would be interested in seeing your take on Dr. Brad Stanfield's vit k2 recommendation. In one video he does mention the calcified arteries stuff, but in another video he references something related to bone calcium deposition? I can link them if you want, but they are easy to find on his channel. I respect both of you a great deal, as well as when we get to see Professor Gardner. So hard to get good information on this stuff, so thanks again :)

[@petervafeades4095]

Density vs score: Higher calcium density is beneficial since it secures hot plaque, lower scores MAY mean lower density which is perilous. BUT a lower score when density is unaffected is a major factor in reducing risk of an event. A Budoff paper found greatly reduced risk for scores that increase by a modest amounts yoy. I lost a lot of weight and was on K2 for a year when I saw a reduction from 409 to 339 in my CAC score while on statin therapy. My plaque burden droped precipitously. Did the K2 help? My joints definitely indicate that there was an effect!

[@azdhan]

Really interesting. Many thanks for sharing Dr Carvalho. As you have a good reporie with Dr Brewer that I also have a great deal of respect and admiration for as I do for you,,I would love to have you host Dr Brewer to have him highlight or speak to some interesting and compelling points he made on his KZbin channel video titled “The Widow Maker, Are You Off The Hook”. I am not trying to instigate issues, but I think that video highlights some interesting differences between how you both approach the issue of heart disease progression. Again, such a joint discussion would be useful/helpful to subscribers of both channels. This would be as interesting and helpful as the video you did where you hosted an open discussion with cardiologist, Phillip Ovadia. Thanks again.

[@gpalzz1121]

I've been a lifelong trail runner(more than 50 years now) and I had my calcium score done - about 5 years ago and it was 330 ( ish). I've also found research on senior athletes with ( what they termed as) hearts of stone. The gist of the reasearch was that cardio respiratory fitness was the key metric. The higher the level of CRP - even with elevated calicification scores - the rate of events for those with the highest levels of CRP was far lower than non-fit controls. I've done a google search on hearts of stone to find the various research papers. I would love your take on it. Guy Palmer, Mill Valley ca.

[@gtkona1608]

Hi Guy. 30 year Ironman world class age group athlete here, Kona 29 times. Calcium is thought to represent only 30% of the total plaque burden and it is the non calcified plaque that poses the risk of MI. With a calcium score around 200 I had a CT angiogram of my coronary arteries done in my mid 60's. The only plaque present was the calcified plaque. My cardiologist says that there is anecdotal evidence that endurance athletes tend to calcify plaque that non athletes would not calcify meaning that we have a lower amount of risky soft plaque than our calcium score might suggest. Also, by CRP do you mean cardiorespiratory fitness?

[@fortworthron]

@@gtkona1608 I suspect he means C Reactive Protein - another test (for inflammation I believe).

[@naughtyorgneiss]

​@fortworthron no, he means cardio respiratory fitness, no way its crp. Higher levels of inflammation are not healthy.

[@mingkee27]

I noticed my fingernail is less prone to break. Vitamin K2 actually works along with D (D3)

[@Ronlawhouston]

Great video Dr. Gil. Okay a little comment on evidence. On the observational side, the Japanese consume a lot of nato and seem to do well with longevity and heart disease. I am not certain what inferences you can draw from that observation. On the anecdotal side, I take K2 supplements. I have calcified plaque but I started taking it to regulate and mobilize calcium in the body. I had to get dental implants. My dentist has been monitoring the recalcification of my jaw bone and is amazed at the results. So my theory is that K2 is beneficial for older people to help regulate and mobilize calcium. I have also noticed that I have less problems with calcium deposits on connective tissues. I am really debating if you want to try to reverse calcium in the arteries. I think I prefer having stable calcified plaque to unstable soft plaque. Again, thanks for your work.

[@georgecav]

So you may stop supplementing K2 to keep stabilizing Ca in the arteries?

[@Teneab]

Maybe do a video about epa-dha/fish oil in relation to heart disease

[@susanstarker1378]

Please do a segment on vitamin K2 and bone health, including research, if any, on proper dosage of K2. Thank you!

[@timhanley4396]

Your videos are the best and thank you for the facts

[@BlueSparkshine]

My aesthetic medicine doctor recommended adding k2 to d3 to prevent/slow facial bone loss. Can you comment on the validity of this?

[@2005kpboy]

Should we not ?

[@marilynkonstapel403]

I read that K2 in combination with D3, instead of just D3, can help get more calcium to our bones, especially those of us who might have ostopenia or osteoporosis. I would like to learn more about that. So, not a focus on heart health, but a focus on bone health

[@Jesse47249]

He liked a comment asking him about this. So, I believe he has the intention of doing a video soon about vitamin K2 and bone health.

[@marilynkonstapel403]

Thank you. I hope so@@Jesse47249

[@pietrocantuccini5584]

What you've read is correct. K2 activates the Matrix-GLA-Protein that was mentioned in the video. Whenever you want to add it to your regimen, make sure it is of the (K2) MK-7 variety.

[@xiamengbaby]

I've also seen from a dietician that it's important to take magnesium with Vitamin D. So many people are deficient in magnesium and that it's crucial for the absorption and assimilation of the D.

[@Fitzrovialitter]

I read that the moon is made of green cheese.

[@InfiniteLynn]

I started taking a D3-K2 supplement a few years ago because I read it helps prevent dowagers hump, something both my grandmothers had. I'm going for a CAC test this week because I have high LDL cholesterol (I do low carb) and my doctor wants to put me on a statin. I pushed back, hence the test. No, I don't normally second guess my doctor and I don't think it's generally a good idea to do it, so I was happy to hear you warn against it. If my CAC test has a high score I will next ask about the CIMT test for soft plaque.

[@budzow]

Hello Gil and thank you for addressing this popular subject I was thinking what your take is on witamin K in the context of calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS). While as you say in case of atherosclerosis calcification is just a marker and not a rootcause of a problem, in case of CAVS calcification seems to be an actual problem limiting valve flexibility and movement. I would think that K supplementation can be a logical gamble for people with CAVS or CAVS risk factors (e.g. bicuspid aortic valves BAV) not as a replacement of eliminating conformed risk factors, but in the view of some evidence of slower progression of CAVS when supplementing with K. Would love to hear your views on this.

[@NutritionMadeSimple]

good Q, the AVADEC trial (the latest one covered in the video) also looked at aortic calcification and found no significant difference with vitK + vitD www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/circulationaha.121.057008

[@budzow]

Thank you for pointing out this study. It is an interesting discussion on their findings being contradictory to Brandenburg's study. I hope we will see more RCTs in the future targeting different age groups and different stages of CAVS. Fingers crossed it will turn out to be a magic molecule (at least in some configurations:))

[@brokko_le3]

Thanks for the information. I was thinking about K2 supplementing, but it's really pricey here for some reason.

[@arciev.743]

Very informative My dr ordered I get a heart calcium score test and I came back at a 5, which now dr wants to put me on meds since she says I have beginning stages of heart disease. I will definitely view your other video. Thank you

[@susanbeever5708]

Calcification is a marker for vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) inflammatory phenotype that causes osteoblast-like cells that lead to calcification and a dangerously thin fibrous cap that can lead to plaque rupture then myocardial infarction and stroke. From 2020: Stem Cell Pluripotency Genes Klf4 and Oct4 Regulate Complex SMC Phenotypic Changes Critical in Late-Stage Atherosclerotic Lesion Pathogenesis Too high carb/sugar-> too high TRPV1-> hyperinsulinemia-> more TRPV1-> hyponatremia/hypoosmolality -> too much TRPV4 in VSMC with Klf4-> switch to VSMC inflammatory phenotype. Hypertension can also cause too much TRPV4.

[@embarq12]

In case of a high CAC score, it could be a good idea to get a CTA scan to detect soft plaque and also measure APoB to assess future risk before any intervention.

[@Hanover-ek4jy]

A CIMT test will also identify soft liquid plaque!

[@B-the-Ball]

This is my situation, high cac score 596 5 years ago. Primary is adjusting my statins to lower ldl. Cardiologist had me do a nuclear stress test (twice) passed flying colors. Neither doctor mentioning CTA but learning about it on my own. How to go about getting this authorized.

[@4plum]

Measuring ApoB is under $20 if done through a private lab in the US - knowing your number is a no-brainer.

[@Tony-di5lp]

Thank you for bring us all the great information Gil. I've got a increasingly painful situation. I get horrible Cramps in almost every muscle in my body. I'm taking potassium, maganisium , drinking lots of water. If I yawn , I get cramps in myjaw. If I contract any muscle it will ball up in a painful cramp....any suggestions to stop this ?

[@Michelle_Emm]

The most common cause of muscle cramps is dehydration. Adding in electrolytes and more water might help. As little as a 1.5% drop in hydration can cause muscle cramps, headaches and confusion.

[@kinpatu]

At 5:10, I’d point out that raising HDL, pharmacologically, doesn’t improve outcomes. Raising it by other means (e.g., exercise) does improve outcomes. But the point is well taken: HDL is a marker, not a causal agent.

[@stevenmiller7747]

Based on studies I’ve seen no evidence that people with low HDL raising it by any means (medication, exercise, alcohol…….) does nothing to reduce cardiac events. If you have any links that contradicts this I’d love to see it.

[@sectionalsofa]

For me it's complicated... but not so unusual. Firstly, I'm 70. Having an autoimmune disease, I find it important to take a fairly high dose of vitamin D (8000 to 10000) to keep my levels in the optimal range (around 60). However, I'm aware that doses above 4000 can drive calcium out of the bones and into the bloodstream. I already have a CAC score of at least 42 (tested 5 years ago) and am taking a PCSK9i. But my main concern is that my mild osteoporosis will worsen with that high dose of D possibly driving calcium out of the bones. So, to be safe, I include 200 mcg of K2 (MK7) in the hopes that this will enable the vitamin D to keep the calcium where it needs to be... in the bones. I know I'm not alone in this. As they say, aging is not for the faint of heart. By the way, anecdotally, I do find my dental checkups have improved markedly. Thoughts?

[@Julottt]

No, taking a very high dose of "vitamin" D (an hormone) doesnt drive calcium out of the bones into the bloodstream in itself. What does that is eventually having a too high blood "vitamin" D lvl long term, a toxic lvl above 100-150 ng/ml which could be reached by most people from taking 5000-10000 IU of "vitamin" D daily in a few weeks or months but obviously you and me need to take more than 5000 IU daily to reach a healthy to optimal "vitamin" D lvl in the blood. This is why the limit recommendation is set at 4000-5000 IU daily.

[@1truemoose]

I take K2 MK7 and my dental checkups have improved too.

[@melvillejayathissa7415]

Same here, less pain during drilling, and at age 76 now I have just switched from a combined supplement of Vitamin D-3 with 5,000 IU and 180mcg of Vitamin K-2 after 3 years since COVID to 10,000 IU of Vitamin D-3 and 300mcg of Vitamin K-2 both manufactured by NOW FOODS. Hope this helps somewhat! Melville from sunny Malaysia

[@tonygordon7571]

"I'm aware that doses above 4000 can drive calcium out of the bones and into the bloodstream." Is there evidence that taking vitamin D over 4000 IU causes that?

[@gmw3083]

I'm growing new enamel with K2

[@peterholt4806]

Your video showing a plaque stopping blood getting through surely explains the calcium problem. Calcification is "hardening of the arteries". Without "hardening" the arteries is flexible and pliable. So any narrowing by plaque will not significantly affect blood flow as the artery will dilate to allow flow, unless it is calcified and stiffened.

[@NutritionMadeSimple]

there is some truth to this as arteries can initially dilate to compensate for stenosis (they call it "positive remodeling"). unfortunately, there is a limit to this and plaque eventually starts to bulge into the lumen. the other relevant aspect is that most events (heart attacks etc) arise not from plaque completely blocking the lumen but from plaque rupture + acute clotting. interestingly, this often doesn´t happen in the largest plaques. calcifications may help prevent this as they strengthen plaque

What is your take on people on warfarin? I'm really confused about warfarin vs vitamin K

[@shar7508]

What supplements should ppl with osteoporosis take? And how much? They will need more minerals than a person without osteoporosis, correct? And what diet? Thanks so much!

[@stevenlaake9975]

What about the 3,000 years of trial that Japanese have less heart attacks and possibly lower BP. That was traced to the fact they ate natto. Which has extremely high levels of K2. I think that should also be talked about.

[@kathleenking47]

I like it, but it's an acquired taste. Not all Asian markets have it Or like it

[@brendaoquin]

My endocrinologist suggested K2 for bone health as I have osteoporosis. What are your thoughts?

[@Mansmatters]

Very interesting

[@01jausten]

Could you please say if the study participants are male or female and if the females are pre or post menopausal? I ask because, as you know, most studies do not have female participants or they are not split into pre or post menopausal females. This is so important for the public to understand what effect this has on women’s health.

[@Kevin-mz2cx]

I was advised to supplement with D for better COVID outcome and add K2 to keep mobilized calcium in the bones and away from the arteries. I did not mega dose D, stayed with RDA. Is this a valid use for K2? Does my body convert all the K2 I need from K and do I not need a supplement? Thank you for your content.

[@CarnivoreOrVegan]

A question if he would be so kind as to answer. Is there a natural treatment for autoimmune hemolytic anemia? I have that disease. I take a daily vitamin D3+K2 supplement. A digestive probiotic of various strains and once a week a vitamin B12 capsule.

[@arc0006]

Interesting. I heard berbrine can effect calcium channel scores. Funnily enough I heard this in a youtube video and in the comments someone mentioned that is a bad idea. I think they might have been referring to the soft plaque ruptures like you mentioned. So my first question to you is berbrine and the heart? Probably not enough data yet but your early thoughts would be appreciated. Back to K2 there is a study showing low k2 levels is one of the causes of prostate cancer. The coles notes version is that men with low k2 levels had varicoles(sp?) exiting the prostate which had a retrograde flow of blood saturated with DHT way way above normal. If I remember correctly the study or a other study showed supplementation helped reduce the risk. Men that had the varicoles removed early did not get prostate cancer. Incidentally I asked my doctor about this and he was concerned about k2's blood thinning effects. *shrug*

[@kelvinyu339]

Which form of K2?

[@arc0006]

@@kelvinyu339 I don't know. I will have to go look.

[@Teneab]

What about Vitamin K1? I think it would be fitting to address that in the video.

[@teddybearroosevelt1847]

Yes, i agree

[@contact2001]

Just eat your Greens, they are full of vitamin K your body produces all K2 it needs from it…. Dr Greger did a video on it nearly a year ago…

[@-fred]

What is the optimal proportion of vitamins D3 to K2(mk-7) for bone health?

[@Michelle_Emm]

From everything I've read the correct ratio is 180mcg Vit K2 to 1000iu D3.

[@HowardKlein1958]

I take 100ug of K2 mk7 with 10,000 IU D3.

[@Michelle_Emm]

@@HowardKlein1958 why do you take such a high dose of VitD3? As a fat soluble vitamin/hormone it can build up and cause negative side effects. Do you have a medical condition that requires you to take such a high dose?

[@cdprince768]

I appreciate you sticking with the numbers for evidence of efficacy, yet you don't seem to do that with statins. Meta-studies have clearly shown that the absolute risk reduction from statins regarding heart attack, stroke and death are 0.9%, 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively. This means that 982 people out of 1000 get no benefit from statins, which in turn means statin benefits are not statistically significant. Yet you continue to advocate for statin use.

[@NutritionMadeSimple]

hi, we have a video with complete coverage of the RRR vs ARR question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIO1dWukjaqsfa8

[@shar7508]

Doctor, are they any studies on PubMed re Vit K2 and arterial calcium?

[@Dondala]

You maybe right, if you just look at heart health. but we have to look at the hole human, to make a decision about supplementation. So, question is, e.g., is K2 needed, to get calcium to work where it belongs, e.g. in the bones? also, what is, if K2 is missing, and calcium therefore cannot be integrated in the bone? where is it then? Check this, and give an more complete answer.

[@chrishowe8614]

Fantastic! An American who can pronounce natto correctly! Thanks!

[@veasnaphai8]

If you take Amlodipine, can you also take K2 ?. Any answer ?

[@peterz53]

Would be interested in a study that used K2 in conjunction with two other arms - standard American diet (which has probably been done) and healthy diet which brings lipids into line and see what happens over time. Both arms starting from same place with known plaque and calcification. I eat a rigorous plant based diet (lots of greens) and have good lipids, but I do take a modest dose of K2 to help assure proper calcium transport occurs Started 11 years ago after being diagnosed with CVD. I rely on diet to control lipids but will likely go back on a low dose statin. Taking supplements without cleaning up diet and normalizing weight is a fools game.

[@markaldridge5089]

I agree with your conclusion. There's so much information out there and there is a natural tendency to focus on a particular food or supplement etc as the "solution", when the much larger issues weigh greater in the mix. So clearly, someone who eats an unhealthy diet, is overweight, does little to no exercise, smokes, drinks too much and has poor sleep has the "solution" right there - tackling any one of these will have a greater effect than any particular supplement. Tackling 2 or more even better. All of the above sorted - boom, massive benefit. I do often have moments of guilty clarity when I realise I have been scrolling through endless videos on supplements etc for an hour, when I might have been better off going out for a long brisk walk instead.

[@Tyler-iu7fu]

I take D3 1000IU and K2 90mcg combo tablet. I got my Vitamin D levels checked with normal range being 50 - 150 and mine was 147 which was described as 'optimal level for bone health'. So I'm pleased with that and will continue. I don't know my calcium score but so far so good...hope the calcium is going to bones and teeth. Next stop...dentist!

[@kosmotrekker]

Good work doctor ! This is science .

[@fjversace]

Were these studies mentioned in the interview specific to K2 M7 or K2 generally.

[@choma82]

Can you make a show proving the utility of statins in preventing chd?

[@gordonbrown5901]

I've seen where K2 is good for CKD. Any thought on that?

[@jeffagnoli9818]

What about calcium supplements? There are some studies that recommend whole milk to improve cholesterol

[@alleneverhart4141]

So I need to take calcium with salt!?

[@rodenwald]

So is there a different treatment if you have high LP-PLA2? Isn't it better to take statins to fasten the soft plaque which PLA2 indicates than takin niacin and k2 to resolve it. And what makes a plaque vulnerable? Isn't it the goal to resolve the plaque?

[@necrotic4816]

I'm gonna stick to exercise.

[@lorettawitomski9806]

I have Osteoporosis. I read that I should take K2 as MK7. Is this true? Is it best to get it from eating Natto???

[@enabl3r]

Really love this video!! I’d like to see though how *naturally-derived* K2 (like directly from natto) figures into this. Such as how the Japanese who consume lots of natto are found to have low rates of heart disease. Then how this relates to K2 supplements that are natto derived as opposed to other forms of K2…

[@bassjace]

lived on natto every morning in the town of Matsushima Sendai for years, it was the go to for the much required pick up needed after a night drinking hot sake in big groups. Its believed to be anti-inflammatory, after getting used to it I would stick a spook of vegemite in it and gulp it down.

[@brokko_le3]

@@bassjaceThat sounds like a more potent morning booster than the strongest coffee :)

[@hevesat1920]

@@bassjacecan we make it without a starter. Because I can not find a starter in my country

[@k.h.6991]

Natto is a whole plant food. That's going to contribute to health effects, over the K2 supplement.

[@fatboitino2]

I’ve seen people improve their plaque, but- as far as lowering incidence? No way without a broad and extended study

[@ivanpetrov8821]

what about some studies showing that K2 is good for bone health? Directs the Ca to the bones?

[@markkubert8572]

Do we have any idea how much calcium has to be deposited to stabilize a plaque? Once that level of stability has been reached does calcium continue to be deposited and arteries are hardened? Would reducing calcium then be a good thing?

[@rodenwald]

That is exakt my question. And does K2 destabilize the soft plaque, which is a big risk?

[@dansantos1659]

Can you take these supplements while taking Apixaban?

[@Domen77]

You'r channel is great, but please invest in better camera setup :) my advice.

[@tammylynnlaws8824]

Where do you buy your vitamin k2

[@rkardos4220]

I have taken lots of supplements and really don't know if they have benefited me. I now believe that the less supplements I take the better off I am and I now supplement with real food.

[@Montecitodesign]

K2 + D3 + Mg? I’ve seen this suggested as the best combination.

[@luckssj]

I take Nattokinace and D3 and K2-MK7 and Nitric Oxide all seem to be helping my arteries

[@pumppump5428]

Maybe you firstly should have done the video about bone health and K2 and asked us if we wanted this one:) Thihi!

[@melissajohnson9421]

Hey there, just curious, would vitamin a D3 +K2 combined in a tablet cause blood thinning? I have hashimotos and my vitamin D was 21. Dr. said to supplement so I took D3 + K2 and a few days later had a bleeding area on the white of my eye. Stopped the D + K and it went away. Started the D3 with K2 a couple weeks later and had another bleeding area on my eye. Does anyone know if K2 can cause this? Is it safe to take D3 alone? Thank you so much for your help.

[@pietrocantuccini5584]

According to the literature 'bleeding tendencies' happen with a DEFICIENCY of vit. K or its dependent proteins. If any of the following items apply to you, it may have a different cause. Conditions and medications that interfere with vitamin K absorption: 1. Antibiotic use (longer than 10 days) (patients receiving cephalosporins and other antibiotics for more than 48 hrs had an increased risk of haemorrhagic events) 2. Dilantin (use in pregnancy or nursing may deplete vitamin K in newborns) 3. Low fat diet and fat blocking supplements 4. Bile acid sequestrants (which prevent fat absorption) such as cholestyramine, colestipol, or colesevelam 5. Orlistat, Xenical, and Olestra (FDA requires addition of vitamins K, A, D, E, to food products containing Olestra) 6. Mineral oil 7. Preservative butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) 8. GI tract diseases, liver diseases, and oestrogen drugs 9. oral anticoagulants like Coumadin (warfarin) 10. drugs reducing cholesterol in a dyslipidaemia scenario 11. drugs that interfere with lipases activity used for obesity treatment such as orlistat, (The latter two can affect the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and lead to a decrease in the vitamin K status). umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement-interaction/possible-interactions-with-vitamin-k.

[@Michelle_Emm]

Gosh I've never heard of this! I have Hashimotos and supplement with D3 and K2 and have never had an issue. My last Vit D test showed an increase from 49 to 82 in 6 months. 21 is dangerously low. I take a single supplement with 180mcg K2 and 1000iu of D3.

[@reydelagarza2953]

Good info....thanks. However, the video at 6:50 shows a clot forming, but with particles clogging at the area where the artery has been damaged, compromised or breached; is that accurate as to how most events occur, where the narrowing has taken place? I thought clots form from soft plaque breaking off from that damaged area (being repaired) and then clotting further down the line, not necessarily there where the narrowing has occurred.

[@reydelagarza2953]

Statins lower actual events for those that have "indication", meaning those that have had prior heart attacks or strokes? 4:28 into the video.

[@NutritionMadeSimple]

those too, but some people have indication by way of their high risk without having had an event already (this is called primary prevention). those trials also show event reduction

[@reydelagarza2953]

@@NutritionMadeSimple thanks. was just trying to clarify....because numerous folks/docs have pointed out that "relative risk" is what's really misleading in some studies, and utilized by the pharmaceutical companies.

[@NutritionMadeSimple]

for relative risk see kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIO1dWukjaqsfa8

[@ropeyarn]

I've been taking K2 for PAD in my calves and along with reducing saturated fats, and more Vitamin D, I see an improvement. K2 makes me drowsy (100mcg.)

[@ManfredBartz]

Interesting, thanks. 🙂 Regarding K2, what about bone health? Can K2 reverse ganglia caused by osteoarthritis and bone-spurs on the distal interphalangeal joints? Can it improve bone density? Are co-factors necessary, such as magnesium? Regarding CVD, there is a retrospective study with >1000 participants which shows significant benefits from high dose nattokinase supplementation and additional benefits when combined with K2. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.964977. Any thoughts on that?

[@tracysmith245]

depends on need to exercise if you are overweight can not get vitamin d regulates the calcium to your bones I try to eat and drink whole foods it has worked for me i have low calcium though things like spinach and kale are high in calcium coffee processed junk food dairy like milk cheese pull calcium from our bones

[@tonyc2489]

I have taken D3 and K2 for a couple of years and no longer wake up with painful swellings and distorted finger joints. The two joints affected have not subsided completely, but are no longer painful and no others have appeared.

[@narniadan]

Not calcified arteries but would like my arteries to be as pristine waters. What could I do to remove, clean probable plaque in my arteries without drugs.

[@nanna4486]

Solgar soya lecithin capsules