Vitamin K2 in Health and Disease: A Clinical Perspective

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Vitamins are essential organic compounds vital for numerous bodily functions.
• Vitamin K (VK) is a lipophilic vitamin with two main forms: VK1 and VK2.
• Vitamin K2 (VK2) is found in fermented foods and supplements, with growing interest in its health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors contributing to Vitamin K deficiency.
• To discuss the pharmacological and therapeutic potential of supplementary VK2.
• To examine global clinical studies on VK2's role in various diseases.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published articles from multiple databases (Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, CNKI).
• Focus on human studies examining VK2 supplementation.
• Analysis of dietary influences and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

• VK2 is a versatile vitamin essential for human health.
• A positive correlation exists between VK2 supplementation and improved health outcomes.
• Clinical data show some inconsistencies, indicating a need for more research.

Conclusions:

• VK2 supplementation shows promise for treating various health conditions, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
• Further research is required to understand VK2's metabolism, bioavailability, safety, and optimal dosage.
• Establishing a Recommended Daily Intake for VK2 could significantly enhance public health.