This “Lost” Nutrient Could Save Your Life

Nutrients are like sports players. 

There are the all-stars, and then there are those that support the all-stars.

If you’re loading up on nutrients like vitamin D, C, and B12, you’re focusing on the all-stars.

But there’s a supporting nutrient that you literally can’t live without. 

It always gets “lost” in discussions on major vitamins – but it holds the key to preventing osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, and more. 

And chances are, you’re not getting nearly enough.

The nutrient I’m talking about is vitamin K—specifically vitamin K2.

K2 has numerous critical functions in the body, but its impact on calcium stands out above the rest.

Calcium is well known for its role in bone health. But vitamin K2 is essential for telling calcium where it’s supposed to in the body—your bones—while helping it stay out of where it doesn’t belong—your arteries.

This important fact makes vitamin K2 just as important as calcium for promoting strong, dense bones—while preventing hardening of the arteries at the same time.

The calcium connection extends to your skin as well. 

Vitamin K2 keeps calcium out of your skin’s elastin—the elastic protein that makes your skin soft and pliable—which means it’s essential for preventing wrinkles and promoting soft, youthful-looking skin.

In fact, studies have shown a connection between wrinkles and low bone density—and the common denominator is very likely low levels of vitamin K2.

There’s just one problem: A recent study published in Nutrients Journalshowed that 1 out of every 3 people are deficient in this key nutrient.

Plenty of factors conspire against our body’s vitamin K2 levels.

For starters, you simply might not be getting enough in your diet. One key source of K2 is fermented foods like natto and sauerkraut—and we just don’t eat as much of those in the West as we used to.

Poor digestive health can also play a role. That’s because you need plenty of good bacteria in order to convert vitamin K1 into K2. (K1 is found in sources like spinach, kale, and broccoli.)

The overuse of antibiotics can impact your body’s bacteria, causing your body to not absorb K2 as well from food.

Plus, taking statins can also deplete your body’s K2 levels.

Warning signs that you might have a deficiency in vitamin K include bruising and bleeding easily, tooth decay, poor gum health, weak bones, and heart problems.

To make sure you’re getting enough of this underappreciated nutrient, be sure to load up on foods like meat, eggs, dairy, and fermented foods. 

To a brighter day,

Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.

P.S. Be sure you talk to your doctor before taking a vitamin K supplement if you are taking antibiotics or blood thinners, or if you have kidney or liver disease.