Almost a century ago, a curious dentist and researcher called Weston A. Price noticed something puzzling: some indigenous populations had healthier teeth than the average person, despite lacking any access to modern dentistry or commercial dental products. Price travelled the world studying and analyzing the diets and lifestyles of indigenous peoples looking for the answer to that mystery, and he found it; he isolated a fat-soluble micronutrient abundantly found in traditional diets that he linked to healthier teeth that he called “Activator X.” Later, chemists would rename it “vitamin K2,” structurally similar to the then newly discovered vitamin K1but yet fundamentally different in function. Price was only interested in its tooth-preserving properties, but little did he know, activator X’s health benefits would continue to be discovered over the following decades, revealing a versatile nutrient with benefits that expanded to include teeth, bone, heart, hormonal, and metabolic health, making it valuable in functional medicine and dentistry.

Dr. Price’s findings

Price noticed a near absence of cavities, strong jaws, wide dental arches, and straight teeth in populations that didn’t practice brushing, flossing, or use braces. These populations had something in common: their diets were rich in a fat-soluble nutrient he called “Activator X.” Price’s and other scientists’ work revealed that Activator X, later called vitamin K, activates certain enzymes that redirect calcium to be used in bone and teeth mineralization, which explains its dental benefits.

What is vitaminK2?

You probably heard of or read about vitamin K in a multivitamin supplement ad or a health forum, but you probably didn’t know that multiple types of vitamin K exist, each with its own unique chemical structure and biological function. Vitamin K1(phylloquinone) is important for normal blood clotting; you get it from leafy green veggies. Vitamin K2(menaquinones), on the other hand, refers to a structurally similar but distinct group of molecules called MK-4 to MK-13. This form of vitamin K regulates calcium metabolism in the body, directing it to be used in bone and teeth mineralization and preventing its deposition in arteries and soft tissues. Vitamin K2is found in grass-fed dairy products, fermented foods, and organ meats.

Why is this form of vitamin K so important?

The health benefits of vitamin K2are many; due to its unique effect on calcium metabolism, it improves teeth and bone structure, protects the heart and blood vessels, and regulates the immune system.

  • Dental and bone health benefits: Vitamin K2increases the activity of osteocalcin, a protein found in bone and teeth that improves mineralization, redirecting the body’s calcium to be used appropriately, resulting in denser bones that are less prone to osteoporosis and fractures and healthier teeth without cavities, caries, or tooth decay.
  • Heart-protective effects: Vitamin K2inhibits the activity of matrix GLA protein, which is involved in the development of calcification in arteries; this prevents the development and progression of plaque and allows calcium to be used where it’s needed and not get deposited in your arteries. The net result is a healthier heart and arteries and a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulating properties: In addition to its calcium-regulating effects, vitamin K2is a potent antioxidant; it reduces inflammation and regulates the immune system. It was found to improve cognitive function by reducing neuroinflammation, and it was linked to a lower risk of developing some autoimmune diseases like ulcerative colitis.
  • Metabolic and hormonal health: research suggests a link between vitamin K2and better blood sugar control; it was also found to regulate hormonal levels, including testosterone.
  • Benefits for mothers and growing children: Vitamin K2supplementation in pregnant mothers and young children is associated with better bone and teeth development, reducing the need for braces or other orthodontic care later on.
  • Possible longevity benefits: Emerging research links vitamin K2supplements to longer lifespans, but more research is needed to fully understand this property.

Simple ways to increase vitaminK2intake

  1. Embrace traditional diets and avoid modern ultra-processed foods: Add grass-fed dairy products, eggs from free-range chickens, liver dishes, aged cheeses, or fermented foods like natto into your meals every now and then.
  2. Take supplements if you need them: Vitamin K2supplements come mostly in two forms: MK-4 and MK-7. MK-7 is usually recommended because it stays in your body longer. But definitely consult a professional about what’s best for your specific situation.
  3. Check if you have a vitamin K2deficiency: Standard medical tests usually don’t check for vitamin K2levels. However, specialized nutritional tests from trained functional medicine providers can help you find out if you need more vitamin K2.

Vitamin K2supplements usually come together with vitamin D for an optimized effect on bone and teeth health; you usually need between 100-200 micrograms/day, but always consult a professional for a customized approach.

Vitamin K2is a valuable micronutrient that, despite its many scientifically proven health benefits, is usually overlooked by nutritionists and doctors. Get in touch with us now and find out more about this forgotten nutrient.

References

  1. Akbari S, Rasouli-Ghahroudi AA. Vitamin K and Bone Metabolism: A Review of the Latest Evidence in Preclinical Studies. Biomed Res Int. 2018 Jun 27;2018:4629383. doi: 10.1155/2018/4629383. PMID: 30050932; PMCID: PMC6040265.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30050932/
  2. W. Elbossaty. Significant influence for vitamin K on different metabolic diseases according to positive effect on levels of both vitamin D, and calcium. 2018.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324696351_Significant_influence_for_vitamin_K_on_different_metabolic_diseases_according_to_positive_effect_on_levels_of_both_vitamin_D_and_calcium
  3. Malin AJ, Wang Z, Khan D, McKune SL. The Potential Systemic Role of Diet in Dental Caries Development and Arrest: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2024 May 13;16(10):1463. doi: 10.3390/nu16101463. PMID: 38794700; PMCID: PMC11124059.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38794700/
  4. Nakamura Y, Kamimura M, Ikegami S, Mukaiyama K, Komatsu M, Uchiyama S, Kato H. A case series of pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis and a review of the literature. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2015 Sep 7;11:1361-5. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S87274. PMID: 26379439; PMCID: PMC4567231.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26379439/
  5. Ünal ÖK, Dağtaş MZ, Öngen İpek B, Sitar ME, Uğutmen E. Morphological and biomechanical effects of vitamin K2 on fracture healing: An animal study on the rat tibia fracture model. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2023 Jan;57(1):17-22. doi: 10.5152/j.aott.2023.21013. PMID: 36939360; PMCID: PMC10151905.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10151905/
  6. Hu S, Ma Y, Xiong K, Wang Y, Liu Y, Sun Y, Yang Y, Ma A. Ameliorating Effects of Vitamin K2 on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Feb 3;24(3):2986. doi: 10.3390/ijms24032986. PMID: 36769323; PMCID: PMC9917520.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36769323/