Your body needs vitamin K2 for functions such as blood clotting. The small intestine can form some vitamin K2; however, supplementation may benefit health in a number of ways. Talk to your doctor before beginning a vitamin regimen to prevent, treat or cure any health condition.
Transplantation
Vitamin K2 is important for bone health. Its bone-protective effects of are also likely to help improve bone health in transplant patients. After organ transplantation, patients are susceptible to a loss of bone mineral density. A study published February 2010 in "Transplantation" found that supplementation with vitamin K2 improved bone mass density in heart and lung transplant patients.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer. It usually stems from a hepatitis B or C virus. Vitamin K2 may help to improve your chance of survival if you suffer from this disease. A study published February 2006 in "Cancer" found that people who supplemented with vitamin K2 had a reduced chance of hepatocellular carcinoma relapse and a greater chance of survival. However, researchers say this needs to have further study before they can draw definitive conclusions.
Leukemia
Vitamin K2 shows promise as a vitamin that fights leukemia. Leukemia is a cancer that affects the blood or bone marrow. A study published July 2008 in "Autophagy" found that vitamin K2 leads to apoptosis, or cell death, in human leukemia cells in vitro.
Hip Fractures
Scientists have observed a relationship between neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and poor bone health, according to a study published June 2009 in "Clinical Drug Investigation." This has resulted in conditions such as hip fractures, the researchers explain. Their analysis of the scientific literature showed that higher vitamin K2 levels related to a lower incidence of hip fractures in people with neurological disorders.
References
- "Transplantation"; Dietary Vitamin K2 Supplement Improves Bone Status After Lung and Heart Transplantation; Liv Forli, et al.; February 2010
- "Cancer"; The Effect of Menatetrenone, a Vitamin K2 Analog, on Disease Recurrence and Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Curative Treatment; Toshihiko Mizuta M.D. et al; February 2006
- "Autophagy"; Vitamin K2 Induces Autophagy and Apoptosis Simultaneously in Leukemia Cells; T. Yokoyama et al.; July 2008
- "Clinical Drug Investigation"; Efficacy of Menatetrenone (Vitamin K2) against Non-Vertebral and Hip Fractures in Patients with Neurological Diseases: Meta-Analysis of Three Randomized, Controlled Trials; Jun Iwamoto, et al.; June 2009
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