The role of vitamin k2 in reducing the incidence of osteoporosis and heart disease

Natural forms of vitamin K include phylloquinone which is vitamin K1, and a family of molecules called menaquinones which is MKs or vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 deficiency may impair the activity of VKDPs and increase the risk of osteoporosis, fractures and heart disease. Phylloquinone is found at high concentrations in green leafy vegetables and certain plant oils, therefore the deficiency of it is very rare. But most menaquinones are usually found in animal livers and fermented foods. In western style diet the consumption of fermented foods is limited and low, also increasing the use of vegetable oils and the reduction of animal fat, organ meat and increasing the use of antibiotics interferes with vitamin k2 absorption. The blood test for vitamin k2 deficiency is not a regular test worldwide, so this important vitamin is deficient in many people. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world and Osteoporosis is increasing dramatically. So increasing the use of fermented foods like natto, increasing animal fat and organ meat in the diet, especially older people, may reduce the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.