September 2016 SPDS Book

Background on Vitamin K

Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone)

M d b l t • a e y p an s an a gae- • Only 5-10% of ingested K1 reaches circulation d l

Vitamin K2 - Menaquinone 4

• Pharmacokinetics like K1 • Used in many studies due to commercial availability

Vitamin K2 - Menaquinone 7

• Found in certain fermented foods • Readily absorbed (nearly 100%) and distributed to several tissues

Significance Vitamin K is an essential vitamin in many organs. Vitamin K is a necessary co-factor for activation of the Gla-proteins. Once activated, the Gla-protein can bind calcium Vitamin K important for: ▪ Blood clotting ▪ Building of bone (combined with calcium and vitamin D) ▪ Prevention of vessel calcification

The “Tri-Essentials” Three essentials for optimal bone health