Vitamin K, Healthy Aging, and the Gut Microbiome
Vitamin K is a family of molecules with the same structural backbone (2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone). It was discovered by a Danish scientist who named it for its role in blood clotting (”koagulation” in Danish) and is categorized into vitamin K1, or phylloquinone (found in leafy greens), and vitamin K2, or menaquinones (from fermented foods and gut bacteria). Vitamin K plays a crucial role in bone integrity, cardiovascular health, and cognition, making it a standout micronutrient for healthy aging and longevity.
Clinical research indicates that the dietary intake of foods rich in K1 or K2 may help support neurological health and cognitive function in older adults. In addition, vitamin K is a well-known supporter of bone health and cardiovascular function. It helps support the carboxylation of osteocalcin in bone to help contribute to healthy bone density. A meta-analysis reported an association between low circulating phylloquinone (K1) levels and increased risk of all-cause mortality.
Vitamin K may also play a role in gut microbial imbalance (dysbiosis), one of the 12 hallmarks of aging. Research suggests that the micro-environment in the gut may play a larger role in microbial and systemic health; this includes the interplay between certain micronutrients and microbiota. For example, vitamin K may serve as a co-growth factor for beneficial gut microbiota. Additionally, certain bacteria in the gut produce menaquinones, but this production may be impaired due to a loss of critical genes for menaquinone biosynthesis or a depletion of these bacteria.
While vitamin K is fat-soluble, it is rapidly metabolized and excreted. The body typically only retains around 30% of its oral physiologic intake; this could be why vitamin K stores and blood levels are often comparatively low. Studies suggest that vitamin K supplementation may help support vitamin K status. It may also interact with the gut microbiome. A controlled murine study involving vitamin K deficient mice explored the potential impact of isotope-labeled vitamin K supplements in the body. The isotope labeling revealed that gut bacteria remodeled the vitamin K structures, suggesting an interplay between the gut microbiome and nutritional status. This field of study is still emerging; more research is needed before clinical conclusions can be made.
Additionally, vitamin D and vitamin K may play a synergistic role in healthy aging and human health. A prospective clinical study involving over 4,700 individuals found that approximately 20% of participants had lowered vitamin D and K levels. This combination of lowered vitamin D and K status was linked with increased all-cause mortality. In addition, an animal study on age-related bone changes reported that the combination of vitamin D and vitamin K helped preserve bone integrity more than either vitamin alone. Again, more research is needed on this topic before this can be applied in the clinical setting.
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Clinical research indicates that the dietary intake of foods rich in K1 or K2 may help support neurological health and cognitive function in older adults. In addition, vitamin K is a well-known supporter of bone health and cardiovascular function. It helps support the carboxylation of osteocalcin in bone to help contribute to healthy bone density. A meta-analysis reported an association between low circulating phylloquinone (K1) levels and increased risk of all-cause mortality.
Vitamin K may also play a role in gut microbial imbalance (dysbiosis), one of the 12 hallmarks of aging. Research suggests that the micro-environment in the gut may play a larger role in microbial and systemic health; this includes the interplay between certain micronutrients and microbiota. For example, vitamin K may serve as a co-growth factor for beneficial gut microbiota. Additionally, certain bacteria in the gut produce menaquinones, but this production may be impaired due to a loss of critical genes for menaquinone biosynthesis or a depletion of these bacteria.
While vitamin K is fat-soluble, it is rapidly metabolized and excreted. The body typically only retains around 30% of its oral physiologic intake; this could be why vitamin K stores and blood levels are often comparatively low. Studies suggest that vitamin K supplementation may help support vitamin K status. It may also interact with the gut microbiome. A controlled murine study involving vitamin K deficient mice explored the potential impact of isotope-labeled vitamin K supplements in the body. The isotope labeling revealed that gut bacteria remodeled the vitamin K structures, suggesting an interplay between the gut microbiome and nutritional status. This field of study is still emerging; more research is needed before clinical conclusions can be made.
Additionally, vitamin D and vitamin K may play a synergistic role in healthy aging and human health. A prospective clinical study involving over 4,700 individuals found that approximately 20% of participants had lowered vitamin D and K levels. This combination of lowered vitamin D and K status was linked with increased all-cause mortality. In addition, an animal study on age-related bone changes reported that the combination of vitamin D and vitamin K helped preserve bone integrity more than either vitamin alone. Again, more research is needed on this topic before this can be applied in the clinical setting.
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.