![logo](https://drhoffman.com/wp-content/themes/drhoffman/images/logo.gif)
![Plus 1](https://drhoffman.com/wp-content/themes/drhoffman/images/small-logo.gif)
Emerging research reveals vitamin K, particularly K2 (menaquinone), is a key player in bone health. Vitamin K2 keeps calcium to where it belongs—in bones.
There are vitamin K-dependent proteins in bone, namely, osteocalcin, matrix GLA protein (MGP) and protein S. These help take calcium from blood circulation and bind it to the bone matrix. The mineral-binding capacity of osteocalcin requires vitamin K and the synthesis of osteocalcin by bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) is regulated by our very good friend, vitamin D.
Matrix GLA protein is a central calcification inhibitor produced by the cells of vascular smooth muscle and regulates the dangerous accumulation of calcium. Therefore a critical benefit of vitamin K2 is it inhibits the accumulation of calcium within blood vessel walls, reducing the likelihood of arterial calcification and stiffening.
But there’s more. Calcium supplementation needs to be balanced with magnesium or kidney stones may develop. Magnesium keeps calcium dissolved in blood so it doesn’t form stones. Magnesium and potassium are critical for bone mineral density. These electrolytes buffer acids in the body leaving the calcium in your bones alone.
Carolyn Dean MD, ND, in The Magnesium Miracle, states, “Magnesium is just as important as calcium to prevent and treat osteoporosis.” Of the myriad functions magnesium aids in the body, it also converts vitamin D to its active form which helps calcium absorption.
Osteoporosis is an inflammatory disease. Putting out the fire of inflammation is critical. Essential fats such as omega-3s impact bone mineral density both by influencing bone formation and reducing activity of cells that break down bone, according to some animal studies.
Clearly these micronutrients work synergistically to maintain bone health. So don’t worry too much about your calcium supplement. Instead, check out Dr. Hoffman’s Bone Health Protocol.
To your health!
Leyla Muedin, MS, RD, CDN
Though we think of declining estrogen as the hallmark of menopause, it's actually common for…
Up to 12 percent of Americans have ulcers at some point in life. Peptic ulcers…
Gallbladder disease is a modern illness. An estimated 20 million Americans have gallbladder disease. The…
I’m a veteran of the Diet Wars. Back in the 80s, when the ultra-low-carb Atkins…
Q: I’ve read that twenty minutes of sun exposure will give us 10,000 to 20,000 IV…
I couldn’t resist. Rather than leave these candidates for “Breakthrough treatments that we don’t really need” on…
Q&A with Leyla, Part 1: Stomach Discomfort
Our virtual voicemail is open 24/7, so there's no need to wait to submit your questions for Dr. Hoffman. Leave a message, and you may hear your question featured on the Intelligent Medicine radio program!