USANA® Vitamin K2
USANA® Vitamin K2 is Powerful Protection for Strong Bones and a Healthy Heart*
USANA® Vitamin K2
Keep your bones and cardiovascular function strong by making sure calcium goes where it belongs with the help of long-acting vitamin K2.*
You’re actively focused on staying healthy every day. You try to eat right, exercise, and get plenty of sleep. You take your multivitamins and maybe omega-3s or calcium. But do you wonder if you’re missing something? You might be. Vitamin K2 is an essential nutrient with important benefits for your well-being, but it doesn’t get much attention. You can add this missing nutrient to your daily diet with USANA® Vitamin K2.*
Recent research has shown vitamin K2 is critical for helping you live well today and age healthfully into the future. It’s especially important to add to your supplement routine if you take a calcium supplement. It helps your body use the mineral properly, so you can get the most out of your calcium intake.* Take one tablet of USANA Vitamin K2 a day for a double dose of benefits:
- Helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth by ensuring calcium is deposited in bones*
- Maintains healthy cardiovascular function by stopping calcium from being absorbed into soft tissues*
USANA’s supplement delivers an effective amount of the highest quality form of vitamin K2 to ensure maximum absorption and activity in your body. Add USANA Vitamin K2 to keep your body’s calcium moving in the right direction so you can keep your health—and your life—moving in the right direction, too.*
The Health Benefits of Vitamin K2: A Perfect Partner for Calcium
Exploring the importance of vitamin K begins with another nutrient: calcium.
For decades, the expert advice was that you should consume calcium supplements to maintain your bone health. But recently that conventional wisdom has begun to shift, because calcium is only part of the story.
Nutritional science shows that balancing your calcium intake with other important nutrients is the key. You also need magnesium and vitamin D. And vitamin K is one of calcium’s most important nutrient partners to help keep your body strong and healthy.*
There are two types of vitamin K (both are provided for a solid nutritional foundation in the CellSentials):
- Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) supports the normal blood clotting process.* It’s found at higher concentrations in leafy green vegetables.
- Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is present in many body tissues and supports bone and cardiovascular health (research on its role in other aspects of health continues).* It’s found in some animal products, and in fermented foods like natto—a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans.
The differences in the types of vitamin K are important. Your body will use most vitamin K1 in the liver to support the coagulation process, which is imperative to immediate survival. Very little is left over to convert to the other form. Vitamin K2 is what is needed to support functions that promote long-term health by helping your body use calcium properly.*
Small amounts of some forms of vitamin K2 can be produced by bacteria that reside in your colon. Or it can be converted from K1 in tissues. But the amount of K2 that’s naturally available in your body could be low.
The typical Western diet contains insufficient amounts of vitamin K2. And dietary sources from plants (spinach, turnip greens) have poor bioavailability. USANA offers Vitamin K2 as a supplement to give you a consistent 180 microgram (mcg) supply of this vital nutrient every day. This amount will help ensure you have enough circulating in your body when it’s needed.*
The recommended Daily Value of total vitamin K is 90 mcg for females and 120 mcg for males. However, that may not be enough to reach optimal levels of K2 for some people. Your body recycles vitamin K, but it stores very little. So, it can be depleted rapidly if it isn’t replaced by your diet. And deficiency of vitamin K also tends to increase with age.*
What Makes USANA’s Vitamin K2 a High-Quality Product?
When you take USANA’s Vitamin K2, you can be confident you’ll get the best form of vitamin K. And you’ll get the dose stated on the label—guaranteed.
Vitamin K2 comes in several varieties, identified with MK plus a number that indicates its molecular structure. Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) and MK-7 are the only two that are available in supplement form. And their functions are the most well-studied.
USANA chose the MK-7 form for Vitamin K2 because of its flexibility and longevity. MK-7 can convert to MK-4 in the body, if needed. And MK-7 stays active in the body longer than MK-4. So, you only need to take it once a day to maintain ideal levels.*
Many raw ingredient formulations of vitamin K2 are not very stable when blended into a finished product. Unfortunately, this causes those products to lose potency quickly. So, some supplements with vitamin K on the label may not actually contain much of the nutrient by the time you consume them.
USANA Vitamin K2 uses a premium-quality form of MK-7 that is double-coated. This ingredient formulation preserves its potency better than non-coated forms.
You can also help maximize absorption by taking Vitamin K2 with a meal. Because it’s a fat-soluble vitamin, it works best when consumed alongside some dietary fat.*
Vitamin K2 is the Glue that Helps Calcium Stick to New Bones
If you think about reinventing yourself, you probably focus on changing your hairstyle or embarking on a new career. But on the inside, your body is always getting a fresh start. It continually renews itself, day in and day out.
The bones that give you stability, which seem solid and fixed, are actively broken down and rebuilt constantly as part of your body’s normal processes. Your old bones are broken down as your body pulls calcium or other nutrients from them when needed (this natural process is called resorption). Meanwhile, the micronutrients from your diet come in to replenish what’s been lost.*
To support the body’s ability to rebuild solid, strong bones, your body need to maintain the right balance of all the nutrients needed to complete the remodeling process. So, regular intake of those nutrients is vital for a steady supply.*
You need plenty of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Regular use of USANA’s Vitamin K2 supplement will help supply plenty of this essential nutrient to help ensure calcium goes where it’s needed to form and maintain strong, resilient bones.*
Here’s how it works.
A number of proteins that support proper bone remodeling are dependent on vitamin K2. One of the main proteins is osteocalcin, which helps establish a matrix, or organizing structure, for bone.
Initially, osteocalcin is released by vitamin D3. But it requires vitamin K2 to be activated. (This is why it’s also important to get enough dietary vitamin K2 if you supplement vitamin D.) The activation process is critical, because it makes the calcium “stick” to and be incorporated into the bone.*
That’s not the only way vitamin K2 offers bone-supporting benefits. It also helps turn some genes on or off that regulate bone remodeling. This action helps keep the resorption process balanced—so, ideally, your body won’t break down and absorb more bone than is replaced.*
Constantly maintaining that balance is important at any age to help preserve healthy bone density. But it becomes a bigger concern for women as they age. After menopause, women tend to lose more bone density as a result of the changes in hormone levels. Vitamin K2 may be able to help offset some (but not all) of that bone loss over time.*
A three-year study looked at the effects when healthy postmenopausal women consumed 180 mcg of the MK-7 form of vitamin K2 daily. Results showed that supplementation significantly improved vitamin K status and better maintained bone density in the spine and neck (changes weren’t seen in the hip). Healthy bone strength was also retained.*
On the other hand, another study found that women over 70 who had high levels of osteocalcin that hadn’t been activated by vitamin K2 (called undercarboxylated osteocalcin) were less likely to maintain healthy bone density. This illustrates the importance of vitamin K2 to maintaining your skeletal stability as you age.*
Building up your bone strength is important for staying active throughout your lifetime. If you don’t have enough vitamin K2 in your body, calcium won’t deposit into your bone as efficiently to retain healthy bone density. So, supplementing your vitamin K2 can help maintain strong bones, when used as part of a healthy lifestyle.*
Vitamin K2 may also benefit your oral health to help keep you smiling. By maintaining proper bone balance, USANA’s Vitamin K2 supports the health of your jaw and teeth.*
The bone-building benefits of Vitamin K2 are even greater when you also supplement calcium along with other important bone minerals. That makes Vitamin K2 an excellent companion to USANA MagneCal D and/or Vitamin D.*
Vitamin K2 Keeps Calcium Where It Belongs to Protect Cardiovascular Health
As mentioned above, adequate vitamin K2 in your body helps usher calcium into the bones, where it’s needed. If the calcium doesn’t end up in your bones, it still has to go somewhere. So, it could end up in soft tissues and make them more rigid.*
USANA Vitamin K2 helps maintain flexible arteries and normal cardiovascular function. It does this by supporting your body’s natural mechanism for directing calcium to the right place, at the right time.*
Vitamin K2 as MK-7 supports vascular health by activating another protein, called matrix Gla. This protein is found in soft tissues, including the heart, blood vessel walls, and cartilage. It binds to calcium to stop it from being incorporated into your soft tissues.*
This makes USANA Vitamin K2 important for more than bone health. It offers significant support for maintaining healthy cardiovascular function by supporting your body’s natural ability to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy and flexible.*
If maintaining good circulation is at the heart of your healthy lifestyle, USANA Vitamin K2 is a great addition to your supplement routine. And it pairs perfectly with Proflavanol C to help keep your blood flowing.*
Usage
Take one (1) tablet daily, preferably with food.
Ideal For
- Healthy adults
- Postmenopausal women
- Adults taking calcium or vitamin D supplements
Frequently Asked Questions About Vitamin K2
Can someone on blood-thinning medications take supplements containing vitamin K?
Anyone currently taking blood-thinning medications should discuss the use of vitamin K-containing supplements (including the CellSentials, HealthPak, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K2) with their physician.
Why isn’t vitamin K2 included in MagneCal D?
Vitamin K2 is a sensitive ingredient that can degrade and lose potency quickly when included in formulas along with other nutrients. While USANA uses one of the most stable forms of vitamin K2 available, we’ve opted to offer it as a stand-alone product at this time. This is to ensure you get the highest quality product possible, with a dosage in the tablet that you can trust will match what is on the label.
Keeping Vitamin K2 as a separate product also allows people who are taking blood thinning medications—and therefore must carefully monitor vitamin K intake—to get the important benefits of MagneCal D without concern.
What is the difference between vitamin K1 and vitamin K2?
Vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 come from different sources and perform different actions in your body. Vitamin K1 is found in leafy green vegetables. Its primary function in the body is to act as a coenzyme that is necessary for healthy blood clotting. Vitamin K2 is found in certain types of meat, dairy, eggs, and fermented foods like natto. Vitamin K2 is also produced, to a lesser extent, by intestinal microbes. Its primary function within the body is related to supporting cardiovascular and bone health.*
What does vitamin K2 do in the body?
The primary function of vitamin K2 is to support the body’s natural process of directing calcium deposition. Simply stated, it helps maintain healthy blood vessels and a strong skeleton by directing calcium into bones and teeth.*
Do I need a supplement to provide vitamin K2?
Recent studies have shown that many people do not consume enough vitamin K2 in their diet to reach optimal levels. A supplement is a convenient way to achieve higher levels in the body to get full nutritional support.
What is the suggested dose for USANA Vitamin K2?
Each tablet of USANA Vitamin K2 contains 180mcg. The suggested adult dose is one tablet per day.
Can children take USANA Vitamin K2?
USANA Vitamin K2 is labeled for adult use. It is important to consult your child’s physician to determine appropriate use. This tablet can be a choking hazard for children who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
Can I take USANA Vitamin K2 if I am taking medications?
You should always consult your physician or pharmacist to check for interactions with dietary supplements and medications. Special consideration should be taken if you are taking anticoagulation medications.
Can USANA Vitamin K2 be taken during pregnancy?
You should always consult your physician before using any dietary supplements while pregnant.
What type of vitamin K2 is in USANA Vitamin K2?
USANA Vitamin K2 is made with high potency MK-7. MK-7 is absorbed well by the body and remains active longer than the other form—MK-4. However, it can be converted to MK-4 in the body as needed.*
Is vitamin K2 included in any other USANA products?
A lower amount is included in USANA Vita Antioxidant, along with vitamin K1, for broad nutritional support. It is also found in USANA Vitamin D. For additional support for bone and cardiovascular health, or if you use USANA MagneCal D, you may want to add Vitamin K2 to your supplement routine. There is no upper limit for vitamin K, and the products are designed to work together.
Are there other products that work well with vitamin K2?
There are a number of USANA products that will pair well with the Vitamin K2 supplement to support overall health, as well help maintain your bones and cardiovascular system:*
- USANA CellSentialsTM delivers a broad-spectrum nutritional foundation for your overall well-being*
- MagneCal D™ provides the other nutrients needed to support bone health*
- Procosa® helps maintain bone and joint function*
- Proflavanol® C100 helps support cardiovascular health*
- CoQuinone® 30 helps maintain a strong heart*
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5471136/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23525894
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15514282
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19179058
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28646812
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5494092/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6040265/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8739908?dopt=Abstract
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16801507
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4566462/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29749440
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25516361
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18722618
https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-K
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-k2#sources
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24296867
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30791399
K2Vital Delta: Market Study 2016. Kappa Bioscience.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.