Vitamin K2 and D supplementation reduces risk of coronary artery calcification, says recent study (2023)

FAQs

Can you reverse coronary artery calcification with vitamin K2? ›

Taking a daily vitamin K2 MK-7 supplement is an action people can take to prevent arterial calcification. K2 has even been shown to reverse existing calcification and restore flexibility and elasticity to vessels. K2 regulates calcium in the body.

Scientifically reviewed by Dr. Gary Gonzalez, MD, in May 2022. Written by: Jennifer Ming. In a new study, scientists have presented powerful evidence that vitamin K2 can reduce the progression of atherosclerosis, the “blockage” of the arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Background: Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), also known as vitamin K2, is a cofactor for the carboxylation of proteins involved in the inhibition of arterial calcification and has been suggested to reduce the progression rate of aortic valve calcification (AVC) in patients with aortic stenosis.

Physiological levels of vitamin D are capable of inhibiting calcification through modulating inflammation, with vitamin D deficiency leading to pro-inflammatory activity that subsequently drives calcification.

In the groups receiving high-dose vitamin K1 or K2 (MK-4), not only was there no further arterial calcium accumulation, there was a 37% reduction of previously accumulated arterial calcification after six weeks. After 12 weeks, there was a 53% reduction in accumulated arterial calcium deposits.

There are no quick fixes for melting away plaque, but people can make key lifestyle changes to stop more of it accumulating and to improve their heart health. In serious cases, medical procedures or surgery can help to remove blockages from within the arteries.

Conclusions: A 270-day course of vitamin K2 administration in patients with CKD stages 3-5 may reduce the progression of atherosclerosis, but does not significantly affect the progression of calcification.

Should I take calcium with vitamin D3 and K2 together? ›

Think of it this way: calcium is like a baton, and vitamins D3 and K2 are like runners in a game of relay baton. Taken alone, both vitamins have multiple benefits, but to fully utilize and benefit from calcium, you should supplement with both vitamin D3 and K2.

Vitamin D3 should therefore always be taken in combination with vitamin K2. These two vitamins work together synergistically and ensure that calcium obtained from food is deposited in the bones and not in the arteries.

Optimal Vitamin K₂ intake is crucial to avoid the calcium plaque buildup of atherosclerosis, thus keeping the risk and rate of calcification as low as possible.

The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Vitamin D toxicity might progress to bone pain and kidney problems, such as the formation of calcium stones.

High doses of vitamin D can raise blood levels of calcium (hypercalcemia), which can damage the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels.

A sudden change in the amount of vitamin K you get can cause dangerous bleeding (if you consume less) or blood clots (if you consume more).

In vitro (15–19) and animal (19–23) studies suggest biological mechanisms through which magnesium may prevent or reverse plaque formation and calcification.

Processed Foods

Overeating processed meat like bacon, jerky, ham, and sausages might raise LDL or harmful cholesterol levels. It, in turn, blocks the arteries by cholesterol deposits.

Those who were more physically active tended to be older and less likely to smoke than less physically active participants. They also had lower total cholesterol, higher blood pressure, and existing evidence of calcium deposits in their coronary arteries.

Currently, there is no known specific treatment for coronary artery calcification. Risk factor modification is recommended and includes treating hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, as well as preventing the development of advanced kidney disease.

Can plaque in arteries go away naturally? ›

The key is lowering LDL and making lifestyle changes.

"Making plaque disappear is not possible, but we can shrink and stabilize it," says cardiologist Dr. Christopher Cannon, a Harvard Medical School professor. Plaque forms when cholesterol (above, in yellow) lodges in the wall of the artery.

Although it isn't possible to remove plaque from your arterial walls without surgery, you can halt and prevent future plaque build-up. Research does not support that specific food items can help clear arteries naturally, but a healthier diet is essential to reduce the chance of it forming in the first place.

Lemon acts as an antioxidant in the body and helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Lemon peels which contain citrus flavonoids play a role in the treatment of insulin resistance, and can help prevent clogged arteries.

Oats are an excellent choice for those who have atherosclerosis or are trying to prevent clogged arteries. Eating oats can help significantly reduce atherosclerosis risk factors, including high levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol ( 39 ).

HDL, on the other hand, helps protect against heart disease. Niacin, or Vitamin B3, is the best agent known to raise blood levels of HDL, which helps remove cholesterol deposits from the artery walls.

However, a promising candidate in this regard would be vitamin K. Of all the nutritional supplements, this vitamin presently has the best perspective to become recommended for the prevention or progression of calcification.

It is responsible for making blood coagulate or thicken, to form a clot.

Vitamin K2 Contraindications

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any single vitamin or multivitamin. Do not use this medicine if you are under 18 years old.

While getting enough vitamin D is essential for bone health, too much can actually have a detrimental effect. Some research has found that having too much vitamin D can interfere with the actions of vitamin K2, which is a nutrient that helps keep calcium in the bones.

Thus, calcium in tandem with vitamin K₂ may well be the solution for bringing necessary bone benefits while circumventing an increased risk for heart disease.

Should I take vitamin D3 K2 in the morning or at night? ›

While the best timing has not been established, scientific data to confirm anecdotal reports that supplementing at night may interfere with sleep is unavailable. Current research suggests you can fit vitamin D into your routine whenever you prefer.

Adults should ensure they are getting between 100 and 300 micrograms of vitamin K2 per day. Children under 12 need just 45 micrograms per day. People with particular medical conditions may need more, as recommended by their doctor. There are no known serious side effects from taking too much vitamin K2.

Accordingly, subjects in the Rotterdam Study with the highest vitamin K2 intake consumed more total and saturated fats and also had lower total cholesterol values and higher levels of heart-protective HDL cholesterol.

A subgroup analysis of the study observed that vitamin K2 MK-7 (720 µg/day) and D (25 µg/day) supplementation for two years helped slow the progression of coronary plaque development in individuals at high risk of developing coronary artery calcification with no prior identified ischemic heart disease.

A diet high in calcium doesn't cause calcification. A variety of causes and risk factors can contribute to calcium deposits. These include infections, aging and past surgeries or cancer treatments.

The effects of vitamin D insufficiency were observed at all stages of atherosclerotic plaque formation, destabilisation and rupture [17]. Vitamin D also affects blood extravasation at ruptured atherosclerotic plaque, which is a key element of acute coronary syndrome [17].

However, some sources say you should consume up to 1000 IU of vitamin D past the age of 70. If you are older than 65, you should get a blood test and speak with your doctor to tailor a treatment plan to your body.

Current research shows the important synergistic relationship between Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D3. Taking Vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2 helps to ensure the calcium transported by the Vitamin D is absorbed by your bones where it's needed, rather than accumulating in deposits in your arteries.

They suggest that vitamin D-3 has the potential to significantly reverse the damage that high blood pressure, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and other diseases inflict on the cardiovascular system. “There are not many,” Prof.

Should you take vitamin D if you have atherosclerosis? ›

Recent findings: Vitamin D exerts protective effects on atherosclerosis through multiple mechanisms. It has been shown to protect against endothelial dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, and modulation of the immune system, as well as the inflammatory response.

Coronary calcification is not reversible, but you can prevent it from worsening with lifestyle modifications such as not smoking, managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, and maintaining a healthy weight.

The research, published Monday in the American Heart Association journal Circulation, built upon earlier studies suggesting vitamin K2 supplements could slow the progression of aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the valve that controls blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.

The presence of coronary artery calcification is age and gender-dependent. It is present in 90% of men and 67% of women older than the age of 70.

The primary option for treatment of calcification of the heart valves is surgery. For certain patients, focused ultrasound could provide a noninvasive alternative to surgery with less risk of complications – such as surgical wound healing or infection – at a lower cost.

It is responsible for making blood coagulate or thicken, to form a clot.

Vitamin K2's role in heart health

They found that Vitamin K2 intake (of about 25 μg/day) reduced the risk of dying from heart disease by 57%. It also reduced cases of coronary heart disease by 41%, severe arterial calcification by 52%, and overall mortality by 36% (Grober, 2015).