Vitamin K was discovered in 1929 by Dr. Henrik Dam, a Danish scientist. In his experiment, he deprived chickens of cholesterol to see what effects, if any, it had on them. When they started hemorrhaging and pure cholesterol did not stop the symptoms, he looked further for the cause. Apparently, he deprived them not only of cholesterol, but of a coagulation vitamin as well. Because his findings were written in German, coagulation was spelled koagulation- hence the name Vitamin K. After its discovery, more and more research has been conducted to unlock the other benefits of Vitamin K, one of which has been the discovery of Vitamin K2 MK7.

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There are there forms of the vitamin and they are denoted as such- K1, K2 and K3. As a member of the K family, K2 MK7 is fat-soluble which means it must be taken with a regular diet of healthy fats. It also means that it stays in the body longer, providing more benefits and allowing the body to fully utilize it. Vitamin K2 MK7 is more easily absorbed than other forms of Vitamin K and also the most beneficial to the body. Though studies have yet to find any related toxicity to K2 MK7, there are contraindications for using it as a supplement such as anti-coagulation medicine, pregnancy and prior heart traumas.

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While Vitamin K is essential to certain body functions, Vitamin K2 MK7 is becoming more and more popular as researchers learn more specifics about it. In the body, K2 is produced by bacteria in the intestines, so good gastrointestinal health is essential to maintaining a good supply. Antibiotics and a poor diet may cause deficiencies in K2 because the necessary bacteria may not be present for production. For supplementation, the highest natural levels of Vitamin K2 MK7 are found in a fermented soybean called natto. This is a common element in the Japanese diet and has been for centuries.

Vitamin K2 is essential to the production of osteocalcin which is, in turn, necessary for the absorption of calcium into the bones. This process also keeps the calcium from escaping out into the body and clogging up the arteries. Calcium build-up in the arteries leads to serious cardiovascular problems. Another possible benefit of osteocalcin, which relies on Vitamin K2 MK7, is that it aids in insulin production and also reduces the amount of stored fat in cells. Because of the metabolism controlling relationship between K2 MK7 and osteocalcin, a possible side effect of supplementation is weight loss. Polyglutamin acid is a component of natto, the fermented soybean that is a source for K2 MK7. It is reported to also aid in calcium absorption from the intestines.

Since fermented soybean is likely an acquired taste and is not a part of the traditional Western diet, Vitamin K2 MK7 can be taken in pill form for easy dosing without the taste. It is safe to take a dose daily to maintain an appropriate amount. Benefits that may be observed through daily doses are improved bone density and bone health, weight loss and better cardiovascular health. Because there is no toxicity, it doesn't hurt to take Vitamin K2 MK7 and it just might help.

What is Vitamin K2 MK7?

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