Why do women need vitamin k2? Basic information about vitamin K2. Approximate consumption rates

Vitamin K2 (another name for menaquinone) is a fat-soluble compound of the K vitamins that is necessary to maintain normal protein synthesis and proper metabolism. nutrients in organism.

This element was first isolated by American scientists Binkley and Doisy in 1939 from rotting fishmeal. Biochemists have found that the substance has an antihemorrhagic effect that is different from the functional properties previously obtained from alfalfa. The new substance was given the name K2.

Menaquinone plays an important role in human life support processes, as it potentiates the formation of new cells bone tissue, promotes absorption, participates in blood coagulation reactions. Moreover, some protein structures of the body, in particular, elements located in the tissues of the heart and lungs, are synthesized only in the presence of vitamin K2. In view of this, the substance acts indispensable assistant with osteoporosis in the elderly.

Physical and chemical properties

Vitamin K2 - crystalline powder yellow color, soluble in organic solvents (anhydrous ethanol, chloroform, benzene, ether) and practically insoluble in water. A feature of the nutrient is the ability to redox transformations: under the influence of hydrogen, it easily turns into colorless naphthohydroquinones, which, in the presence of oxygen, are again converted into colored quinones. The adsorption spectra of menaquinones and phylloquinones are similar, however, the former substances absorb less intensively ultraviolet radiation. Maxima of vitamin K2 in hexane lie at 243, 249, 260, 325 nanometers. At the same time, due to the sensitivity of the substance to ultraviolet, these absorption spectra rapidly disappear. To determine vitamin K2 in pure solutions, in 90% of cases, use spectral analysis, and for the identification of menaquinone homologues - infrared spectroscopy.

The antihemorrhagic nutrient belongs to the fat-soluble category of naphthoquinones. Among which, menaquinones are characterized by the longest half-life, due to more isoprenoid units in the side chain. For example, compounds of the MK-7 type circulate in the blood stream for 72 hours, as a result of which they have time to accumulate in the liver and spread to all organs, including bones and blood vessels (unlike vitamin K1).

The melting point of menaquinone is 53.5 - 54.5 degrees, which causes the instability of the compound in the external environment.

The structural formula of the substance is 2-methyl-3-difarnesyl-1,4-naphthoquinone.

Natural vitamins K2 and K1 can be modified into each other. Interestingly, in the body of birds and mammals, phylloquinones are converted into menaquinones.

Contraindications: predisposition to thrombosis, recent stroke or heart attack, heart failure, taking blood thinners.

Sources of menaquinone

Since vitamin K2 performs key role in the human body: participates in the mechanisms of blood coagulation, the construction of bone and joint tissues, it is necessary to monitor the level of its intake with food weekly. Consider what foods contain vitamin K2 in its natural form.

Besides, natural vitamin K2 in small quantities (up to 1 gram per 100 grams of product) is present in almost all "green" vegetables (lettuce, parsley, avocado, kiwi, broccoli, spinach, nettle), in vegetable oils(olive and soy), wheat bran, fish oil, cereals. However, the highest concentration of menaquinones in food, which contains milk and animal protein.

Acceptable Alternative natural source vitamin K2 is its pharmaceutical form. Drugs based on menaquinone are used to prevent hemorrhage in newborns, reduce blood loss before surgical intervention, prevention of osteoporosis in the elderly, reduction of bleeding caused by the action of medicines or poor clotting plasma.

Consider K2 - vitamin products:

1. Vita K2 (Eurocaps Ltd) is a complex drug for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, hemorrhagic anomalies. One capsule contains nutrient K2 (45 micrograms), vitamin D 3 (5 micrograms), flax seed oil.
2. Vitamin K2 (Now Foods) - Organic Menaquinone (MK-7) supplement with alfalfa sprouts. 1 capsule contains daily dose vitamin - 100 micrograms. The drug supports the health of the bone and coagulation systems of the body.
3. Vitamin K2 (Swanson) is a single product derived from fermented soybeans natto. Contains the most stable form of menaquinone - MK - 7 (50 micrograms in 1 capsule). The tool is used to improve the functioning of the heart and liver, increase the absorption of calcium, strengthen the strength of bone and joint tissues.
4. Vitamin K2 ( Source Naturals) is a two-component organic dietary supplement containing vitamin K2 (MK-7) and cholecalciferol. The capsule contains 100 micrograms of MK-7 and 400 IU of vitamin D 3. American vitamin complex- an effective assistant in the fight against atherosclerosis, osteoporosis and osteomalacia.
5. Vitamin K2 ( Jarrow Formulas) is a pure menaquinone isolated from fermented soybeans. 1 capsule contains 90 micrograms active substance(MK - 7). This form compounds are 10 times more effective than substances of group K1 obtained from spinach leaves. At the same time, MK - 7 maintains arterial elasticity of blood vessels, regulates bone density, and prevents calcium from sticking to the walls of the capillary bed.
6. Viva-K2 - Vivasan (Dr. Duenner) - a Swiss drug based on vitamins K2, D3, flaxseed and. Regular intake this tool prevents leaching of calcium from bones, destruction of bone tissue, development of osteoporosis and rickets (in children). In addition, Viva-K2 helps to normalize the function thyroid gland, blood clotting, contractility of the heart muscle. 1 tablet contains 45 micrograms of vitamin K2 and 5 micrograms of cholecalciferol.
7. Vitamin K2 (Dr. Mercola) is a premium supplement based on menaquinone-7 (150 micrograms per capsule). K-vitamin monopreparation strengthens bone tissue, regulates metabolism, improves memory, fights against premature skin aging, acts as a powerful antioxidant.

These drugs are included in the catalog of medicines with K-vitamin activity. If, while taking supplements, there is a need for anticoagulants, antibiotics, sulfonamides, or the use of large portions (about 2200 IU per day), you should consult a doctor, since these compounds inhibit the absorption of menaquinones in the intestine.

Vitamin K2 for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis - systemic disease skeleton, due to a decrease in bone mineralization, as a result of which bone fragility develops and the risk of fractures increases.

This process is triggered due to a violation of the assimilation of the following most important building materials" For human body: calcium and osteocalcin. The latter, in turn, is a non-collagen protein that protects bones from damage.

Metabolism of calcium and osteocalcin occurs only in the presence of vitamin K2. Research recent years in particular experiments sponsored by National Institute health indicate that pathological changes in the bones begin at the nanostructural level. Biochemists have found that when falling, moving, or any impact on the bone, a pair of combined proteins (osteocalcin and osteopontin) is deformed, causing the appearance of a "hole" with a diameter of 450 - 500 atoms. These holes, called longitudinal stripes, are a protective reaction of the body, due to which the “repayment” of the force of movement occurs without the formation of large gaps. Thus, cracks and fractures occur only under the influence of too strong external influences.

Biochemists believe that an increase in the concentration of "building" proteins in the body will help prevent pathological changes in the structure of bone and dental tissues. However, the assimilation of these proteins is possible only after the introduction of a carboxyl group into the protein compound in the presence of vitamin K2 (in the carboxylation cycle). Therefore, when stimulating the synthesis of osteocalcin, it is advisable to increase the level of consumption of foods rich in menaquinone. This is evidenced by studies by Japanese biochemists (Kawasaki Medical School): scientists have identified the effect of fermented soybeans on bone strength and bone metabolism markers in healthy women during menopause. The experiment involved seventy-three patients who were divided into four groups, depending on age and the number of births in history. Persons of the first category did not consume beans, women of the second group received a K-containing product once a month, in the diet of the third "community" soybeans were present once a week, in the menu of the fourth - three times in seven days.

The duration of the experiment stretched for a year. Throughout the study period, the patients were subjected to regular bone strength monitoring (ultrasound). In addition, 6 months after the start and immediately after the end of the trial, they were assessed for markers of bone metabolism. During the experiment, doctors recorded that the fourth group of women had a level of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase higher than in the third, and the degree of carboxylated osteocalcin is significantly lower compared to the first three. Doctors noted that the risk of reducing bone formation in the fourth group is two times less than in the first. Based on the data obtained, the scientists came to the conclusion that for older people, including postmenopausal women, it is advisable to consume foods rich in vitamin K2 three times a week to increase bone mineralization. In addition, for the prevention of osteoporosis, four times a year, take "menaquinone" complexes for 30 days.

So, vitamin K2 is one of the most important fat-soluble nutrients necessary for the full-fledged calcium metabolism and the synthesis of protein structures. Regular intake of natural menaquinone will help minimize the risk of developing osteoporosis of bones, cardiovascular vascular pathologies, hemorrhagic abnormalities, bleeding gums. Along with this, compounds of the K2 group slow down skin aging, improving its appearance and preventing the appearance of wrinkles. Despite the fact that the vitamin can be produced independently in small intestine, it is important for preventive purposes to consume K-containing foods three times a week. The largest number menaquinone in soybeans, meat and.

For the full absorption of vitamin K2, it is important to consume foods rich in this nutrient with healthy ones (for example, with 5 milliliters of olive oil).

Vitamins are special compounds that are necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. They are sources of vitality and energy, and their lack leads to disruption of organs and systems.

Nowadays, C, A, E and B are considered the most popular vitamins. Almost every person knows what they need ascorbic acid or vitamin E, but few people know that K2 is also among the vital ones. Numerous studies by modern scientists confirm that it has no less impact on human health than its "colleagues".

Vitamin K2, known medically as menaquinone, belongs to vitamin group TO. For a long time scientists did not pay due attention to it, and it remained little studied. And although today vitamin K2 has not yet revealed all its secrets, its benefits to the human body are a proven fact.

Role in the body

Modern research confirms that vitamin K2 is indispensable in the processes of bone tissue formation. The statistics say that regular use foods rich in menaquinone reduces the risk of spinal fractures by 60% and hip fractures by 80%. So unique property The substance is explained by the fact that it helps to produce osteocalcin, a protein that is needed to maintain joint strength. This is why doctors strongly recommend vitamin K2 for both young children who are actively developing their skeleton, and older people whose bones become hollow and brittle with age.

It is no less important for coagulant processes. Menaquinone is actively involved in blood clotting and promotes rapid healing wounds and scratches. Therefore, foods rich in K vitamins are recommended to be included in the diet of people who suffer from peptic ulcers, pulmonary bleeding in tuberculosis and radiation sickness.

Menaquinone will be useful in cardiovascular diseases. It actively interacts with calcium and promotes its penetration to where it is so needed (into bones, teeth), and removes it from the arteries. The lack of this vitamin is one of the causes of hypertension, stroke, arthritis and many other diseases of the cardiovascular system.

However positive influence on the organs indicated above - this is far from the only advantage of menaquinone. Scientists have proven that this vitamin has many other valuable properties. In particular, he:

• improves the functioning of the digestive system;
• prevents the formation of cancerous tumors;
• stimulate the liver;
• regulates redox processes;
• takes part in intracellular respiration.

Menaquinone, like vitamin E, is considered a source of youth and beauty. A real discovery for modern scientists was the unique property of K2 to prevent premature aging skin. That is why menaquinone is recommended for any skin diseases: psoriasis, dermatitis, etc. A latest developments and research suggests that it may be a hope for people with Parkinson's disease.

Why is menaquinone deficiency dangerous?

The lack of vitamins, including K2, is very dangerous for the human body. It can cause feeling unwell and the development of many diseases, in particular:

• hepatitis A;
• cholelithiasis;
• tumors in the pancreas;
• cirrhosis of the liver.

It is especially important to prevent deficiency of menaquinone during pregnancy, since its deficiency can cause heavy bleeding during childbirth. It is no less important for nursing mothers, because breast milk is the only source this vitamin for a newborn baby.

A prolonged lack of menaquinone is fraught with ossification of cartilage, salt deposits on the walls of blood vessels, internal bleeding and even bone deformity.

As a rule, the cause of a substance deficiency is a violation of the intestines due to diseases, hormonal disruptions or long-term use antibiotics.

The most common signs of vitamin K2 deficiency in the human body are:

• frequent nosebleeds;
• poor blood clotting and long healing of wounds, scratches and bruises;
• bowel problems;
• painful menstruation;
• bleeding gums;
• hemorrhages in the retina;
• osteoporosis, osteomalacia and other joint diseases;
• deterioration of the skin;
• fast fatiguability.

Why is an overabundance of menaquinone dangerous?

An excess of menaquinone in the human body is very rare. But if this happens, then vitamin K2, contrary to popular belief, can bring the body not benefit, but irreparable harm. It is able to provoke the formation of blood clots and blockage of blood vessels due to high blood clotting.

If vitamin K2 is in excess in the human body, then the following unpleasant symptoms are observed:

• dry skin;
• diarrhea;
• nausea;
• miscarriage (in pregnant women).

Sources of menaquinone

Many scientists are convinced that menaquinone is independently synthesized in the small intestine. However latest research prove that in some cases the body cannot produce enough vitamin K2. Accordingly, a person faced with similar problem can get this substance from food.

Previously, it was believed that the most menaquinone is found in animal products (cottage cheese, milk, goose and veal liver, beef and chicken, egg yolk, hard cheese). However, it should be noted that vitamin K2 is formed in the fat of only those birds and animals that feed on cereal crops, and not compound feeds and feeds of artificial origin. In addition, it has long been known that such food causes significant harm to the body due to the content of cholesterol, hormones and antibiotics.

More recently, Japanese scientists have found that there is a lot of menaquinone in soy and the Japanese dish natto. Vitamin K2 is also rich in plant foods such as:

• cabbage;
• green tomatoes;
• carrots, potatoes and other root crops;
• spinach;
• oats, wheat and other cereals;
• dog-rose fruit.

The daily requirement of vitamin K2 for an adult is 1 mcg per 1 kilogram of body weight. To get menaquinone in full, you should include in your diet a sufficient amount of dishes from the vegetables and cereals listed above. From them you can cook salads, stews, juices, etc.

Thus, despite the fact that the group of vitamins K was studied by scientists relatively recently, the benefits of menaquinone for the human body are obvious. This substance, which can be found in many plant products, strengthens bone tissue, has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular system promotes skin rejuvenation and improvement. And although all the secrets of menaquinone have not yet been revealed by scientists, the listed beneficial features vitamin K2 - enough good reason so that it is included in the diet of every person.

Vitamin K2 is one of the elements of the group related to fat-soluble vitamins. The difference between vitamin K2 and K1 is that it is independently synthesized in the intestine.

Also, the body receives some doses from the outside along with the ingestion of a number of foods containing other important energy components.

What is Vitamin K2 for?

After numerous studies, scientists came to the conclusion that vitamin K2, as well as has great value for some body functions, and its deficiency leads to a deterioration in metabolic processes. So what is vitamin K2 for? With the help of this element, a special protein is produced, which plays a major role in the formation and regeneration of bones, joints and general bone tissue. Normal synthesis and intake of vitamin K2 makes the skeleton strong, thereby reducing the risk of fractures. medical technology have not yet gone so far as to accurately trace the entire process of the vitamin in metabolism. In future modern developments will allow to actively use it for effective regeneration of bone tissue in patients with injuries and fractures.

Vitamin Features

Vitamin K2 is involved in the cleansing of blood vessels, removing crystallized calcium from this area. The walls become more elastic. According to statistics, among peoples who consume foods containing vitamin K2, cardiovascular abnormalities are rare. From the last scientific research Doctors have found that vitamin K2 can be used to treat Parkinson's disease. All the abilities of this vital element have not been fully determined, so scientists and specialists conduct thorough laboratory developments.

Vitamin K2 deficiency

Complications for the body with a lack of vitamin K2 are diverse: intestinal dysfunction; slow wound healing; frequent nosebleeds; rapid decline working capacity; pain during menstruation; bone osteoporosis; ; internal bleeding; ; salts on the walls of blood vessels; disorders in the supporting skeleton.

Most dangerous complication with a lack of a vitamin, the gradual destruction of bones is considered. suffers from osteoporosis great amount healthy and sick people. They may not even be aware of it. In old age, calcium absorption and bone metabolism become sluggish, and a poor intake of vitamin K2 further exacerbates this. In some situations, osteoporosis is life-threatening for patients with fractures.

Newborn children and women bearing children fall into a certain risk group with a lack of vitamin. This can provoke hemorrhagic deviations during childbirth for infants in the first weeks of life. Babies vomit blood from a lack of vitamin K2, liquid stool and external hemorrhages. When spoiled food is ingested, coumarin toxin is released into the body. Vitamin K2 is involved in its blocking and excretion.

At elevated content vitamin K2 in the body increases blood clotting, which provokes the formation of vascular thrombosis. Also, against this background, various vascular diseases. People who have had a stroke, heart attack, or heart failure should take a K2 supplement with caution.

Where is contained

The main source of vitamin K2 is the intestines. Therefore, it must be maintained and periodically cleaned of slags and deposits. You should pay attention to your health if there are frequent problems with the intestines - diarrhea, constipation or dysbacteriosis. The highest amount of vitamin K2 is found in soy products, pork, goose liver, cheeses, eggs and cottage cheese. In a smaller amount, this element is observed in meat and dairy products.

For normal vitamin production and all metabolic processes you need to consume the right amount of fat. Vitamin K2 will be intensively absorbed and enrich the body. It is noted that strict diet food with a low percentage of fat leads to some failure in the production of the vitamin.

Why does the body need vitamin K2? As mentioned above, the main reason why you should not forget about this representative of group K is his ability to influence bone tissue. This is due to the fact that under the influence of vitamin K2 calcium is better absorbed.

Although this substance, like other representatives of the K-group, also affects blood clotting, its main task still concerns the bones.

For example, K2 promotes the synthesis of a number of protein structures, many of which are associated with bone tissue. These include, for example, osteocalcin, a non-collagenous substance that is extremely important for the formation of both bone and joint tissues.

In addition to protein, K2 also affects the production of enzyme structures such as prothrombin and proconvertin. All this makes this element extremely important in osteoporosis and other similar diseases.

Menaquinone is also involved in other various aspects human health. Among them:

• the condition of the teeth;
• removal of excess deposited calcium;
• normalization of the digestive tract;
• help in the work of the heart and liver.

In addition, the substance is capable of:

• slow down oncological diseases;
• improve skin condition, slow down its aging;

Osteoclasts - cells big size that can destroy bone tissue by dissolving minerals and collagen. IN normal condition they simply clean the body of old, more unnecessary bone tissue, but their excessive presence can harm health. Fortunately, K2 prevents osteoclasts from appearing too much.

Food

Although the substance is produced by bacteria in our intestines, it is important to get vitamin K2 in foods.

It can be found in:

• goose pate,
• cheeses,
• eggs,
• dairy products,
• salami,
• chicken,
• beef,
• sea ​​fish.

Plant sources of vitamin K2 are quite scarce. Vitamin in a minimal amount can be found in almost any vegetables, as well as oils. However, in such products the content of the substance is unlikely to exceed 1 gram, while, for example, 75 grams can be found in cheese.

The daily value of vitamin K2 is rarely considered separately, so it is best to know how much vitamin K is required in general.

Average normal amount of this element for a person is 120 mcg. For newborns - 2 mcg, for older children - up to 55.

vitamin deficiency

If K2 entered the body not with food, but was produced by intestinal bacteria, then after that, due to bile, it will become a lipoprotein that will spread through the blood.

If a person does not have significant problems with the gastrointestinal system, then, as a rule, he should not worry about possible disadvantage K2.

There are a number of pathologies that can lead to deficiency. Among them:

• liver disease,
• hepatitis,
• pancreatic cancer,
• prolonged use of antibiotics;
• damage to the gastrointestinal tract due to stress, malnutrition and endocrine diseases.

Symptoms of menaquinone deficiency:

• gum disease,
• fatigue,
• menstrual pain,
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract,
• deterioration in the condition of the skin and hair,
• the appearance of bruises even with weak blows,
• nosebleed,
• joint pain,
• inhibited tissue regeneration,
• retinal damage.

With a prolonged deficiency, due to the inability of the described element to perform its functions, cartilage ossification is possible, the appearance of significant salt deposits in the vessels and various pathologies associated with bone tissue.

It is very important to avoid vitamin K2 deficiency during pregnancy, as this can lead to hemorrhagic problems in both the mother and her baby.

oversupply

As is the case with many other vitamins, K2 overdose usually only happens if the person has taken drugs with this substance. Proper nutrition will help you not only avoid a deficiency of menaquinone, but also its excessive amount.

The intake of any drugs should always take place under the supervision of a physician, otherwise an overdose may occur. It can lead, in addition to nausea and dry skin, to a miscarriage. Be careful and buy vitamins in pharmacies only on prescription.

Pharmaceuticals

Preparations with vitamin K2 are prescribed for:

• lack of substance;
• taking steroids based on adrenal hormones;
• pathologies of the mineral component of the bones;
• osteoporosis and other similar diseases;
• spinal injuries;
• arthritis;
• diabetes
• endocrine diseases, diseases of the skin and gastrointestinal tract;
• abdominal operations;
• menopause;
• pathologies of the respiratory system;
• oncological diseases of the genital organs, brain and blood;
• tuberculosis;
• poor functioning of the immune system;
• multiple sclerosis.

Even if there is no problem with vitamin K2 in the body, the bones cannot be healthy without calcium. For this reason, a calcium transactivator with vitamin D3 and K2 was created.

• It helps calcium, obtained from both food and drugs, to be absorbed.
• Promotes bone tissue regeneration.
• Helps metabolism, prevents the formation of calcium plaques.

Due to its composition, the drug:

• reduces the possibility of osteoporosis;
• fights vitamin deficiency of both vitamin K2 and D3;
• ensures the normal functioning of bone tissue, its density and mass.

Instructions for vitamin K2:

The drug is taken in a capsule up to two times a day. The duration of the course should not exceed one month. In just a year, it is worth conducting up to five courses of admission.

Solgar

Solgar Super with Vitamin K2 is a product designed primarily to affect blood clotting. In addition, it contributes to normal bone density and improves the regenerative properties of the skin.

In addition to vitamin K, calcium is present in the composition. Take vitamin K2 tablets called Solgar once a day with meals. Preferably morning or daytime. The minimum course duration is 1 month.

Dr. Mercola

It is believed that this vitamin K2 is good for the skin - it prevents its aging. In addition, like other products with this substance, Dr. Mercola is taken for bone health, heart health, and memory and immunity. The product also has antioxidant properties.

The drug belongs to the premium class, and, according to the manufacturer, is environmentally friendly both in the production process itself and in the ingredients used. In this regard, the price of such vitamin K2 is approximately 2000 rubles.

Capsules Mercola should be taken one per day, with food.

Swiss drug, produced in packs of 40 capsules. Contains K2, D3, flaxseed and sunflower oil. It is used to stop the process of calcium leaching from bone tissue, and also prevents its destruction.

Viva-K2 is a remedy for osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis, fracture prevention. In addition to these pathologies, indications for use are:

• tuberculosis,
• problems with the immune system
• diabetes,
• psoriasis,
• oncological diseases of the breast, ovaries, brain and blood,
• pathology of the kidneys and respiratory tract.

The drug should not be used during pregnancy or lactation, as well as if individual intolerance to the ingredients is possible. Take one capsule per day for a month with plenty of water. The price of Vivasan is approximately 70 rubles.

Other medical preparations

• Eurocaps Ltd. complex tool from osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. It can act both as a medicine and preventive impact. In addition to menaquinone, the composition contains vitamin D3 and linseed oil.
• Now Foods is a dietary supplement with the most stable vitamin K2 compound. In addition to it, there is alfalfa in the composition. Each capsule is daily rate this element. It is used for problems with bones and blood clotting.
• Swanson is made from the natto bean, the most vitamin K2-rich food. Like Now Foods, the K2 in these formulations is presented as MK-7. Swanson is prescribed, in addition to affecting the bones and blood, to normalize the activity of the heart and liver.
• Jarrow Formulas contains only MK-7 Vitamin K2. It is used to increase the elasticity of blood vessels and improve bone density. Fights calcium deposits in capillaries.

Do not forget that it is always worth adjusting your diet and lifestyle first, and only then think about buying synthetic vitamins. Even if you still decide to take medications, consult with experts first to avoid various possible complications. And now a little video about vitamin K2.

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And its useful properties.

Stay strong!

Artem and Elena Vasyukovich

The impact on human health of vitamin K2 (menaquinone) deficiency has not yet been studied well enough, but scientists are already arguing that its deficiency can lead to quite expressed problems With musculoskeletal system and bones in general, as well as dysfunction of the arteries. To protect yourself from likely consequences, to which a small intake of it from the outside can bring, you need to eat foods containing vitamin B large quantities. This article is intended to help establish a list of such products, as well as explain what menaquinone is.

What is this vitamin

This vitamin was first discovered in 1929 in tandem with its more famous "brother" phylloquinone (K1) . The discovery belongs to the Danish scientist Henrik Dam. A new group Vitamins got their name (K) because the first publication dedicated to them was made in a German magazine, where they were designated as "Koagulationsvitamin".

Did you know? The concept of "vitamins" was first introduced by the Polish biochemist Casimir Funk in 1912. Then he named them "vita amines", which can literally be translated as "vita amines".

The discovery, like many other similar scientific breakthroughs, happened completely by accident and not purposefully. Initially, Dam studied the effects of a lack of cholesterol on chickens, during which it was found that without the latter, they develop bleeding and hematomas. Then he added refined cholesterol to their diet, but this did not have the desired effect, but top dressing in the form of cereals and herbal products eliminated this problem. Later, vitamins K were obtained from grains of cereals.
Then the scientist did not distinguish between substances, but later phylloquinone received a prefix to the name in the form of a unit due to the fact that it is contained in foods in much larger quantities and, in general, has a more significant effect on the human body than vitamin K2.

A little later, in 1939, there was a differentiation into vitamins K1 and K2. It turned out that if vitamin K1 is more contained in vegetable food, then K2 is easiest to obtain from rotting fishmeal. In addition, both vitamins differed somewhat in their physical and chemical properties. According to some reports, in the human body, endogenous menaquinone is also synthesized in the intestine from phylloquinone under the influence of bacteria.

What does the body need

First of all, vitamin K2 is involved, together with its “big brother” K1, in the distribution of calcium throughout all body structures - bones, teeth, vascular walls thereby strengthening their structure.

This seemingly harmless function actually carries some negative effects. For example, if the concentration of vitamins K in the blood is too high and concomitant atherosclerosis, more active deposition of calcium in atherosclerotic plaques is possible, which greatly worsens the course of the disease and reduces the quality of life.

Important! Remember that the presence of any substances in your body in excessive amounts can significantly harm you. Therefore, wisely approach the formation of your diet - do not overfill it with the products listed below.

Consumption rates

The consumption rates of each substance, including menaquinone, are quite variable and depend on the set various factors. For example, if you have an impressive constitution and a large body weight, you will need much more vitamin K2. It is also important to understand that people who have a genetic defect in the synthesis of this substance in the intestine should strive to get more of it from exogenous sources.

Approximate consumption rates:

• infants (up to six months) - 2 mcg / day;
• children from 7 to 12 months - 2.5 mcg / day;
• children from 1 to 3 years old - 30 mcg / day;
• children from 4 to 8 years old - 55 mcg / day;
• children from 8 to 14 years old - 60 mcg / day;
• adolescents from 14 to 18 years old - 75 mcg / day;
• adults - 90 mcg / day.

What foods are high in menaquinone

Since we have already mentioned that menaquinone is practically not found in plant foods, in the first part of this list we will list products that contain a large number of"progenitor" of vitamin K2, phylloquinone. It must be said right away that most of them also contain K2, but in negligible amounts.

herbal products

Products with high content vitamin K1:

• green leafy vegetables(lettuce, lettuce, etc.);
• cabbage (, fodder cabbage, etc.);
• cereals (wheat, etc.);
• some fruits ( , );

Animal products

Here we will give a more detailed list indicating the approximate content of this vitamin in each of the products:

• goose liver - 369 mgc / 100 g;
• hard cheese - 76.3 mcg / 100 g;
• soft cheese - 56.5 mcg / 100 g;
• egg yolk - 32.1–15.5 mcg / 100 g;
• home - 25 mcg / 100 g;
• butter (not fat-free) - 16 mcg / 100 g;
• chicken liver - 14.1 mcg / 100 g;
• sausage (salami) - 9–10 mcg / 100 g;
• chicken meat - 8.5–9 mcg / 100 g;
• minced beef - 8.1 mcg / 100 g;
• bacon - 6 mcg / 100 g;
• calf liver - 5 mcg / 100 g;
• milk (depending on fat content) - 0.6–1 mcg / 100 g;
• salmon - 0.5 mcg / 100 g;
• egg protein - 0.4 mcg / 100 g.

Features of the absorption of vitamins by the body

Vitamin K2 is lipophilic, simply put, it only dissolves in different kind fats.

In this regard, it is necessary to understand that for the normal absorption of this substance by the body, it is worth eating a large amount of fatty foods. If you eat foods rich in this vitamin in order to increase its amount in your body, but your diet does not have a balanced amount of fat, you are simply wasting money.

Important! If you intend to make a diet for yourself with the minimum amount fats, but at the same time you want the body to have enough vitamin K2 - seek help from a nutritionist. He will advise you on a list of rich foods unsaturated fats, which do not have such a critical effect on weight.

Causes and symptoms of deficiency in the body

There are only two main reasons for the lack of menaquinone in the body, and the most common of them is alimentary. In fact, this means that due to the peculiarities of your diet, a sufficient amount of this substance simply does not enter the body. The second reason is related to the already mentioned genetic defect, due to which there is a difficulty in the synthesis of endogenous vitamin K2. It is also possible that some people experience vitamin deficiency symptoms due to dysbacteriosis, but this information is still being discussed in scientific circles and is not completely reliable.

The main symptoms of K2 deficiency in the body include manifestations associated with a violation of the integrity of the walls of blood vessels varying degrees expressiveness. First of all, these include hemorrhages, bruises and hematomas, which appear throughout the body even with the slightest blow or excessively intense contact of a different nature. Of the less noticeable and more distant manifestations, it is worth noting the decrease in strength and thinning of bones and teeth.

Causes and symptoms of excess

An excess of menaquinone in the human body is extremely rare and is most often associated with the intake of fortified supplements in too large quantities. The manifestations of such an excess in the first place include excessive compaction bone structures, as well as excessive calcification of the vessels, due to which they become less plastic and mobile, which ultimately leads to their injuries.

When is an additional intake of synthetic vitamin K2 prescribed?

most main reason for the appointment of vitamin K2 is the detection in the patient of any disease associated with an endogenous violation of the synthesis of a substance in the human body or the inability to eat foods rich in it. First of all, hemophilia should be attributed to such diseases. In addition, doses of menaquinone should be preventive purposes be prescribed to patients with bleeding tendencies of a different nature, as well as to those who cannot eat on their own (for example, patients in a coma, paralyzed people, people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, etc.).

Pharmaceutical preparations based on menaquinone

So, we hope that this article has helped you deal with all aspects of the use of such a substance as menaquinone that are of interest to you. Remember that the occurrence of spontaneous bleeding is extremely serious symptom, which may indicate many different pathological processes, so do not self-medicate if they occur and do not hesitate to consult a doctor. Be healthy!