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How to Reduce Blood Vessel Calcification

• High dietary menaquinone is associated with reduced heart blood vessel calcification. 

 
Heart blood vessel calcification is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes and peripheral artery disease (PAD). In this study 564 post-menopausal women were scanned for coronary (heart) calcification. Researchers found 62% of the women had coronary calcification.

High dietary intake of menaquinone (Vitamin K2) was associated with a 20% decrease in coronary calcification. Plant sources of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) were not associated with a decrease in coronary calcification. Researchers state that adequate vitamin K2 intake could be important to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Reference Source: Atherosclerosis. 2009 Apr;203(2):489-93.

Food sources of Vitamin K2 include meat, egg yolk, natto, cheese and curd cheese. Plant sources of Vitamin K1 include dark green leafy vegetables.

I’ve seen decreases in coronary calcification with vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 supplements. But I was somewhat surprised to see that these fatty foods could decrease the risk of developing the calcium inside the blood vessels. One study was not enough to convince me, so I searched the medical journals for verification and found...

A diet high in Vitamin K2 reduces the risk of coronary heart disease in women.

Researchers analyzed the diet of 16,057 women from 1993 to 1997 and aged 49-70 years who were free of cardiovascular diseases at the beginning of the study. After approximately 8 yeas there were 480 incidents of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). Analyzing the women’s diet researchers discovered that each increase of 10 mcg per day of vitamin K2 decreased the risk of CHD by 9%. Vitamin K1 food intake was not significantly related to CHD.

Reference Source: Nutrition Metabolism Cardiovascular Disease, Feb. 28, 2009.

Don’t give up on the green leafy vegetables! They do have many beneficial effects including reducing the risk of cancer. Until we learn more it appears best to follow a balanced diet. If you have concerns about cardiovascular, coronary heart disease or coronary calcium buildup you may want to consider taking a supplement of vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 may not be appropriate during pregnancy and for those taking warfarin anti-coagulants.

Source: http://www.NaturalCareSolution.com

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