Vitamin K, Calcification and GLA Proteins
Vitamin K2 is a potent anti-calcification nutrient via GLA protein carboxylation. Let’s look at this process of calcification and the potency of these various forms of vitamin K2. Then talk about the MK-4 vs Mk-7. Which is best for you? And why?
Vitamin K2 forms
There are currently three forms of vitamin K available. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) has been extensively studied. It is not the most potent form. Vitamin K2 is currently available in two forms. MK-4 also known as menaquinone-4 or menatetranone. MK-7 (menaquinone-7) is currently advocated as the most potent form of vitamin K2. You can see in fig 1 that the MK-4 and MK-7 have long “tails” with multiple (poly unsaturated) double bonds. This increases lipid solubility. These are fat soluble as opposed to water vitamins.
![Vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 MK-4 MK7](https://blog.antiaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Vitamin_K_structures.jpg)
So what is the connection between Vitamin K2 and tissue calcification? Why do we petrify as we grow older? Why do we grow stiffer? This is a combination of calcification and glycation. Glycation is secondary to excess carbohydrates, rising hemoglobin A1c (>5.6%), and impaired fasting blood sugars (>100 mg).
Calcification is an impaired healing process. Arterial injuries initiate a process of calcium deposition as a repair mechanism. Calcification is the end result of chronic inflammatory processes. This is a key concept.
How can we prevent or reverse this ossification process?