Vitamin K2 is only important for bone health
8.0Strong
evidence
evidence
The Claim
Many people think that Vitamin K2's primary and sole role is in maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis, neglecting its other potential health benefits.
Origin
This belief is often propagated by the focus in scientific literature and marketing on Vitamin K2's role in bone metabolism and calcium utilization.
What Science Says
While Vitamin K2 is indeed crucial for bone health, helping to regulate calcium deposition, research also indicates roles in cardiovascular health by preventing arterial calcification. Meta-analyses and cohort studies have shown that higher K2 intake is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, suggesting broader health benefits beyond bone maintenance.
Verdict
Misleading
Sources
- PMID:39940383 Assessing the Roles of Retinol, Vitamin K2, Carnitine, and Creatine in Plant-Based Diets: A Narrative Review of Nutritional Adequacy and Health Implications.
- PMID:35774605 Molecular Pathways and Roles for Vitamin K2-7 as a Health-Beneficial Nutraceutical: Challenges and Opportunities.
- PMID:32211680 Quantifying dietary vitamin K and its link to cardiovascular health: a narrative review.