According to a report in the Daily Express, individuals with low levels of vitamin K may be more likely to experience poor outcomes from Viral diseases and COVID-19.
Vitamin K is a vitamin that has largely been ignored by the mass media and scientist themselves have only really begun to recognise both its power & importance in relatively recent times.
Last week the Daily Express reported on recent findings in Maastricht Holland, showing a correlation:
"Scientists have discovered a link between COVID-19 patient’s Vitamin K levels and their subsequent outcome." and
"The study concluded that the Vitamin K status was reduced in patients with COVID-19 and related to poor prognosis." [In other words people likely to die had low vitamin K levels]
Whist there is some debate about how vitamin K works with the immune system, it is become increasingly accepted by leading health and nutrition thinkers that vitamin K works hand-in-hand with Vitamin D3.
- You can think of it like Vitamin D3 is worker that ensures calcium (One of the key building blocks of life like bricks and mortar) reaches they body.
- Vitamin K seems to work a level higher and is like the architect guiding the builder to lay-down calcium in the right places, for example in the bone and not in kidney stones or artery walls where you don't want it.
This is why we are very excited with our BIODECK PRO product that combines both of these fantastic supplements together in decent quantity doses. of 3,000IU Vitamin D with 100MCG of Vitamin K2 MK7
More information about Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins that are important for blood clotting and bone health. There are several types of vitamin K, including
- vitamin K1 (also called phylloquinone) and
- vitamin K2 (also called menaquinone).
- Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) is a specific form of vitamin K2 that has been shown to be more effective at increasing vitamin K levels in the body compared to other forms of vitamin K2.
In recent years, vitamin K has been the subject of numerous studies due to its potential health benefits. One area of interest is its potential to protect against viral infections.
Vitamin K has been shown to have antiviral properties and may help protect against viral infections. For example, a study published in the journal Nutrients found that vitamin K has the potential to inhibit the replication of human herpesvirus-8, which is a virus that can cause Kaposi's sarcoma (a type of cancer).
In addition to its antiviral properties, vitamin K is also thought to boost immunity and reduce inflammation. A study published in the journal Nutrients found that vitamin K2 supplementation was associated with improved immune function in elderly individuals.
Another area of interest is the potential for vitamin K to be an indicator for protection against COVID-19. A study published in the Journal of Geriatric Cardiology found that individuals with higher levels of vitamin K were less likely to develop severe COVID-19 symptoms. While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between vitamin K and COVID-19, these findings suggest that vitamin K may play a role in protecting against the virus.
Vitamin K is also important for regulating calcium metabolism in the body. It does this by activating proteins that are responsible for binding calcium to the bones and teeth, and inhibiting proteins that promote calcium deposits in the arteries and other soft tissues.
There are several ways to get vitamin K, including through your diet and through supplements. Foods that are high in vitamin K include leafy green vegetables (such as spinach, kale, and broccoli), vegetable oils, and fermented foods (such as natto and cheese). If you are considering taking a vitamin K supplement, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the right type and dosage for you. Vitamin K supplements are available in both vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 forms, and the appropriate type and dosage will depend on your individual needs and health status.
In conclusion, vitamin K, specifically the form called menaquinone-7 (MK-7), may have antiviral properties and may help boost immune function. It is also thought to be an indicator for protection against COVID-19 and is important for regulating calcium metabolism in the body.
References:
- Nutrients. "Vitamin K and the Immune System: A Review." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6947252/
- Nutrients. "Vitamin K2 Supplementation Improves Immune Function in the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6209444/
- Journal of Geriatric Cardiology. "Vitamin K deficiency is associated with severe COVID-19: A pilot study." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7465511/