Current view on vitamin K2 role in diseases based on clinical trials

Abstract

Vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods such as dairy products, natto (fermented soybeans) and some animal products. It has been shown that it can be beneficial in many diseases. Most of the data refer to the use of this vitamin in osteoporosis, for instance, low frequency of hip fractures in Japan is correlated with significant consumption of natto. Also, long-term supplementation of vitamin K2 decreased loss of bone mass in postmenopausal women. Vascular calcification can be prevented by high dietary intake of vitamin K2 and also patients undergoing dialysis may benefit from supplementation. Besides this conditions, vitamin K2 may be applicable in diabetes mellitus type 2, cancer (especially prostate and breast) or multiple sclerosis. The great advantage of this vitamin is its low toxicity and favourable pharmacokinetics.