Chances are you're probably not getting enough vitamin K in the diet. Even the best eaters have a hard time. There are 2 types of vitamin K:
Vitamin K1, AKA the plant lover is found in leafy greens - kale, spinach, chard, dandelion greens - and broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and even kiwi!
Vitamin K2 AKA the animal lover is found in fermented cheeses, butter, eggs, goose liver, and a little bit in chicken and beef. Vitamin K2 is also found in fermented soy products.
Vitamin K1 deficiency is extremely rare. However, the same cannot be said for vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 can actually be made by the body, but we often don't make enough or ingest enough for the body to function optimally.
Why is Vitamin K2 so important?
When we consume calcium, it's absorbed into the body and shuttled to places that need it most: the bones, teeth, and is utilized for muscle contractions. In order for calcium to be shuttled away, it needs a hormone called calcitonin. Calcitonin needs vitamin K2 to activate it. **Think of calcium as the passenger, calcitonin as the shuttle, vitamin K2 as the engine.**
When vitamin K2 is low in the body, calcium cannot be deposited where it's needed and bones demineralize, while bones and teeth become less dense and less strong. Having enough vitamin K2 in the body is vitally important!
How much Vitamin K2 is enough? The recommended dose set by the FDA is 180 - 240 mcg per day. This is a good starting point for preventing disease and optimizing health. For the best quality vitamins and supplements, visit my medicinary, and as always, feel free to contact me with any questions! Be well!