Reduce Your Risk of Coronary Artery Calcification with Vitamins D3 & K2
A growing body of research shows that Vitamin D3 and K2 may be effective in both preventing and slowing the progression of existing coronary artery calcification. Vitamin K deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, suggesting that supplementation can play an important role in disease prevention (Mansour et al., 2017).
The Research
Data presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Barcelona, Spain in August of 2022 supports a link between Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D supplementation and the progression of coronary artery calcification (Krawiec, 2022). Researchers shared the results of the Aortic Valve Decalcification Trial, wherein a subgroup of the study found that supplementation of Vitamins K2 and D over two years helped to slow the progression of coronary plaque & calcification development (Krawiec, 2022). These findings build upon existing literature that supports the idea that Vitamin K2 and D supplementation plays a role in preventing coronary heart disease and calcification.
In a study of renal transplant recipients, Vitamin K2 supplementation was associated with improvement in Vitamin K deficiency and arterial stiffness (Mansour et al., 2021). Arterial stiffness is described by researchers as “a growing epidemic associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, dementia, and death” (Zieman et al., 2005). By conducting a data review of 16,057 women who reported their nutrient intake using a food frequency questionnaire from 1193-1997, ranging in age from 49-70, researchers found an inverse relationship between Vitamin K2 and the risk of coronary heart disease (Gast et al., 2009).
One study of 60 pediatric patients undergoing dialysis treatment investigated the efficacy of Vitamin D and K2 supplementation on the body’s calcification regulators over a four month period (El Barolossy & El-Farsy, 2021). Results of the study showed that Vitamin D and K supplementation improved calcification regulators in pediatric patients receiving dialysis (El Barolossy & El-Farsy, 2021).
Concerned About Artery Calcification?
Did you know that SageMED offers high resolution Carotid Ultrasound screenings? Carotid ultrasounds provide high-resolution scans of your arteries, predicting heart disease with 90% accuracy. The test costs $195, and requires a quick and simple 30 minute appointment. Unlike other types of imaging, ultrasounds do not emit any harmful radiation and are incredibly safe.
The technology uses data from studies that examine a specific and easy to access artery in your neck, the carotid artery. These studies have shown that if you have disease in your carotids then there is an approximately 90% chance that the same process is happening in your heart. The higher the resolution of the scan, the more accurately we can predict the presence of heart disease. Our Logiq-E series is one of the highest resolution ultrasound devices on the market–equal to or even superior to what most hospital-based clinics use. You can learn more here.
Supplementation
After consulting with your doctor, they may recommended Vitamin D3 K2 supplementation to reduce your risk of coronary heart disease. WiseMEDS offers two excellent supplementation choices:
References
El Borolossy, R., El-Farsy, M.S. The impact of vitamin K2 and native vitamin D supplementation on vascular calcification in pediatric patients on regular hemodialysis. A randomized controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr 76, 848–854 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-021-01050-w
Gast, G. C. M., de Roos, N. M., Sluijs, I., Bots, M. L., Beulens, J. W. J., Geleijnse, J. M., Witteman, J. C., Grobbee, D. E., Peeters, P. H. M., & van der Schouw, Y. T. (2009). A high menaquinone intake reduces the incidence of coronary heart disease. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 19(7), 504–510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.numecd.2008.10.004
Mansour, A. G., Hariri, E., Daaboul, Y., Korjian, S., El Alam, A., Protogerou, A. D., Kilany, H., Karam, A., Stephan, A., & Bahous, S. A. (2017). Vitamin K2 supplementation and arterial stiffness among renal transplant recipients—a single-arm, single-center clinical trial. Journal of the American Society of Hypertension, 11(9), 589–597. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jash.2017.07.001
Zieman, S. J., Melenovsky, V., & Kass, D. A. (2005). Mechanisms, pathophysiology, and therapy of arterial stiffness. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 25(5), 932–943. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.atv.0000160548.78317.29