As we age, preserving our bones becomes increasingly important. But the foundations for bone health are laid much earlier in life. And one important piece of the bone-health puzzle is often overlooked: vitamin K.
Throughout life, our bones undergo a continuous process called bone remodelling, in which old bone is broken down and replaced with new bone.
Bone mass generally increases into early adulthood before gradually declining as we get older.
Until our mid-thirties, we build more bone mass than we lose, but from that point onward, the balance changes.
Important for quality of life
Normal bones are essential for your quality of life. Besides eating foods that are rich in nutrients that contribute to bone maintenance – such as calcium, magnesium and vitamin D – it is important to engage in so-called weight-bearing exercise. This includes activities such as running, skipping, and playing tennis or badminton.
Don’t forget vitamin K
But there is another factor that is often overlooked: vitamin K. Most people associate this vitamin with blood clotting, but it also contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
Vitamin K naturally exists in different forms such as K1, found mainly in green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and broccoli. There is also vitamin K2, which is found in certain fermented foods. Both forms contribute to the maintenance of normal bones. One form of vitamin K2, known as MK-7, has been shown to remain in the bloodstream for longer than vitamin K1. This is the form used in K-Pearls.
For those looking for a convenient way to supplement their daily intake, K-Pearls contains small gelatine capsules with 75 micrograms of vitamin K2 dissolved in cold-pressed olive oil for optimal absorption. The preparation makes it easy to include vitamin K as part of your daily routine, alongside a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.
