Vitamin K - The Nobel Prize discovery
Vitamin K is actually the result of Nobel Prize-winning research carried out in 1929, when a vitamin was discovered that was essential for blood clotting, i.e. the ability of blood to solidify. Since the vitamin was linked to coagulation, it was named vitamin 'K' as in 'coagulation'.
Many areas of research
Over the years, however, it has been shown that vitamin K has other meanings. Among other things, it affects the strength of the bones and skeleton. Its influence on cardiovascular diseases has also been studied. Furthermore, research has opened up on the influence of vitamin K on brain function.
Swedish research explains
Swedish research at Örebro University has studied the role of vitamin K (especially vitamin K2) in the distribution of calcium in the body. In simple terms, vitamin K distributes calcium in the body, a bit like a policeman directing how drivers should drive. The main purpose is to remove calcium from the bloodstream (where it is transported around the body and, in unfavourable cases, can become trapped). The main target for the calcium is where it does the most good - to strengthen the bone structure. This is because Vitmain K2 has the ability to strengthen bones without increasing overall mineral content.
Bone-strengthening cooperation between K and D
The interaction between vitamin K2 and vitamin D is particularly beneficial. Vitamin D has the ability to increase the supply of calcium in the body. When this ability is coupled with vitamin K2's ability to distribute the calcium supply where it is most needed, the combination has a very beneficial effect on bone strength. A particularly important feature for women who tend to suffer from osteoporosis after menopause.