Vitamin K and Vascular calcification

Vitamin K and Vascular calcification connection

Less well known and less discussed topic is the connection between deficiency of Vitamin K and vascular calcification, particularly coronary vessels. An active form of Matrix Gla protein plays a role in vascular calcification. It requires vitamin K for carboxylation for its activity. Vitamin K deficiency can lead to increased vascular calcification because of a lack of matrix Gla protein activity. Although data is weak but points towards deficiency of Vitamin K and increased calcification of coronary vessels.

#cardiology


References:

1. Beulens JW, Bots ML, Atsma F, et al. High dietary menaquinone intake is associated with reduced coronary calcification. Atherosclerosis 2009; 203:489. 

2. Shea MK, O'Donnell CJ, Hoffmann U, et al. Vitamin K supplementation and progression of coronary artery calcium in older men and women. Am J Clin Nutr 2009; 89:1799.