.. And what you need to know about Vitamin K2, Vitamin D & Calcium.
Finally available in Australia we now have the MK7 form of vitamin K2!
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin most well known for the important role it plays in blood clotting. However, many do not realize that there are different kinds of vitamin K, and they are completely different.
The health benefits of vitamin K2 go far beyond blood clotting, which is done by vitamin K1, and vitamin K2 also works synergistically with a number of other nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D.
The K2 is helping to direct the calcium in the body to go where you want it… into bone and not into your arteries and soft tissues. This has implications for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and calcification in conditions such as heel spurs and kidney stones.
You can talk to your doctor about getting a ‘coronary artery calcium score’ to test the calcification levels in your arteries.
“Its other main role is to activate proteins that control cell growth. That means K2 has a very important role to play in cancer protection,” Dr. Rheaume-Bleue says.
Dr. Kate Rheaume-Bleue, a naturopathic physician with a keen interest in nutrition, has authored what I believe is one of the most comprehensive books on this important topic, titled: Vitamin K2 and the Calcium Paradox: How a Little Known Vitamin Could Save Your Life
Searched for user “Kate Rheaume-Bleue”
Key Findings by Dr. Kate Rhéaume-Bleue on Vitamin K2
Dr. Kate Rhéaume-Bleue, a naturopathic doctor (ND) and leading authority on vitamin K2, has extensively researched and popularized the role of this fat-soluble nutrient through her bestselling book Vitamin K2 and the Calcium Paradox: How a Little-Known Vitamin Could Save Your Life (2012, HarperCollins). Her work draws on clinical studies, historical nutritional data, and mechanistic insights to highlight K2’s underappreciated functions, particularly in calcium regulation. She emphasizes that while vitamin K1 (from greens) supports blood clotting, K2 (from fermented and animal foods) is crucial for directing calcium away from soft tissues and into bones/teeth, preventing the “calcium paradox” (osteoporosis alongside arterial calcification).
Below is a summary of her core findings, organized by theme. These are substantiated by her book, interviews (e.g., Bulletproof Radio, Functional Medicine Radio), and presentations.
1. The Calcium Paradox and K2’s Central Role
Without sufficient K2, calcium from diet/supplements accumulates in arteries, kidneys, and soft tissues (causing atherosclerosis, kidney stones, and varicose veins), while bones weaken—leading to the paradox of “strong arteries, brittle bones.”
K2 activates proteins like matrix Gla protein (MGP) to inhibit soft-tissue calcification and osteocalcin to bind calcium in bones/teeth.
Modern diets (low in fermented foods/grass-fed animal products) cause widespread K2 deficiency, exacerbated by high calcium/D3 intake without K2 balance.
doctorkatend.com
2. Cardiovascular Health
K2 reduces arterial stiffness and plaque buildup by 50%+ in high-intake groups (e.g., Rotterdam Study data she references).
Long-term K2 sufficiency linked to 41–57% lower heart disease risk and potential reversal of clogged arteries over 7–10 years.
Warns against isolated D3/calcium supplementation, which may accelerate calcification without K2.
daveasprey.com
articles.mercola.com
3. Bone and Dental Health
K2 promotes bone density by enhancing osteocalcin activity, reducing osteoporosis risk.
Prevents dental cavities by remineralizing teeth and supporting enamel integrity—calls it a “cavity-fighting” nutrient often overlooked in oral health.
doctorkatend.com
4. Metabolic and Hormonal Benefits
Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose control in diabetes by aiding beta-cell function and reducing inflammation.
Boosts testosterone production and fertility in men via osteocalcin activation; may double T-levels in deficient individuals.
Supports weight management by influencing fat metabolism and reducing obesity-related calcification.
drcarri.com
kelseykinney.com
5. Cancer Prevention and Anti-Aging
K2 inhibits cancer cell growth (e.g., prostate, liver) by regulating cell apoptosis and reducing inflammation.
Anti-aging effects: Reduces wrinkles via skin elastin support; combats varicose veins and obesity through better vascular health.
Universal deficiency poses broad risks, including higher cancer/diabetes incidence—K2 as a “supernutrient” for longevity.
doctorkatend.com
6. Sources, Deficiency, and Recommendations
Aspect Dr. Rhéaume-Bleue’s Insights
Best Sources Natto (highest MK-7 form), grass-fed butter/ghee, egg yolks, hard cheeses, goose liver—aim for 100–200 mcg/day. Gut bacteria convert K1 to K2 inefficiently in modern lifestyles.
Deficiency Prevalence Near-universal in Western diets; symptoms subtle (e.g., fatigue, poor wound healing) but lead to chronic diseases.
Supplementation Prefers MK-7 (longer-lasting) over MK-4; combine with D3 (e.g., 100 mcg K2 with 2,000–5,000 IU D3). Avoid excess calcium without K2. Test via undercarboxylated osteocalcin levels.
Who Benefits Most Post-menopausal women, heart patients, diabetics, those on statins (which deplete K2).
drcarri.com
Broader Impact and Updates
Dr. Rhéaume-Bleue’s findings have influenced supplement formulations (e.g., Natural Factors K2) and public awareness, with ongoing research validating her claims (e.g., 2023 reviews on K2 slowing coronary calcification). As of 2025, she remains active in education via her site (doctorkatend.com) and media, though no major new publications since her book. For personalized advice, consult a healthcare provider.
In Health & Happiness
Jason