What does vitamin k2 do to the body?

As a subject matter expert in nutrition, I can provide you with information on the role of vitamin K2 in the body. Vitamin K2 is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the body's regulation of calcium. It activates certain proteins, known as calcium-binding proteins, which are responsible for the transport and utilization of calcium within the body. While vitamin K1 is primarily involved in the synthesis of proteins that are essential for blood clotting, vitamin K2 is more focused on directing calcium to the appropriate areas within the body. One of the key functions of vitamin K2 is to activate a protein called osteocalcin, which is involved in bone formation. By doing so, it helps to ensure that calcium is deposited into the bones and teeth, rather than in the arteries or soft tissues, where it can contribute to conditions like atherosclerosis and calcification. Another important function of vitamin K2 is the activation of a protein called matrix Gla protein (MGP), which inhibits the calcification of soft tissues and blood vessels. This action is vital for maintaining the elasticity of the arteries and preventing cardiovascular diseases. In summary, vitamin K2 is essential for the proper distribution of calcium throughout the body, promoting bone health and preventing the calcification of soft tissues.

In this way, it "activates" the calcium-binding properties of proteins. However... ... Vitamin K1 is mostly used by the liver to activate calcium-binding proteins involved in blood clotting, while K2 is used to activate proteins that regulate where calcium ends up in the body (4).