Brain Fitness Tips in Loveland OH

The Other Vitamin K Many of you are familiar with vitamin K in Loveland OH. This is a fat-soluble nutrient found in green leafy vegetables and is essential for normal clotting. Recent research has highlighted the fact that there are actually two forms of vitamin K. The familiar form described above is now called vitamin K1. A second form is found primarily in animal foods such as meat, poultry, chicken liver, and certain cheeses such as Gouda. It is quite abundant in the fermented soybean food natto - apparently the only rich vegetable source of this form of vitamin K, which is now known as vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 is essential for promoting the deposition of calcium in bone tissue, while preventing inappropriate deposition in soft tissue. As such, it promotes healthy bone while preventing degenerative changes in the heart and blood vessels.

Why is it Important in Loveland OH?

The reason we are mentioning K2 under the topic of "Brain Fitness Tips" is because it has also been found to be necessary for the formation of normal myelin. 1-3Myelin supports the function of all components of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and individual nerves. For optimal brain fitness, eating plenty of K2-rich foods is advised. If your dietary needs or choices exclude these foods, consider a K2 supplement. (With any supplement, do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dose unless advised to do so by your health care provider.) The statins disrupt vitamin K2 metabolism. Some anticoagulants such as warfarin disrupt the normal functions of vitamin K1 and K2. If you are on medications in these categories, discuss their long-term effects on cognitive function with your prescribing physician.

References:

1. Carrie I, Portoukalian J, Vicaretti R, Rochford J, PotvinS, Ferland G. Menaquinone-4 Concentration is Correlated with Sphingolipid Concentrations in Rat Brain. J Nutr, 2004; 134(1): 167-172.
2. Crivello NA, Casseus SL, Peterson JW, Smith DE, Booth SL. Age- and Brain-Region-Specific Effects of Dietary Vitamin K on Myelin Sulfatides. J Nutr Biochem, 2010; 21(11): 1083-1088. Abstract:
   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20092997 3. Ferland G. Vitamin K and the Nervous System: An Overview of its Actions. Adv Nutr, 2012; 3(2): 204-2