Microblog: Vitamin K2 Is the Primary Fuel Source of the Mitochondria of the Microbiome

The gut microbiota are key to host metabolism as they aid in the digestion and absorption of food, neutralize drugs and carcinogens, synthesize choline, secondary bile acids, folate, vitamin K2 and short chain fatty acids.

👨🏻‍🔬In the last 40 years, researchers have realized that vitamin K2 is responsible for activating, or carboxylating, vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs), such as osteocalcin and matrix Gla-protein.

🦴When fully carboxylated, osteocalcin attracts calcium into the bones and teeth.

🛡Matrix Gla-protein (MGP) helps to prevent vascular calcification by pulling calcium out of soft tissues, including arteries and veins.

⚠️Without a sufficient source of K2, both osteocalcin and MGP can remain partially uncarboxylated or completely uncarboxylated, allowing calcium to deposit in the blood vessels rather than the bone, where we need it the most.

So where do we get our K2?
🧀Cheese
🍳Egg Yolks
🍗Dark Chicken Meat
🥛Butter and Dairy
🥩Beef
🦐Shellfish