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Vitamin K2 is critical during pregnancy and breastfeeding because it helps to not only maintain our bone health but also keeps our heart healthy. It does this by directing calcium away from soft tissues where it isn’t needed into bones and teeth where it is most useful. This action is critical for the baby developing in utero and for the neonatal baby too! When deficiency occurs, not only does mom’s bone density and heart health suffer, but the formation of her baby’s bones, teeth and facial structure may be hampered as well.
Sadly, most prenatal multivitamins do not contain vitamin K2 because this nutrient is more expensive and not as well known as vitamin K1. Vitamin K1 is shorter lived in the body (lasting only a few hours) whereas vitamin K2 can be active for a few days. Plus, vitamin K1 has more to do with blood clotting than vitamin K2, which directs calcium in the body. This is one reason newborn babies receive an injection of vitamin K1 during their first day of life. It ensures that any internal bleeding/bruising from the trauma of birth does not get out of control. The clotting issue related to vitamin K1 is why some doctors recommend people taking blood-thinning drugs stop taking their multivitamin that contains vitamin K.
As more research is published, alternative practitioners and integrative doctors are revising that opinion in favor of supplements that contain vitamin K2 in lieu of vitamin K1.
Furthermore, Dr. Kate Rhéaume-Bleu, author of Vitamin K2 and the Calcium Paradox notes in this interview with Dr. Joseph Mercola that she tripled her consumption of Vitamin K2 throughout her pregnancy. Since there is no upper limit for consumption of vitamin K2, this is perfectly safe for everyone. She notes that a typical one ounce serving of Natto – a Japanese fermented soy food – contains 350 mcg of vitamin K2 – so she wanted to make certain she got at least that much.
I personally believe that following the researchers who know the most about vitamin K2 is advisable in this case. Also, since there has been no established upper limit for vitamin K2, there’s no risk of overdosing on this key nutrient. Enjoy your vitamin K2 every day and you’ll lead a longer, healthier, and fuller life.
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