The Mighty Vitamin K2: A Key Ingredient in Nutranize Zone for Combating Prednisone Side Effects

Written by Dr. Megan Milne & Theony Garatziotis

Prednisone is a medication that can be very helpful in treating various health conditions, but it may also have some side effects. Nutranize Zone is a special product designed to assist people in counteracting those side effects. One of its key ingredients is vitamin K2. Let’s explore how vitamin K2 works and how it could benefit someone taking prednisone.

What is Vitamin K2?

Vitamin K2 is a nutrient that our bodies need to stay healthy. It is part of the vitamin K family, which includes other important forms like vitamin K1. Vitamin K2 is found in certain foods, such as fermented foods like cheese and natto, and it can also be taken as a supplement, like in Nutranize Zone.

How Does Vitamin K2 Work?

Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in blood clotting and maintaining bone health.

Types of Vitamin K

Vitamin K1

Phylloquinone is a natural form of K1. Phytonadione is the synthetic form of K1. Phylloquinone is a cofactor for the enzyme γ-carboxylase whose role is to modify and activate the precursors to coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X.

Vitamin K2

Menaquinone, vitamin K2, is made by bacteria in the gut. Calcium is used by the body to build and maintain bones. When it breaks down calcium in our bodies, vitamin K2 activates a protein that helps the mineral bind to our bones. Ongoing research studies show a higher K2 intake improves bone density and reduces the risk of bone fractures. Nutranize Zone contains vitamin K2 MK-7, the form of menaquinone with 7 carbon chains.

Vitamin K3

Menaphthone (or menadione) is an artificial form of vitamin K not found in any natural sources. It has been shown to be harmful to people.

How Can Vitamin K Help Someone on Prednisone?

Prednisone can have certain side effects that may affect our bodies. Vitamin K2 can potentially help mitigate these effects and support overall health. Here’s how:

1. Supporting Bone Health

Prednisone can sometimes weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin K2 helps our bodies properly use calcium, which is crucial for building strong bones. By consuming enough vitamin K2, individuals on prednisone can potentially support their bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Vitamin K2 has several important functions in our bodies. One of its main jobs is to help our bodies use calcium properly. Calcium is a mineral that is essential for strong bones and teeth. Vitamin K2 helps direct calcium to where it needs to go, like our bones and teeth, and prevents it from building up in places it shouldn’t, like our blood vessels.

2. Promoting Healthy Blood Vessels

Prednisone can occasionally lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, like heart disease. Vitamin K2 helps prevent calcium from building up in our blood vessels, which may support heart health. By getting enough vitamin K2, individuals on prednisone can potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.

3. Enhancing Dental Health

Prednisone can sometimes affect our dental health, leading to issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Vitamin K2 helps our bodies utilize calcium for strong teeth and supports overall dental health. By consuming enough vitamin K2, individuals on prednisone can potentially promote healthy teeth and gums.

How Can Nutranize Zone Help?

Nutranize Zone, containing vitamin K2 as one of its ingredients, provides a convenient way to ensure you’re getting enough of this mighty nutrient. By taking Nutranize Zone while on prednisone, you can potentially support your bone health, promote healthy blood vessels, and enhance your dental health.

How to Eat More Vitamin K?

To ensure you’re getting enough vitamin K in your diet, consider incorporating the following tips:

1. Include leafy greens

Leafy green vegetables are excellent sources of vitamin K. Incorporate varieties such as kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and collard greens into your meals. Whether in salads, stir-fries, or smoothies, these greens can provide a significant boost of vitamin K.

2. Explore cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower are not only packed with vitamins and minerals but also contain vitamin K. Add these delicious and nutritious veggies to your diet in roasted, steamed, or stir-fried preparations.

3. Add herbs and spices

Certain herbs and spices can also contribute to your vitamin K intake. Incorporate dried herbs like basil, sage, and thyme into your cooking, or use fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint as toppings or flavor enhancers.

4. Include fermented foods

Fermented foods like sauerkraut and natto are not only rich in probiotics but also provide vitamin K. These foods can be incorporated into meals or enjoyed as condiments to increase your vitamin K intake.

5. Opt for avocado

Avocado is a nutrient-dense fruit that contains a small amount of vitamin K. Enjoy avocado slices on toast, in salads, or as a guacamole dip to add a touch of vitamin K to your meals.

6. Consider green tea

Green tea not only provides antioxidants but also contains a small amount of vitamin K. Incorporate green tea into your daily routine as a healthy beverage option.

7. Choose vegetable oils

Certain vegetable oils, such as olive oil and soybean oil, contain vitamin K. Use these oils in your cooking or as dressings to increase your vitamin K intake.

8. Be mindful of cooking methods

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it can be lost during cooking if not retained properly. To preserve the maximum amount of vitamin K in your food, opt for cooking methods like steaming, baking, or sautéing.

9. Consider vitamin K-rich supplements

If you have a vitamin K deficiency or struggle to meet your requirements through food alone, dietary supplements can be an option. Remember, maintaining a balanced diet that includes a variety of vitamin K-rich foods is key to meeting your nutritional requirements. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can easily increase your vitamin K intake and enjoy the many health benefits associated with this essential nutrient.

Conclusion

Vitamin K2 is a mighty nutrient that can help counteract some of the side effects caused by prednisone. By consuming enough vitamin K2 through Nutranize Zone or vitamin K2-rich foods, individuals on prednisone can potentially support their bone health, promote healthy blood vessels, and enhance their dental health. Always remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or making significant changes to your diet.

References

1. Tanaka I, Oshima H. Vitamin K2 as a potential therapeutic agent for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Clin Calcium. 2007 Nov;17(11):1738-44. Japanese. PMID: 17982195.
2. Shikano K, Kaneko K, Kawazoe M, et al. Efficacy of Vitamin K2 for Glucocorticoid-induced Osteoporosis in Patients with Systemic Autoimmune Diseases. Intern Med. 2016;55(15):1997-2003. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.55.6230. Epub 2016 Aug 1. PMID: 27477405.
3. Zhang YL, Yin JH, Ding H, et al. Vitamin K2 Prevents Glucocorticoid-induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Rats. Int J Biol Sci. 2016 Jan 28;12(4):347-58. doi: 10.7150/ijbs.13269. PMID: 27019620; PMCID: PMC4807155.
4. Chen L, Shi X, Weng SJ, et al. Vitamin K2 Can Rescue the Dexamethasone-Induced Downregulation of Osteoblast Autophagy and Mitophagy Thereby Restoring Osteoblast Function In Vitro and In Vivo. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Aug 11;11:1209. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01209. PMID: 32848799; PMCID: PMC7431688.

For further reading:

1. Vitamin K2 for Prednisone
2. Efficacy of Vitamin K2 for Glucocorticoid
3. 75+ Scientific Articles and Nutranize Zone Ingredients
4. 9+ Nutrients Depleted by Prednisone