Could This Overlooked Vitamin Be the Key to Healthier Bones?

Vitamin K does far more than support blood clotting; research in mice found it helps regulate the constant cycle of removing old bone and building new bone — a process that influences long-term bone strength Researchers identified a vitamin K-dependent protein called GAS6 that acts as a messenger between bone-building cells and bone-removing cells, helping coordinate the remodeling process that keeps your skeleton healthy Bone-building cells use vitamin K at remarkably high levels; researchers found that the enzymes responsible for vitamin K activity were 10 to 40 times more abundant in bone-building cells than in bone-removing cells, a sign that bone-building cells are among the body's heaviest users of vitamin K, on par with the liver Foods rich in vitamin K2, including egg yolks, liver, Gouda, Brie, and fermented foods such as natto, help direct calcium into your bones and teeth instead of allowing it to accumulate in soft tissues Protecting your bones involves more than getting enough calcium; adequate protein, healthy vitamin D levels, regular weight-bearing exercise, avoiding soft drinks, and reducing seed oils all support the cellular energy and nutrient balance required for healthy bone remodeling