Phosphoric Acid, Vitamin K-2

Dietary influences that increases bone demineralization are becoming more and more problematic. Intake of phosphoric acid, as an example, can dramatically accelerate the development of osteoporosis. Cola beverages are the greatest risk in this regard. Phosphoric acid is present in high concentration in cola beverages, and with intake of these soft-drinks, excretion of the phosphate moiety takes place in the form of calcium phosphate. With intake of excessive amounts of phosphoric acid, drinking cola beverages may hasten the development of osteoporosis by  worsening  calcium deficiency in the bone itself, which in turn causes weakening of the  teeth and weak bone density (osteoporosis).2

• FACT: Phosphoric acid intake, in the form of carbonated soft-drinks can hasten the development of osteoporosis.

Vitamin K-2

Vitamin K is a lesser known vitamin group, composed of three major chemicals, structurally similar, fat-soluble, 2-methyl-l,4-naphthoquinones, including phylloquinone (K1), menaquinones (K2), and menadione (K3).

Vitamin K2 (menaquinone), stimulates bone formation by way of hormone-regulation. This is thought to consist of gamma-carboxylation of osteocalcin and/or steroid and xenobiotic receptors (SXRs). This modulation reduces the incidence of vertebral fractures, despite having only modest direct effects on the bone mineral density (BMD).4

The most common form of vitamin K2 in animals is menaquinone 4 (menatetrenone; MK-4), produced by the processing of exogenous and bacterial naphthoquinones Vitamin K is a coenzyme for glutamate carboxylase, an enzyme which mediates the conversion of the amino acid glutamate to gamma-carboxyglutamate (Gla). The gamma-carboxylation of the these proteins is essential for the proteins to attract calcium, and to incorporate calcium into the hydroxyapatite crystals that form bone.6

Vitamin K-2 is found in certain vegetables, but it is absorbed best if injested simultaneously with butter. Further, the production of Vitamin K-2 is accomplished through ‘normal’ gastro-intestinal bacteria.

NOTE WELL: Supplementation of vitamin K-2 can prevent the development of osteoporosis and reduce the risk of lumbar compression fractures from osteoporosis.8

FACT #1: Marjorine is not butter, and marjorine is consumed in far greater amounts than butter, thereby reducing available Vitamin K2 in our diet.

FACT #2: Gastrointestinal flora are important to the production of Vitamin K2. Anti-biotics kill off the ‘good bacteria’ right along with the pathogenic bacteria. Patients demand anti-biotics for all manners of problems that would best be treated without anti-biotics. By altering gastrointestinal bactial flora, we are crippling our ability to get K-2, thereby worsening our skeletal strength.

FACT #3: Taking the wrong form or formulation of Vitamin K, or Vitamin K-2 is worthless in therapeutic benefit. You’ve got to know your chemistry, here.