The Vitamin You May Be Missing

Vitamin K2 Naturally Builds Stronger, Healthier Bones.

- Dana Cohen

When osteoporosis knocks on life’s door so hard it splinters a bone, you rarely think of seeking out a replacement—hopping in the car and driving to the nearest supermarket to pick out a nice-looking femur. Yet, that is exactly the innate reaction of your body, and with the right nutrients, you can ceaselessly replace your bones without second thought.

Few people realize that the entire skeleton is constantly being remodeled. All of your bone mass is completely replaced approximately every 7 years. Bone is comprised of a hard outer shell and spongy inner tissue matrix, which is a living substance. The bone replacement process is regulated by osteoblasts, cells that build up the skeleton, and osteoclasts, which break it down. As long as the bone-forming activity (absorption) is greater than the bone-breakdown (resorption), the process of maintaining healthy bones is kept under control. But for that balance, the body requires certain nutrients to ensure that it is operating optimally.

Before starting prescription medications for supplementing bone growth, there are some key nutrients to consider that have been proven as safe and effective treatment options without potentially harmful side effects.

THE MISSING LINK

Many studies show calcium is an important nutrient to build bones, and many of us recognize that supplementing with calcium is important. However, there have been some concerns that calcium can hasten heart disease. In some studies, calcium supplementation has actually been linked to higher risk of ischemic heart disease and stroke. Because these studies made headlines, many people have abandoned their calcium supplementation—ignoring their bone health out of fear they will damage their cardiovascular health.