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The importance of vitamin K2 in children's development

Vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in the absorption and deposition of calcium in the bones. Additionally, it significantly aids in the normal clotting of blood and the binding of calcium from the blood, contributing to the health of blood vessels and the cardiovascular system. Unfortunately, research shows that children and infants have high rates of vitamin K deficiency.

Low levels of vitamin K are a common occurrence in newborns. Research shows that up to 50% of all newborns have a deficiency in vitamin K.

The reasons for this are, on one hand, the limited transfer of vitamin K through the placenta, and on the other hand, the low content of vitamin K in breast milk.

Proper nutritional intake during the growth years in childhood plays an important role in the healthy development of an adult. Regarding the musculoskeletal system, bones develop more intensively during childhood and adolescence, with up to 90% of the maximum bone mass being acquired by the age of 18 in girls and 20 in boys. Without adequate intake of vitamin K2, which helps activate osteocalcin, calcium cannot be properly utilized to form healthy and strong bones. For this reason, the levels of activated (carboxylated) osteocalcin, a protein that helps bind calcium to bones, should be high. The activation of osteocalcin depends on vitamin K2, so when there is insufficient vitamin K2 in the body, osteocalcin remains inactive.

Despite the importance of vitamin K2 intake for children, a recent study showed that most children have low levels of vitamin K2, which is likely attributed to the increased consumption of processed foods and fewer foods rich in K2. Additionally, another study showed that children (6-18 years old) exhibit higher levels of inactive osteocalcin (ucOC) compared to adults, which is an indication of low vitamin K levels. Children with low levels of active osteocalcin (cOC) are significantly more likely to experience fractures.

It appears that vitamin K2 intake is extremely important, especially during childhood. When combined with vitamin D3, it helps activate osteocalcin, enabling the binding of calcium for the formation of healthy, strong bones, while also contributing to the good condition of blood vessels and the cardiovascular system.

References:

• Patel P, Mikhail M. “Vitamin K Deficiency." eMedicine. Updated: Feb 13, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2015 from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/126354-overview#a9
• Ferland G. Vitamin K. In: Erdman Jr. JW, Macdonald IA, Zeisel SH, eds. Present Knowledge in Nutrition. 10th ed. Ames: Wiley-Blackwell; 2012:230-247.
• Theuwissen, E., et al., Vitamin K status in healthy volunteers. Food Funct, 2014. 5(2): p. 229-34.
• Popko J. et al., Decreased Levels of Circulating Carboxylated Osteocalcin in Children with Low Energy Fractures: A Pilot Study. Nutrients 2018, 10, 734