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Supplements

Vitamin K: An Important Nutrient For Diabetes

Jun 25, 2017

When you have a wound, it is the Vitamin K in your blood that helps the blood clot. Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin, which keeps the body’s blood clotting abilities in optimum balance. It also has various benefits for diabetes. There are two forms of Vitamin K: Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2.

Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance: Several studies have pointed towards the benefits of supplementation of this vitamin in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, thereby reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.  

Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes: According to a study published in Diabetes Care, supplementation of this vitamin can reduce the progression of insulin resistance in older men. The 2008 study was conducted on 355 non-diabetics (aged 60–80 years, 60% women) who were given Vitamin K supplementation for 36 months.

Beneficial effects on bone quality in type 2 diabetes: Patients with type-2 diabetes are at a higher risk of bone fractures due to poor bone quality. In a study published in Nutrition Reviews, Vitamin K(2) supplementation can have a beneficial effect on the bone health of type 2 diabetics.

Food items that are rich in this vitamin include broccoli, brussel sprouts, endive, lettuce, olive oil, avocados, meat, liver, egg yolk, and fermented products such as yogurt and cheese. Supplements can also be of help.

Mahesh Jayaraman
Mahesh is a hormone health counsellor & holistic health expert. He has a Mastery Certification in Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis from the US, is certified in Functional Nutrition from Washington State University and uses a wide array of healing modalities to guide his clients to vibrant health and well-being.

References:

Vitamin K2 Supplementation Improves Insulin Sensitivity via Osteocalcin Metabolism: A Placebo-Controlled Trial

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27133809