Greetings, Dr. Roach Years ago, I received a diagnosis of severe osteoporosis. I read that vitamin K2 aids in the transfer of calcium from the blood into the bones, so I started taking it. Last year, my total cholesterol level exceeded 300 mmol/L, so my doctor ordered a scan to look for arterial plaque. She had advised me to take prescription drugs for it, but I had refused. The scan resulted in a calcium score of 0%.
I would like to know if vitamin K2 is the cause of my clear arteries and, if so, why doctors don’t suggest it before prescribing statins. — D.D.
ANSWER: Although vitamin K2 is used extensively in Japan, no research has shown any advantages in the US. Therefore, I do not suggest K2.
The synthesis of osteocalcin, a protein that binds to hydroxyapatite, the mineral component of bone, requires vitamin K2. Dark leafy greens include vitamin K1, which is used as a precursor by the intestinal bacteria that produce vitamin K2 in our stomach. Those whose diets are deficient in K1 or whose microbiome does not produce K2 well may benefit from vitamin K2 for bone health, in my opinion.
The majority of North Americans are not affected by this. It’s possible that K2 has additional, less understood roles in calcium metabolism. More specifically, K2 might activate the matrix Gla protein. This could lessen the amount of calcium that is deposited into the arterial walls, which is what a calcium score test measures. Thus, there is a plausible explanation for why K2 could lower the likelihood of blood vessel calcification, which is strongly (though not entirely) linked to heart artery blockages.
Statin medications, on the other hand, have solid data; numerous studies have demonstrated that they lower the risk of heart attack and mortality. There is a wealth of evidence demonstrating the extent to which a statin can lower risk. Whether K2 can result in better outcomes is still unknown.
Even though K2 is probably safe, I am a very conservative doctor who waits for solid data before recommending it. However, some people and doctors may decide to take or recommend K2 before strong data.
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Greetings, Dr. Roach Peacocks have been roaming freely in my neighborhood for many years. There are a lot of dogs and cats, of course, and we had a rat problem a few years back. Now that there are so many cats, the rats appear to have decreased.
How likely are we to get bird flu? How can we protect ourselves and our dogs from getting it? — D.F.
ANSWER: Avian flu can sadly afflict peafowl, which includes peahens and peacocks. Officials in Connecticut had to put a backyard flock of ducks, chickens, and peafowl to death a few days before to writing in order to prevent the highly contagious disease from spreading.
If at all possible, keep the peacocks away from any migratory wild birds, particularly waterfowl, as they could infect your flock of peafowl with influenza. Avoid any bird that appears to be sick. Although improbable, transmission to humans is feasible.
If you notice sick or dead birds, you can call the state bird hotline in many states, including yours.
Although he regrets not being able to respond to each letter individually, Dr. Roach will try to include them in the column. Questions can be sent by mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 or by email to [email protected].
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