Category: Vitamin D

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Unlocking the Benefits of Vitamin K2: Clearing Arterial Calcium and Achieving a CAC Score of Zero

by Stephen Fitzmeyer

Introduction: Maintaining cardiovascular health is a top priority for many individuals seeking to lead a long and vibrant life. While regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle are crucial elements, recent research has shed light on the potential benefits of vitamin K2 in promoting arterial health. In this article, we delve into the role of vitamin K2 in clearing calcium from arteries, leading to the desirable achievement of a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score of zero.

Understanding the Role of Calcium in Arteries: Calcium is an essential mineral for our body, contributing to the formation and strength of bones and teeth. However, when calcium starts accumulating in arterial walls, it can lead to the formation of plaque, narrowing the arteries and hindering blood flow. This process, known as arterial calcification, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.

Vitamin K2: A Key Player in Arterial Health: Emerging research suggests that vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in maintaining arterial health by effectively managing calcium levels in the body. Vitamin K2 activates proteins that shuttle calcium away from arteries and deposit it in bones, where it is needed. By doing so, vitamin K2 helps to prevent and even reverse arterial calcification.

Clearing Arterial Calcium with Vitamin K2: One of the most remarkable aspects of vitamin K2 is its potential to clear existing arterial calcium deposits. Studies have shown that by ensuring an adequate intake of vitamin K2, individuals with arterial calcification may experience a reduction in the severity of plaque buildup over time. This can lead to improved arterial flexibility and reduced cardiovascular risks.

Achieving a CAC Score of Zero: A coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a measure of the amount of calcium buildup in the coronary arteries. A score of zero indicates no detectable calcium, which is considered an optimal outcome. While multiple factors contribute to achieving a CAC score of zero, including lifestyle choices and genetics, incorporating vitamin K2 into your routine may play a significant role in promoting arterial health and minimizing calcium deposits.

How to Incorporate Vitamin K2 into Your Routine: To maximize the potential benefits of vitamin K2, it is important to ensure an adequate intake of this nutrient. Vitamin K2 can be found in certain foods, including fermented dairy products, organ meats, and certain cheeses. However, for those who may have limited access to these sources or have dietary restrictions, vitamin K2 supplements are widely available and offer a convenient way to meet the recommended daily intake.

Consult with a Healthcare Professional: As with any dietary change or supplement regimen, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating vitamin K2 into your routine. They can assess your individual health needs, provide guidance on appropriate dosages, and help monitor the progress of arterial health through regular check-ups and assessments.

Conclusion: Achieving optimal arterial health and aiming for a CAC score of zero is a significant goal for cardiovascular well-being. While there are multiple factors at play, emerging research highlights the potential of vitamin K2 in promoting arterial health and clearing arterial calcium. By incorporating vitamin K2 into your routine and consulting with a healthcare professional, you can take proactive steps towards supporting your cardiovascular health and enjoying a life free from the burden of arterial calcification.

Author: Stephen Fitzmeyer, M.D.
Physician Informaticist
Founder of Patient Keto
Founder of Warp Core Health
Founder of Jax Code Academy, jaxcode.com

Connect with Dr. Stephen Fitzmeyer:
Twitter: @PatientKeto
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sfitzmeyer/

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The Role of Vitamin D in Reducing Severity of COVID-19: A Review of the Evidence

By Stephen Fitzmeyer, MD

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Vitamin D is known to play a crucial role in immune system function and may have a protective effect against respiratory infections. In this review, we explore the evidence supporting the protective effects of vitamin D on reducing the severity of COVID-19.

Body:

Numerous studies have reported an association between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of respiratory infections, including COVID-19. In a systematic review and meta-analysis, Jolliffe et al. found that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of acute respiratory tract infection, particularly in individuals with low vitamin D levels (1). Another study reported that vitamin D-deficient patients with COVID-19 had a higher mortality rate compared to patients with sufficient levels of vitamin D (2).

Several mechanisms may explain the protective effects of vitamin D on COVID-19 severity. Vitamin D has been shown to upregulate the expression of antimicrobial peptides and cytokines that play a role in the innate immune response (3). Vitamin D also regulates the renin-angiotensin system, which is involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 (4).

A randomized controlled trial in Spain found that vitamin D supplementation reduced the need for intensive care unit admission in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 (5). Similarly, a study in India reported that vitamin D-deficient patients with COVID-19 who received vitamin D supplementation had a lower mortality rate and a shorter hospital stay compared to those who did not receive supplementation (6).

Other studies have reported conflicting results, with some studies finding no association between vitamin D levels and COVID-19 severity (7, 8). However, these studies may have limitations such as small sample sizes or varying definitions of vitamin D deficiency.

Conclusion:

Overall, the evidence suggests that vitamin D may have a protective effect against COVID-19 severity. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosage and duration of vitamin D supplementation in COVID-19 patients.

References:

1. Jolliffe DA, Camargo CA Jr, Sluyter JD, et al. Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data. BMJ. 2017;356:i6583.

2. Jain A, Chaurasia R, Sengar NS, et al. Analysis of vitamin D level among asymptomatic and critically ill COVID-19 patients and its correlation with inflammatory markers. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):20191.

3. Aranow C. Vitamin D and the immune system. J Investig Med. 2011;59(6):881-886.

Alwarawrah Y, Kiernan K, MacIver NJ. Changes in Nutrient Levels Shape Immune Responses. J Immunol Res. 2018;2018:8202585.

4. Entrenas Castillo M, Entrenas Costa LM, Vaquero Barrios JM, et al. “Effect of calcifediol treatment and best available therapy versus best available therapy on intensive care unit admission and mortality among patients hospitalized for COVID-19: A pilot randomized clinical study”. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2020;203:105751.

5. Rastogi A, Bhansali A, Khare N, et al. Short term, high-dose vitamin D supplementation for COVID-19 disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled, study (SHADE study). Postgrad Med J. 2020;97(1147):442-447.

6. Rastogi A, Bhansali A, Khare N, et al. Short term, high-dose vitamin D supplementation for COVID-19 disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled, study (SHADE study). Postgrad Med J. 2020;0:1-7.

7. Alcala-Diaz JF, Limia-Perez L, Guerrero-Romero F, et al. Calcifediol treatment and hospital mortality due to COVID-19: a cohort study. Nutrients. 2021;13(5):1760.

8. Imran TF, Rahman A, Mahmood T, et al. Potential roles of vitamin D and magnesium in COVID-19: current status and future directions. Heliyon. 2021;7(4):e06812.

9. Noguera-Julian M, Marquez L, Buño A, et al. Low vitamin D status is associated with worse ICU outcome in COVID-19. Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1351. doi:10.3390/nu13041351. PMID: 33920934; PMCID: PMC8071314.

Author: Stephen Fitzmeyer, M.D.
Physician Informaticist
Founder of Patient Keto
Founder of Warp Core Health
Founder of Jax Code Academy, jaxcode.com

Connect with Dr. Stephen Fitzmeyer:
Twitter: @PatientKeto
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sfitzmeyer/

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