Vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 are two essential nutrients that support bone growth. However, many parents tend to overlook the importance of vitamin K2, which can lead to incomplete bone development. Therefore, how does vitamin K2 contribute to height growth, and what are the dietary sources of vitamin K2?
What is vitamin K2 and how can it aid in height growth?
Vitamin K2 is a subgroup of fat-soluble compounds belonging to the vitamin K family. It has a significant role in blood clotting, calcium metabolism, and antioxidant activity. Vitamin K2 can be divided into two forms, MK4 and MK7, and MK7 has higher bioavailability, making it the preferred form.
What effect does vitamin K2 have on height?
Vitamin K2 is essential for calcium metabolism, aiding in the formation of sturdy bones and preventing calcium deposition in soft tissues and arteries. It is also required for the oral system and regulates cell growth.
By activating K-dependent proteins, vitamin K2 facilitates calcium function in the body. Osteocalcin, a protein that assists in bone building, is among the proteins that are activated. Osteocalcin aids in binding calcium ions with bone mineral substrates, strengthening bones. Vitamin K2 is responsible for directing calcium to regions where it is most necessary and away from those that could be harmful.
Insufficient vitamin K2 can result in calcium paradoxes. Insufficient calcium can cause bones to become fragile and brittle. Excess calcium in areas of the body, such as blood vessels and arteries, where it is not required, can cause stiffness or loss of flexibility.
What other purposes can vitamin K2 serve apart from enhancing height growth?
Vitamin K2 aids in the promotion of height growth and the maintenance of good oral health.
Vitamin K2 is good for your heart health
Vitamin K2 is beneficial for heart health as it facilitates the transportation of calcium to the appropriate location, preventing the accumulation of minerals in the walls of blood vessels. This helps transport the minerals to the bones and other organs without any storage in the blood vessel walls.
In a 15-year study conducted on men, it was found that a high intake of vitamin K2 was linked with a decreased risk of heart disease and mortality.
Vitamin K2 plays a vital role in maintaining oral health
Protein is crucial for strong teeth, and vitamin K2 activates a protein called osteocalcin, which regulates bone calcification. This mechanism stimulates the growth of calcified tissues beneath the enamel, directly impacting oral health.
At what age can children start taking a healthy vitamin K2 supplement?
Vitamin K2 can be incorporated into a child’s diet from birth. The recommended amount of vitamin supplement for children should be the same as that for children, as advised by a doctor. Supplements that are either too high or too low can cause health problems in children.
What is the recommended intake of Vitamin K2 to promote height growth?
All age groups require a specific source of nutrients for the growth of long bones. The following are the recommended daily amounts of vitamin K2 to maintain a healthy body:
- 0-6 months old: 2mcg
- 7-12 months old: 2.5mcg
- 1-3 years old: 30mcg
- 4-8 years old: 55mcg
- 9-13 years old: 60mcg
- 14-18 years old: 75mcg
- Males 19 years and older: 120mcg
- Females 19 years and older: 90mcg
- Teenagers: 75mcg (pregnant/lactating teenagers)
What are the food sources of Vitamin K2?
Vitamin K is present in a variety of foods, with Vitamin K2 being primarily found in fermented foods. Here are some additional sources of Vitamin K2:
Natto: A dish made from fermented soybeans, is a high source of Vitamin K2 and is one of the most popular sources.
Dark meat: Darker chicken parts such as legs and thighs.
Fermented Cheese: Some fermented cheeses, like Edam, Gouda, or Cheddar, are high in Vitamin K2 as it is produced by bacteria during the manufacturing process.
Egg yolk: Provides a rich source of Vitamin K2, regardless of how it is prepared.
Vitamin K2 is not available in sufficient quantities to be used as a dietary supplement. This can pose a problem when trying to increase height. Parents can refer to certain types of milk or functional foods that are enriched with Vitamin K2 to supplement their children’s diet for increasing height.
Which milk contains vitamin K2 to help increase height?
Dairy products that are supplemented with vitamin K2 are more suitable for young children as they are safe and help them overcome their fear of taking medication. Here are some types of milk that parents can refer to for their children’s height increase:
Korean Hikid: This is one of the most effective vitamin K2 height-increasing milk products available today. It contains DHA, IGF, and TGF which are all good ingredients for children’s development. It also contains soybean oil, phosphate, and soybean oil.
VitaGrowheight: This product contains vitamin K2, vitamin D, and calcium, which create a nutritional balance that helps children reach their maximum height. Children will grow taller if given the right amount.
Asumiru: This is a famous Japanese height-increasing milk that is rich in nutrients, including CPP, which is essential for teenagers and children in the period of peak height growth
MetaCare: This product is a combination of vitamin K2, red alkaline calcium, and olive oil essence, which is used to support children’s ability to absorb calcium and to strengthen their bones.
Formula milk is naturally rich in nutrients, but it is mainly focused on young children. Adolescents and prepubertal teenagers need additional nutrients to support their growth. Supplements containing vitamin K2 would be a great choice.
What supplements contain Vitamin K2 to help increase height?
Functional foods are an effective way to increase height, and are part of the daily diet in Western countries. Vitamin K2 is not naturally found in foods, therefore, supplementing with supplements is the best way to obtain vitamin K2.
Parents can also supplement their children with vitamin K2 through the following supplements:
Doctor Taller: Doctor Taller contains vitamins (D3, B1, B3, K2), minerals (Calcium and Zinc), precious herbs, Phuc Linh (Do Trong), Ich Mau, Xuyen Khuong (Pearl) and amino acids (L-Arginine, L-Ornithine, L-Lysine). It stimulates maximum growth activity and supports height growth by providing essential vitamins and minerals. Price: 1,475,000 VND per bottle of 60 tablets. Doctor Taller is a 100% plant-based vegan height gainer that has been certified by reputable organizations such as USDA, NSF, and HACCP. The product is also certified by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Doctor Plus: Doctor Plus height increase pills are distributed worldwide by NuBest USA, a leading dietary supplement distribution company based in the US. It contains “dual” vitamins and minerals, Nano Calcium, Hydrolyzed Collagen Type 2 (D2, K2, Magnesium, Phosphorus), precious herbs (Do Trong, Ginkgo), 5-HTP, and Calcium. It supports Type 2 Collagen, vitamins, and minerals, and may also help improve sleep and overall health. Price: 1,150,000 VND per bottle of 60 tablets. The product has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and is highly trusted by Vietnamese parents.
NuBest Tall 10+: NuBest Tall 10+ is a product that combines Doctor Tall and Doctor Plus, containing Calcium (nano form), collagen type 2 (hydrolyzed version), vitamin D3, vitamin K2, 5-HTP, and precious herbs (Ginkgo). It is the best nutritional supplement for teenagers and children to help increase height during puberty. Price: 1,090,000 VND per bottle of 60 tablets.
Parents can find many other vitamin K2 products on the market. It is important to only purchase certified products from reputable agencies, and to verify that the product is a genuine US-made product before purchasing.
Important information to remember when taking vitamin K2 supplements
When taking vitamin K2 supplements, it’s important to remember that improper supplementation can cause side effects. These side effects may include constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, and other symptoms. Parents should also be aware of the following precautions when giving vitamin K2 to their children:
- Do not give vitamin K2 supplements if your child is allergic to vitamin K2.
- Do not give large doses of vitamin K2 supplements to children without a doctor’s prescription.
- Do not give the supplement to children with kidney disease, heart disease, or liver disease.
It’s important to note that vitamin K2 alone is not enough to help children grow. Parents should choose products that contain vitamin K2 as an ingredient along with other essential nutrients to support proper growth. This will help ensure that their child is receiving the necessary amount of vitamin K2 and other nutrients to support their height growth.