| Having trouble reading this newsletter? Click here to see it in your browser. |
 |
 |
April 22, 2008 In this Issue Upcoming Events April 25-27, 2008 May 2-4, 2008 May 22-25, 2008 May 23-25 , 2008 Pass it on Know anyone who might be interested in our newsletter? Click here to forward to a friend or colleague. |
|
|
The editors of Smart Publications Health & Wellness Update are pleased to present their new e-mail newsletter, Longevity Medicine Review. The primary purpose of Longevity Medicine Review is to provide medical practitioners, clinicians, nutritionists, and other interested parties with concise reviews & analysis of the latest in longevity science research. Insufficient Vitamin K–Key Factor in the Development One of vitamin K's primary actions in the body is the carboxylation (activation) of matrix GLA protein (MGP). Critical to maintaining the health
of the entire cardiovascular system, MGP is known to prevent calcification in the arteries. Now, new research shows vitamin K-activated MGP is also
needed to prevent the excessive proliferation and mineralization of muscle cells in the walls of the veins that causes varicose veins.
(Cario-Toumaniantz C, Boularan C, Schurgers L, et al. J Vasc Res. 2007) Vitamin K Promotes Insulin Sensitivity Intriguing new animal research shows that vitamin K is involved in regulating energy metabolism. Vitamin K-activates osteocalcin, a protein secreted by osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building bone. It turns out that osteocalcin is also directly involved in the proliferation of pancreatic β-cells (the cells that produce insulin), thus improving glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Mice genetically engineered to lack the genes expressed in osteoblasts that enable osteocalcin secretion are unable to produce normal levels of
pancreatic β-cells, and become glucose intolerant and insulin resistant. In addition to stimulating the production of insulin by β-cells,
vitamin K-activated osteocalcin also increases production of adiponectin, an insulin-sensitizing hormone produced by fat cells (adipocytes), further
improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. (Lee NK, Sowa H, et al. Cell 2007) Vitamin K's Anti-Wrinkle Actions Vitamin K plays a key role in protecting skin elasticity and could soon be the latest nutraceutical appearing in savvy high-end cosmetic lines. The research is just coming out that people who cannot metabolize vitamin K end up with severe premature skin wrinkling. (Gheduzzi D, Boraldi F, et al. Lab Invest. 2007 Oct;87(10):998-1008.) One of the principal researchers involved is Leon Schurgers, a vitamin K icon whose name appears on numerous landmark studies involving the
nutrient. Schurgers thinks vitamin K deficiency is also highly likely to be linked to wrinkling in healthy "normal" populations because vitamin K2
(menaquinone) is necessary for the activation of Matrix γ-carboxyglutamic acid protein (MGP), which inhibits calcium from depositing in elastin
fibers. Trans Fat Prevents Vitamin K Activity Unfortunately, in the U.S. where the typical diet is low in green leafy vegetables and high in processed foods that contain partially
hydrogentated fat (trans fat), the most consumed form of vitamin K is an unnatural form produced when oils containing vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) are
hydrogenated. Called dihydrophylloquinone, this unnatural form of vitamin K is unable to carboxylate (activate) MGP. Increased Risk of Heart Attack Outweighs Decreased To prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures, calcium supplementation has become standard practice for women during and after menopause, but
research published in the February 2008 issue of the British Medical Journal indicates that just taking calcium, or even calcium plus
vitamin D, can result in a highly unacceptable trade off: a 12% decrease in risk of fracture for a 212% increase in risk of cardiovascular
disease! |
|
|
 |
|
