Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for blood clotting, bone health, and cardiovascular function. Assessing Vitamin K status is complex, as there is no single gold-standard biomarker. Several biomarkers are used to evaluate Vitamin K levels, each with its own strengths and limitations.

Vitamin K1 is essential for blood clotting and bone health, and you can get it from various plant-based foods like leafy greens.

Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins. This group of vitamins includes two natural vitamins: vitamin K1 and vitamin K2. These Vitamins are structurally similar and their name comes from the German word “klotting”.

Vitamin K1, is also known as phylloquinone.

Vitamin K assists with blood clotting, supports the K formation of bone and bone matrix, and aids in
glucose to glycogen conversion for storage in the
liver.

The primary function of vitamin K is to aid in the formation of clotting factors and bone proteins. It serves as a cofactor in the production of six proteins that regulate blood clotting, including prothrombin. In addition, it helps to form osteocalcin, a protein necessary for the mineralization of bone.

Vitamin K also aids in the formation of glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver. In addition, it promotes the prevention and reversal of arterial calcification, plague progression and lipid peroxidation. Deficiency may increase the risk of calcification of arterial walls, particularly in individuals on vitamin D supplementation (Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption). Vitamin K exists in three forms: K1, a natural form found in plants (phylloquinone); K2, which is synthesized in the intestine (menaquinone); and K3, a synthetic form that must be activated in the liver (menadione).

Vitamin K is absorbed in the upper small intestines and transported throughout the body in chylomicrons.

Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins. This group of vitamins includes two natural vitamins: vitamin K1 and vitamin K2.

Vitamin K2 is the main storage form of Vitamin K in animals. It has several forms, referred to as menaquinones.

The nomenclature denoting vitamin K2 types will include an‘MK’to specify this is a menaquinone and the number following this denotes how many isoprenyl units are on the side chain of the molecule. The most common forms are MK-4 and MK-7.

Bacteria in the colon can convert K1 (from K plant-based foods) into vitamin K2.

Vitamin K2 is necessary to prevent arterial 2 calcification, which it does by activating matrix GLA
protein (MGP). This matrix GLA protein is present in blood vessels and inhibits soft tissue calcification.

Matrix GLA protein needs to be carboxylated to work properly and Vitamin K2-MK7 plays a major role in this carboxylation.

Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins. This group of vitamins includes two natural vitamins: vitamin K1 and vitamin K2.

Vitamin K2 is the main storage form of Vitamin K in animals. It has several forms, referred to as menaquinones.

The nomenclature denoting vitamin K2 types will include an‘MK’to specify this is a menaquinone and the number following this denotes how many isoprenyl units are on the side chain of the molecule. The most common forms are MK-4 and MK-7.

Bacteria in the colon can convert K1 (from K plant-based foods) into vitamin K2.

Vitamin K2 is necessary to prevent arterial 2 calcification, which it does by activating matrix GLA
protein (MGP). This matrix GLA protein is present in blood vessels and inhibits soft tissue calcification.

Matrix GLA protein needs to be carboxylated to work properly and Vitamin K2-MK7 plays a major role in this carboxylation.

What is VLDL?

VLDL stands for very-low-density lipoprotein. Your liver makes VLDL and releases it into your bloodstream. The VLDL particles mainly carry triglycerides, another type of fat, to your tissues. VLDL is similar to LDL cholesterol, but LDL mainly carries cholesterol to your tissues instead of triglycerides.

VLDL and LDL are sometimes called "bad" cholesterols because they can contribute to the buildup of plaque in your arteries. This buildup is called atherosclerosis. The plaque that builds up is a sticky substance made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, the plaque hardens and narrows your arteries. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your body. It can lead to coronary artery disease and other heart diseases.

A normal VLDL level is below 30 mg/dL. Your healthcare provider can measure your VLDL cholesterol through a simple blood test. If your VLDL is high, lifestyle changes and medication can help.

Special proteins, apoproteins, play an important role in moving lipoproteins around the body and facilitating their interactions with other cells. The most important of these are the apoB class, residing on VLDL, IDL, and LDL particles, and the apoA-I class, residing for the most part on the HDL particles.

VLDL are one of the major triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. They carry endogenous, hepatically synthesized triglycerides, largely derived from dietary carbohydrate or from plasma NEFA (=Non-Esterified Fatty Acids), and are of a large size (30–60 nm diameter).

Each VLDL particle has a single molecule of a larger apoB form, apoB100, with other apolipoproteins (apoE and apoCs) being acquired in plasma from HDL.

The levels of VLDL are not the only thing that matters. The size and chemical makeup of VLDL particles also contribute to health risks.

VLDL size is dependent on the triglyceride content, with large buoyant triglyceride-enriched VLDL being formed at times of triglyceride excess.

This is a ratio calculated by dividing very low density lipoprotein cholesterol by triglycerides.

A high ratio is linked to abnormal lipid metabolism and increased risk of CVD events.

Optimal: <0.20

Borderline: 0.20 – 0.30

Increased Risk: >0.30

The VLDL-C/TG Ratio is a specialized marker used to evaluate your cardiovascular health more accurately. VLDL stands for Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, which is one of the five major types of lipoproteins that transport fats and cholesterol in the body. TG stands for triglycerides, another type of fat in your blood. Both VLDL-C and TG are important because they can impact your risk of developing heart disease. The VLDL-C/TG ratio is calculated by dividing the VLDL cholesterol level by the triglyceride level. This ratio can help doctors understand more about the composition and size of the particles carrying cholesterol in your blood. Smaller, denser particles are often considered more harmful because they can more easily penetrate the lining of arteries and form plaques, which can lead to blockages. By analyzing this ratio, healthcare providers can gain insights into your lipid profile and cardiovascular risk, beyond what traditional cholesterol tests offer. A high VLDL-C/TG ratio might indicate an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and could prompt further investigation or intervention to manage this risk. Understanding this marker can be crucial in tailoring a more effective treatment plan to protect your heart health.

If your levels are borderline:

A borderline elevated VLDL-C/TG ratio means that while your levels are not in the high-risk category, they are not entirely in the clear, either. This could imply a slightly increased risk of developing conditions like heart disease, especially if accompanied by other risk factors such as high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

It's important to consider this marker in the context of a comprehensive lipid profile and your overall health. For some individuals, borderline elevated levels may prompt lifestyle modifications and possibly medical interventions to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This might include changes in diet, increased physical activity, weight management, and possibly medication. Regular monitoring and a holistic approach to health can help manage this risk effectively. If you have borderline elevated VLDL-C/TG ratio levels, it's essential to discuss with your healthcare provider the best strategies for you to maintain or improve your cardiovascular health.

Vanilmandelate is a metabolite of epinephrine and norepinephrine (also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline).

Semen volume refers to the amount of seminal fluid ejaculated during a male's orgasm. On average, the volume of semen in a single ejaculation typically ranges between 2 to 5 milliliters, equivalent to approximately 0.12 to 0.31 cubic inches in volume for human males. However, this volume can vary among individuals and may be influenced by factors such as age, sexual activity, and overall health.

Semen volume is an essential aspect of male reproductive health, as it plays a role in delivering sperm to the female reproductive tract for fertilization. It is commonly analyzed in semen analysis tests to assess male fertility and reproductive function, as deviations from the normal volume may indicate underlying issues. It's important to note that the idea of increasing semen volume through products or methods is largely a myth, as it is primarily determined by individual biology and health factors, not external interventions.