The role of vitamin K extends well beyond the regulation of blood clotting to impact bone formation, the development of heart disease, and possibly cancer. Vitamin K is required for the carboxylation of osteocalcin (OC) which is needed to bind calcium. When vitamin K is low, OC does not get carboxylated leading to an increase in the amount of the undercarboxylated form of OC. This undercarboxylated form of OC, also referred to as ucOC, can be measured in blood and has been found to identify vitamin K deficiencies.
To learn more about Vitamin K function and its importance to optimal health, please watch the presentation by clicking the image above.