In a study involving seniors (age 60-80 years), vitamin K1 supplementation has been noted to help reduce the development of insulin resistance, and subsequently, diabetes, in men. Such supplementation benefits were not seen among the elderly women included in the study.
These observations build on previously published reports that vitamin K may have an effect on diabetes development via the vitamin K-dependant protein osteocalcin:
By “knocking out” these genes in mice so that they could not function, the animals lacking a functional osteocalcin gene gained fat, showing that osteocalcin helps regulate the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas and release it …read more

Vitamin K seems to be a multitasking vitamin. By influencing the secondary modification of osteocalcin, a protein needed to bind calcium to the bone matrix, vitamin K promotes bone health and prevent osteoporosis. It has also been previously shown to help promote cardiovascular health by preventing arterial calcification.
In a new study published in Cell, osteocalcin appears play a role in glucose metabolism by regulating the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas and release it into the bloodstream. Thus they study shows that osteocalcin may play a role in the development of diabetes.
Since the formation of osteocalcin is dependent on …read more

An animal study led by researchers at Maastricht University shows that vitamin K may prevent calcium buildup in the arteries, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
This research into the benefits of high vitamin K intake may prove especially important for people taking blood thinning medications, such as warfarin, which are known to cause rapid calcification in the arteries. Many patients taking blood thinners aren’t aware of this risk, the researchers said.
If you want to up your vitamin K intake, eat lots of soybean, olive and canola oils, and dark green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach and Brussels …read more