The Role of Vitamin K2 in the First 1,000 Days of Life for Child Height Development
A scientific conference at UMP HCMC highlights the importance of Vitamin K2 alongside D3 in optimizing bone health and height development for children during the first 1,000 days.
On July 17, the Department of Pediatrics at the School of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP HCMC), hosted a scientific seminar titled 'The Role of Vitamin K2 in Bone System Development in Children During the First 1,000 Days of Life.' The event was attended by Associate Professor Phung Nguyen The Nguyen and nearly 500 pediatric experts.
At the seminar, Specialist Doctor Level 2 Nguyen Cat Phuong Vu clarified the distinct roles of Vitamin K1 and K2. While Vitamin K1 is a mandatory post-birth injection to prevent bleeding disorders, oral Vitamin K2 plays a vital role in directing calcium from the blood into bone tissue. Supplementing K2 helps activate proteins that bind calcium to the bones, ensuring efficient mineralization.
Many parents mistakenly believe that supplementing only Vitamin D3 and calcium is sufficient for a child's growth. However, experts note that Vitamin D3 serves to increase calcium absorption from the gut, while Vitamin K2 acts as the 'transporter' that ensures calcium reaches the bone tissue. A deficiency in K2 can lead to 'calcium-starved' bones despite adequate intake.
Specifically, the demand for Vitamin K2 in children during the first 1,000 days of life is immense due to rapid skeletal development. The concentration of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) in children is 6-10 times higher than in adults, indicating that K2 supplementation should be considered in conjunction with Vitamin D3 from the start, especially for premature or C-section infants.
Dr. Le Pham Thu Ha, lecturer at the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, UMP HCMC, affirmed: 'A correct understanding of Vitamin K2 will contribute to perfecting bone health care strategies, helping to build a solid physical foundation for children from their very first years.'
