Roger-Luc Chayer (Image: AI / Gay Globe)
Science is advancing rapidly in the field of cancer, particularly through research on HIV/AIDS, which had until now been partially funded by U.S. grants. However, Trump has just suspended this funding. Nevertheless, promising results are emerging every week, and this latest discovery paves the way for a new treatment that is both inexpensive and easily accessible. A precursor to vitamin K could prove to be an effective drug.
What is Vitamin K?
Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in several biological functions. It is primarily known for its involvement in blood clotting, preventing excessive bleeding by activating certain proteins responsible for this process. It also contributes to bone health by promoting calcium fixation, thus reducing the risks of osteoporosis and fractures. Its action doesn’t stop there, as it also plays a role in cell regulation and could offer protective benefits against certain chronic diseases, including cancer.
Present in various plant and animal foods, it is mainly synthesized by intestinal bacteria, making it naturally available to the body. Despite this, some people may suffer from deficiencies, particularly in cases of digestive disorders that affect its absorption.
What is the difference between Vitamin K and its precursor?
Vitamin K and its precursor mainly differ in their chemical structure and activation process in the body. Vitamin K is the biologically active form used directly by the body, while its precursor is a molecule that requires transformation before becoming functional.
Vitamin K precursors, such as menaquinone-4 (MK-4), derived from the conversion of other forms of vitamin K or certain synthetic molecules, need enzymatic modifications to become fully active. This activation mainly occurs in the liver and other tissues, where they are converted into usable forms for clotting, bone mineralization, and other cellular functions.
The medical interest in precursors lies in their stability and therapeutic potential. Some of them can be better absorbed, transported more efficiently in the body, or have specific properties that make them more suitable for certain uses, particularly in oncology. Recent research suggests that a particular precursor could interact with biological processes related to cancer, offering a new treatment pathway.
How can Vitamin K act against cancer?
According to recent research published by Sciencedirect.com, most early experiments on vitamin K primarily focused on its clotting function. However, several new functions of vitamin K have been discovered in recent years, including its anticancer effects. For example, vitamin K may inhibit cancer metastasis through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It may also exert anticancer effects by inhibiting cell proliferation.
Given the documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of vitamin K in humans, along with knowledge about its origin, absorption, distribution, and bioavailability, vitamin K appears as a viable candidate to be integrated as a health-promoting supplement. A diet rich in vitamin K or taking vitamin K supplements could improve the health of targeted populations. Additionally, as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, vitamin K may delay senescence through various mechanisms and could therefore be used as an adjunct.
Can Vitamin K be beneficial in the fight against HIV?
In the fight against HIV/AIDS, many theories and rumors circulate about vitamins and other supplements, but these claims are often not supported by scientific research. However, in 2022, the U.S. National Institutes of Health published a study titled « Inflammation-mediated vitamin K and vitamin D effects on vascular calcifications in people with HIV on active antiretroviral therapy, » providing some answers about the role of vitamin K in the context of HIV.
It stated: People living with HIV (PLWH) have increased systemic inflammation and monocyte activation, leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular events (death, strokes, and heart attacks) as well as higher coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores. Vitamins D and K2 have significant anti-inflammatory effects; moreover, vitamin K2 plays a role in preventing vascular calcifications in the general population. However, the role of vitamins D and K in the increase of coronary calcifications in PLWH on effective treatment remains less well understood.
The study concluded: Vitamin K deficiency is a modifiable preventive factor against coronary calcification in people living with HIV. Further research should determine whether vitamin K supplementation could reduce systemic inflammation, vascular calcification, and the risk of cardiovascular events in these patients.
As with any health issue, before rushing to take vitamin K, it is imperative to consult your treating physician, especially in the case of HIV. Only they can evaluate the specific benefits for each patient.