Do you suffer from leg pain at night? A new study reveals Vitamin K2 as a promising solution

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night suddenly, a sharp pain shooting through your calf muscles, leaving you tossing and turning, unable to find a good position?

These unpleasant nocturnal leg cramps (NLCs) can be surprising and disruptive, often preventing you from enjoying a good night’s sleep. The pain can also be very intense, making it difficult to relax and causing discomfort long after the cramp has subsided.

Although NLCs are common, affecting 60 percent of adults, according to the Cleveland Clinic, they remain difficult to treat due to unknown causes. As a result, there are few safe and effective medications and treatments available.

However, a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shed light on an effective remedy: vitamin K2. This little-known vitamin has shown promising results in reducing the frequency, intensity, and duration of these painful episodes in adults.

In a trial involving 199 participants for eight weeks, the findings revealed that daily supplementation with vitamin K2 significantly reduced NLCs.

But what exactly causes these excruciating pains? We spoke to two experts to gain insight into the causes of leg pain at night and how vitamin K2 can act as a powerful solution.

Understanding nighttime leg pain

Common in older adults, these leg cramps are usually experienced during sleep and are characterized by sudden and involuntary muscle spasms, usually affecting the calf muscles but can also occur in the thighs or on the feet.

For many, these events become a depressing reality, leaving them searching for solutions to alleviate the pain. Dr Henna Kutty, general practitioner, says: “Foot pain can disrupt sleep and lead to increased attention, especially in the elderly.

“Studies like this highlight the complex relationship between nutrient absorption and overall health, especially the role of vitamin K2 in muscle function and reducing leg cramps,” he adds, emphasizing the complex relationship between nutrient absorption and overall health.

Although vitamin K2 can play an important role in relieving leg pain, it is important to consider digestive health, says Dr Kutty. “The success of such a supplement is closely related to the health of the gut, as an efficient digestive system is essential for the proper absorption of nutrients.”

Without addressing gut health, even a promising activity like vitamin K2 may not reach its full potential. “Intestinal dysfunction can interfere with the absorption of important nutrients, reducing the effectiveness of any supplement,” he adds.

The role of vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 is often covered by its counterpart, vitamin K1, which is found in leafy greens. However, K2 plays an important role in calcium metabolism, ensuring that calcium is used efficiently in the body. Dr. Mahmoud Adel, a general practitioner in the UAE, emphasizes its importance: “Vitamins are organic compounds that are important for various body functions, from immune support to in cell repair.”

Since our bodies do not produce many vitamins, they must be obtained through food or supplements, says Dr. Adel. “Vitamin K2, a lesser-known member of the vitamin K family, activates osteocalcin, a protein needed to bind calcium to bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.”

In addition, vitamin K2 transports calcium away from soft tissue and blood vessels, which is important for heart health. “By preventing calcium deposits in the arteries, K2 reduces the risk of hardening of the arteries and heart disease, making it an important nutrient for people who are elderly or at risk of developing the disease.” bones,” he adds.