Vitamin K2 and Craniofacial Development: Why Animal-Based Nutrition Is | The Carnivore Bar

cart 0
Subscribe to our newsletter! join the community
Vitamin K2 and Craniofacial Development: Why Animal-Based Nutrition Is Critical

Jan 16, 2025

Vitamin K2 and Craniofacial Development: Why Animal-Based Nutrition Is Critical

By Kathryn Kos, M.Ed, NTP

K2's role in activating critical proteins for proper facial structure development underscores why animal-based nutrition is non-negotiable for long-term health.

Read The Story

For decades, the importance of vitamin K was largely attributed to its role in blood clotting. Still, recent discoveries reveal its far-reaching impact on craniofacial development, nasal breathing, dental alignment, and overall growth. At the center of this conversation lies vitamin K2, particularly the MK-4 form, which is found exclusively in animal foods. K2's role in activating critical proteins for proper facial structure development underscores why animal-based nutrition is non-negotiable for long-term health. This blog dives deep into how deficiencies in vitamin K2 impact craniofacial development, why this nutrient is essential, and how an animal-based diet plays a vital role in preventing these issues.[1][2][3]

Vitamin K2: Beyond Blood Clotting

Vitamin K2 is a fat-soluble vitamin responsible for activating proteins that regulate calcium utilization in the body. While vitamin K1, found in leafy greens, is primarily involved in blood coagulation, vitamin K2 activates proteins like Matrix GLA Protein (MGP) and osteocalcin, which direct calcium to the bones and teeth while preventing calcification in soft tissues. The MK-4 form of vitamin K2 in animal foods like pastured meat, eggs, and butter is critical in healthy craniofacial development. Without enough MK-4, the face and jaw growth can be compromised, which may result in underdeveloped facial features, breathing issues, and misaligned teeth.[4][5]

Craniofacial Development and Vitamin K2

Craniofacial growth is a delicate process shaped by genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. Vitamin K2 plays a vital role by activating MGP (Matrix Gla Protein), which helps prevent unwanted calcium deposits in areas like the nasal septum. This function is essential for the healthy development of the maxilla (upper jaw) and other facial bones.[6]

Impacts of Vitamin K2 Deficiency on the Face and Teeth

Subclinical deficiencies in vitamin K2 are alarmingly common and often go unnoticed until their impacts manifest in structural and functional challenges. Malocclusion, or misaligned teeth, is one of the most visible consequences of poor craniofacial development linked to inadequate K2 intake. When the upper and lower jaws don’t develop fully, it can lead to crowded teeth and narrow dental arches. While braces and orthodontic treatments often address this, the real issue usually stems from nutritional deficiencies during early growth.[7]

Poor jaw development also affects the nasal passages and airways, which can greatly impact overall breathing and health. Without adequate activation of MGP, the nasal septum becomes prone to calcification, narrowing airways and leading to mouth breathing. Mouth breathing exacerbates craniofacial issues by altering tongue posture, which is critical for proper jaw alignment. This domino effect can also result in snoring, sleep-disordered breathing, and even obstructive sleep apnea.[7]

Breastfeeding challenges are often tied to an issue that doesn’t get enough attention: underdeveloped craniofacial structure. When a baby’s jaw isn’t fully developed, they may have trouble latching, making feeding difficult and affecting their nutrition during a critical growth stage. The impact doesn’t stop there, though. When a baby struggles to latch, the jaw muscles don’t get the workout they need to develop properly. Over time, this lack of engagement can worsen structural problems, leading to bigger challenges as the child grows.[8]

Vitamin K2 deficiencies go beyond immediate feeding issues, contributing to subtle but noticeable changes in facial structure. Narrow faces, recessed chins, and underdeveloped cheekbones have become more common—clear signs of a modern diet lacking in essential fat-soluble vitamins during critical stages of development.[9]

Why Dentists Should Care About Vitamin K2

Dentists are key in recognizing how vitamin K2 influences craniofacial development and dental health. This connection was first highlighted by Dr. Weston A. Price, a trailblazer in the study of nutrition and its effects on human health. He found that traditional diets rich in animal-based foods supported wide dental arches, straight teeth, and strong jawlines—outcomes that are becoming less common today.[1][2] His findings have been validated by modern dental experts like Dr. Steven Lin and Dr. Kevin Stock, who emphasize the importance of K2 in preventing dental crowding, malocclusion, and airway issues.

These Dentists recognize that tooth alignment and jaw development are not isolated phenomena but are deeply connected to overall skeletal growth and function. Straight teeth are a marker of proper facial development, which relies on vitamin K2 activating key proteins. Without adequate K2, orthodontic interventions become increasingly necessary to correct structural deficiencies that could have been prevented with optimal nutrition.[1][2]

Animal Foods: The Key to Craniofacial Health

Animal-based foods are the primary source of vitamin K2 in its MK-4 form. This makes them indispensable for supporting craniofacial growth and preventing the myriad health issues associated with deficiencies. While some plant-based foods like natto contain K2 (in the MK-7 form), this version is less bioavailable. It does not effectively cross the placental barrier during pregnancy, where MK-4 is selectively transported to the developing fetus.[10]

Best Sources of Vitamin K2 (MK-4)

Pastured beef and lamb are among the richest sources of MK-4, providing a concentrated dose of this critical nutrient. Organ meats, particularly liver, are another potent source, offering a broad spectrum of fat-soluble vitamins in addition to K2. Grass-fed butter and ghee are not only rich in MK-4 but also contain complementary nutrients like vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids. Pasture-raised egg yolks round out the list, offering a bioavailable form of K2 alongside choline, which supports brain and skeletal development. All of these provide K2 and other key nutrients like vitamin D, magnesium, and calcium, which all work together to build strong bones, healthy teeth, and well-formed facial structures.[11]

The Generational Impact of Poor Nutrition

One of the most alarming effects of a vitamin K2 deficiency is how it can impact future generations. When pregnant women don’t include K2-rich animal foods in their diets, their developing babies miss out on this essential nutrient. This can lead to less-than-ideal craniofacial growth, which may cause a ripple effect of issues like trouble breastfeeding, crowded teeth, and narrowed airways. Modern diets, dominated by ultra-processed foods and plant-based substitutes, exacerbate these issues by providing little to no bioavailable K2.[12]

Children born to mothers with subclinical K2 deficiencies are also at higher risk of experiencing developmental delays in both facial structure and overall health. This generational decline highlights the value of bringing animal-based foods back into prenatal and perinatal nutrition to help reverse these patterns.[13]

Energy, Sleep, and Long-Term Health

The effects of vitamin K2 deficiency go beyond structural concerns. Inadequate craniofacial development can also affect energy levels, sleep quality, and overall well-being. Narrow airways and mouth breathing disrupt oxygen intake, leading to mouth breathing, fragmented sleep and chronic fatigue. In children, this manifests as behavioral issues and impaired cognitive development. Adults with untreated sleep apnea face higher risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and metabolic disorders.[14]

Why the Core of Human Health Is Animal-Based

Healthy humans are animal-based. While debates over the ideal macronutrient ratios and specific dietary patterns will continue, the foundational truth remains that human physiology evolved to rely on animal-derived nutrients. Eliminating meat and other animal products from the diet inevitably leads to widespread deficiencies that affect every aspect of health, from craniofacial development to immune function and energy metabolism. Synthetic supplements and fortified foods cannot replicate the complex nutrient synergy found in whole animal-based foods.[15][16]

Reclaiming Nutritional Wisdom

Widespread problems caused by vitamin K2 deficiencies can be tackled by returning to traditional diets focusing on nutrient-rich, animal-based foods. Educating expectant mothers, children, and families about the importance of K2 for healthy growth and development should be a key public health priority. Dentists, nutritionists, and healthcare providers can help by encouraging the inclusion of pastured meats, organ meats, and dairy products in the diet. These nutrient-rich foods provide a natural way to support better craniofacial development and overall health.

Citations: 

  1. Weston A. Price Foundation. “In Defense of Vitamin K2 MK-4: Dr. Price’s Activator X.” The Weston A. Price Foundation, westonaprice.org.

  2. Lin, Steven. “Vitamin K2 Deficiency Effects: Why Your Dental Health May Be at Risk.” Dr. Steven Lin, drstevenlin.com.

  3. Eric Davis Dental. “Vitamin K2 and Its Benefits for Teeth.” Eric Davis Dental, ericdavisdental.com.

  4. Kozioł-Kozakowska, Agnieszka, and Katarzyna Maresz. "The Impact of Vitamin K2 (Menaquinones) in Children’s Health and Diseases: A Review of the Literature." Children, vol. 9, no. 1, 2022, p. 78.

  5. Orticello, M., et al. "Amyloidogenic and Neuroinflammatory Molecular Pathways Are Contrasted Using Menaquinone 4 (MK4) and Reduced Menaquinone 7 (MK7R) in Association with Increased DNA Methylation in SK-N-BE Neuroblastoma Cell Line." Cells, vol. 13, no. 1, 2024, p. 58.

  6. Yao, Y., et al. "Matrix Gla Protein Deficiency Impairs Nasal Septum Growth, Causing Midface Hypoplasia in Mice." Journal of Biological Chemistry, vol. 285, no. 38, 2010, pp. 28873–28879.

  7. Lin, Steven. "Vitamin K2 Deficiency Effects on Your Smile." Dr. Steven Lin, 2017. 

  8. Lin, Steven. "Breastfeeding & Jaw Development: How to Prevent Braces." Ask the Dentist, 2018. 

  9. Kozioł-Kozakowska, Agnieszka, and Katarzyna Maresz. "The Impact of Vitamin K2 (Menaquinones) in Children’s Health and Diseases: A Review of the Literature." Children, vol. 9, no. 1, 2022, p. 78

  10. Schurgers, Leon J., et al. "Comparison of Menaquinone-4 and Menaquinone-7 Bioavailability in Healthy Women." Nutrition Journal, vol. 11, 2012, p. 93. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-11-93.

  11. Walther, Bernhard, et al. "Relationship between Structure and Biological Activity of Various Vitamin K Forms." Foods, vol. 10, no. 12, 2021, p. 3136. doi:10.3390/foods10123136.

  12. Allen, Laura H., et al. "Maternal Vitamin K Deficiency and Craniofacial Anomalies in Neonates: A Review." Scilit Journal of Maternal and Child Health, vol. 7, no. 4, 2023, pp. 134–142. https://www.scilit.net.

  13. Sorgi, Diogo S., et al. "Maternal Nutrition and Offspring Neurodevelopment: A Scoping Review." Nutrients, vol. 13, no. 10, 2021, p. 3530. https://www.mdpi.com.

  14. Shahar, Effie, et al. "Craniofacial Development Characteristics in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea." Nature and Science of Sleep, vol. 13, 2021, pp. 205–217. https://www.dovepress.com.

  15. Milton, Katharine. "The Role of Meat in the Human Diet: Evolutionary Aspects and Nutritional Value." Animal Frontiers, vol. 13, no. 2, 2023, pp. 11–19. https://academic.oup.com.

  16. Saint Luke's Health System. "Research Shows Vegan Diet Leads to Nutritional Deficiencies, Health Problems." Saint Luke's Health News, 2023. https://www.saintlukeskc.org.

Leave a comment: