What crucial function does Vitamin K perform in relation to maintaining skeletal integrity alongside Calcium?

It activates specific proteins necessary for bone health and metabolism

The maintenance of skeletal integrity relies heavily on the synergistic action between Calcium and Vitamin K, as both are vital nutrients found abundantly in collard greens. While Calcium is essential because it resides in the bones and is critical for maintaining bone mineral density, Vitamin K plays a decisive regulatory role. Vitamin K is necessary to chemically modify and activate particular proteins within the body. These activated proteins are directly involved in the complex processes of bone health regulation and overall bone metabolism. Without sufficient Vitamin K to perform this activation step, the body cannot utilize circulating calcium as effectively for bone maintenance, making the presence of both nutrients essential for fracture prevention, particularly as individuals advance in age.