A new clinical study has revealed that vitamin K2 MK-7 may support neuromuscular signaling in older adults.
The trial, published in the peer-reviewed journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, was designed to examine the effects of supplementation with K2 MK-7 (Balchem's K2VITAL) on post-exercise muscle recovery in both healthy young and older adults.
Subgroup analysis of older participants (65+) revealed age-specific effects that "warrant further research on supportive strategies for healthy ageing."
The study
The double-blind, randomised controlled trial included 71 healthy participants, 35 younger adults (18-40 years) and 36 older adults (65+ years).
Participants received either 240 μg/day vitamin K2 MK-7 (K2VITAL) or placebo for 12 weeks.
Before and after supplementation, participants completed a resistance exercise protocol, followed by assessments of muscle strength, soreness and function, as well as blood tests for biomarkers of muscle damage and inflammation.
The results
An examination of the entire participant group did not reveal any significant effects. However, a subgroup analysis focusing on older adults indicated some age-specific responses.
Participants aged 65 and older who received vitamin K2 MK-7 showed improvements in neuromuscular signalling, enhancing nerve-muscle communication and helping maintain muscle control.
Notably, these effects were not observed in the placebo group.
The study's findings suggest that Balchem's K2VITAL can help support neuromuscular activation and signalling in older adults after exercise.
"We're proud to have supported this investigation by providing our patented, typically 99.7% all-trans K2 MK-7 ingredient, K2VITAL, for the study," said Dominik Mattern, VP Science, Business Development and Marketing, Balchem Human Nutrition and Health.
"Vitamin K2 is already well recognised for its established benefits in cardiovascular and bone health, making it a strong foundational nutrient for healthy ageing formulations."
These findings open the door to further exploration that may expand scientific understanding of how vitamin K2 contributes to healthy ageing across multiple areas.