Vitamin K2 Supports Heart Health
Poor cardiovascular health usually develops over decades, signified by calcium accumulation in the arterial walls and hardening from plaque deposits in which calcium is the main mineral component.
In recent years, there has been a strong focus on the role of arterial stiffness impacting cardiovascular health, as well as the discovery of the vitamin K-dependent protein Matrix Gla Protein (MGP). MGP is the most potent modulator of vascular calcification known, provided the body has enough vitamin K2 to activate it.
Unfortunately, there are clear indications that Western populations have insufficient intake of Vitamin K2 from their regular diets. Further, a recent review highlighted that statins, the most prescribed cholesterol medication, actually inhibit the synthesis of Vitamin K2, limiting its ability to activate MGP.
The Road to Clinical Evidence
The Rotterdam Study (2004) and the Prospect-EPIC Study (2008) were the first population-based evidence that a high dietary intake of Vitamin K2 – but not vitamin K1 – offered a strong positive reduction in cardiovascular risk.
This important observational data highlighted the need for further examination, which is why NattoPharma sponsored a groundbreaking intervention study with cardiovascular endpoints where MenaQ7 Vitamin K2 as MK-7 was the source material.
Breakthrough MenaQ7 Cardiovascular Study
Findings from a large clinical study, published in Thrombosis and Haemostasis, signal Vitamin K2 as MK-7 as a potential game-changer for the cardiovascular health category.1
Scientists performed a double-blind, randomised, intervention study of 244 postmenopausal women given either 180 mcg of Vitamin K2 as MK-7 (as MenaQ7 by NattoPharma) or a placebo daily for 3 years.
This first intervention trial on MK-7 supplements and cardiovascular endpoints showed that 3-year supplementation with a daily, nutritional dose of MenaQ7 was enough to actually decrease arterial stiffness in healthy post-menopausal women.
Using ultrasound and pulse-wave velocity measurements (recognized as standard measurements for cardiovascular health), researchers determined that carotid artery distensibility was significantly improved for a 3-year period in the MenaQ7 group as compared with that of a placebo group, especially in women having high arterial stiffness. Also, pulse-wave velocity showed a statistically significantly decrease after 3 years for the Vitamin K2 (MK-7) group, but not for the placebo group, demonstrating an increase in the elasticity and reduction in age-related arterial stiffening, again, especially in women having high arterial stiffening.
MenaQ7: The Right K2 For Your Brand
Vitamin K2 as MK-7 is now known as an essential nutrient for all life’s stages because:
- NattoPharma has sponsored all the research confirming safety and efficacy, providing MenaQ7 as the source material for 19+ published clinical studies. While other K2 suppliers will reference these studies, they neglect to note that MenaQ7 was the source material, citing that their K2 material is “comparable”.
- NattoPharma actively engages media to educate about clinical discoveries, creating demand.
These ongoing efforts open new avenues for manufacturers, creating true potential for products.
In addition to being the best clinically validated K2 on the market, MenaQ7 offers the ONLY comprehensive Vitamin K2 portfolio, giving manufacturers the option of using natural (either soy- and chickpea-sourced) or natural-identical synthetic options. And these varieties come in an array of solubilities so that MenaQ7 can be incorporated into almost any application imaginable.
Our team works closely with our partners to develop the right solution for their product goals.
Contact NattoPharma today to learn more about incorporating our technology in your formulation to ensure the most robust delivery of MenaQ7 Vitamin K2 as MK-7.
Reference:
1. Knapen MH et al, Braam LAJL, Drummen NE, Bekers O, Hoeks APG, Vermeer C. Menaquinone-7 supplementation improves arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women: double-blind randomised clinical trial. Thrombosis and Haemostasis. 2015 113 5: 1135-1144.
* NattoPharma ASA has the exclusive use of a Vitamin K2 patent portfolio originating with VitaK, world experts in vitamin K, at Maastricht University. The company continues to develop this patent portfolio, with new and expanding claims regarding the benefits of vitamin K, and especially vitamin K2. To that end, MenaQ7 is has six patents granted and pending in USA, Canada, 15 European countries, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, India, Korea, South Korea, and China.
