Vitamin K2 as MK-7 supplementation supports cardiovascular health, says two clinical studies

Published: 4-Feb-2025

The human clinical studies have found that higher extrahepatic/serum vitamin K2 levels are associated with a reduction in risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease

Nutraceutical giant Gnosis by Lesaffre has revealed further evidence that highlight the importance of vitamin K2 as MK-7 supplementation in supporting cardiovascular health. 

The two recently published human clinical studies found that high levels of circulating dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP), a common marker of low vitamin K2 status, was linked to several cardiovascular risk factors.

These findings provide more evidence into the potential of vitamin K2 as MK-7 supplementation in supporting cardiovascular health.

 

The impact of a low extrahepatic vitamin K status

Vitamin K is a crucial nutrient involved in blood clotting and bone formation, though it has been implicated in other health contexts such as immunity.

Currently, there is a plethora of scientific evidence to suggest that vitamin K2 is essential for the carboxylation of Gla-proteins present in the extrahepatic tissues — which includes the matrix Gla-proteins (MGPs) found in the arteries.

Through this activity, it can prevent the buildup of calcium within the arteries, helping blood to flow through the body efficiently. 

Notably, the high prevalence of dp-ucMGP — a common biomarker of vitamin K2 insufficiency — in the bloodstream has been linked to an increased risk of vascular calcification and cardiovascular disease.

This is particularly true in older adults, who are more likely to experience tissue-specific vitamin K deficiency.1

 

What's new?

Although vitamin K2's role in cardiovascular health has been previously understood, researchers from the Copenhagen University Hospital wanted to understand to what extent dp-ucMGP levels are linked to various cardiovascular risk factors. 

To achieve this, they analysed data from more than 4,000 adults — finding that those with high serum levels of dp-uc-MGP were more likely to experience diabetes, central obesity and impaired kidney function.2

Both of these findings highlight the important role of vitamin K2 intake in supporting both cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Another study looked at data from the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis, which found that a higher dp-ucMGP levels are associated with the progression of both coronary and aortic calcification over a period of ten years.3

This trend was seen specifically in older adults and diabetics, so vitamin K2 intervention could be particularly important in these populations. 

By increasing intake of vitamin K2, a key cofactor involved in teh carboxylation of GMP, the authors of these studies ruse that individuals could protect their cardiovascular health in a cost-effective way. 


Previous research backs up new findings

Before these recent studies, clinical studies have revealed the positive impacts of vitamin K2 supplementation on cardiovascular function. 

Previously, researchers found that a low dose of menaquinone-7 MenaQ7 improved extrahepatic vitamin K status/carboxylation of MGP, highlighting the heart health-boosting potential of this ingredient.4

A similar study in post-menopausal women found that consuming 180mcg of the nutraceutical daily for three years could reverse arterial stiffness, while also reducing dp-ucMGP by 50% compared with placebo.5

Kimmo Makinen, Gnosis' Global Head of Scientific Affairs, noted that cases of heart disease and stroke in the US are rapidly climbing, "likely leading to the tripling of related costs to $1.8tr by 2050."

To overcome this challenge, Kimmo believes that nutraceutical companies should "provide the public with safe, natural and effective tools to protect cardiovascular function."

“MenaQ7 far and away has the most human clinical studies of any K2 ingredient and is the only K2 that is associated with a highly esteemed research facility, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM)," he concluded.

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