What are health benefits of K2?

K2 for Bone Health

Bone mass or density is lost as people age, especially in women after menopause. The bones lose calcium and other minerals.

What are health benefits of K2? - vitaMK7

Optimum calcium level is required for healthy life affecting cell function, bone structure and calcium homoeostasis depends on the interplay of modulator compounds of which vitamin K2, especially Menaquinone-7, has assumed a vital and key role in the last decades.

Several studies indicate that vitamin K2 as MK-7 may have a main role in bone tissue homoeostasis at already 45 µg/daily improving bone mineral density (BMD) and playing a critical role in the activation of bone formation by osteoblasts cells, and in the suppression of bone resorption. Other studies have shown that vitamin K2 inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2) which acts as a potent stimulator of bone resorption involved in the regulation and turnover of bone.

Co-incubation of vitaMK7^® with TNFα, a pro-inflammatory cytokine that induces PGE2 release has been evaluated in in vitro study. vitaMK7^® is effective in inhibits the PGE-2 production to levels comparable to baseline values.

A groundbreaking study by Kaneki in 2001 suggested that increased intake of natural vitamin K2 as MK-7 from natto food resulted in better levels of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (c-OC) and a reduced risk of hip fractures. The INCREASE of plasma levels of c-OC and OC in healthy volunteers has been evaluated after vitaMK7® supplementation for 3 weeks. (link to Why vitaMK7 clinically proven)

K2 for Heart Health

Several studies highlight the need for good levels of vitamin K2 as MK-7 in supporting cardiovascular health and in preventing the development of Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD). Inverse relationship was demonstrated between dietary intake of Menaquinone and aortic calcification myocardial infarction and sudden cardiovascular death.

The Rotterdam Study in 2004 evaluated the relationship between dietary intake of vitamin K and aortic calcification, heart disease and all-cause mortality. The population-based study took place over a 10-year period, included 4,807 men and women 55 years of age or older at the start. The result supports a protective effect of dietary Menaquinone intake against CHD in older men and women.

Geleijnse JM, Vermeer C, Grobbee DE, et al. Dietary intake of Menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: the Rotterdam Study. J Nutr. 2004

In a cross-sectional study among 564 healthy Dutch postmenopausal women participating in the Predictors of Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Study (PROSPECT) study, of which 62% with calcification, higher dietary intake of vitamin K2 (but not vitamin K1) was associated with a reduced risk of coronary calcification.

Beulens JW, Bots ML, Atsma F, Bartelink ML, Prokop M, Geleijnse JM, Witteman JC, Grobbee DE, van der Schouw YT. High dietary menaquinone intake is associated with reduced coronary calcification. Atherosclerosis 2009