In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on fortifying foods with essential nutrients to address specific health concerns. Milk powder, a staple in many households, is often fortified with vitamin D and calcium to support bone health. However, substantial research and an increased understanding of the synergistic interplay between bone-supporting nutrients argue that adding Vitamin K2 to fortified milk powder can significantly enhance the benefits of bone-building in children and promote healthy aging through improved bone maintenance and cardiovascular support for the growing elderly population.
The Trio for Strong Bones: Vitamin D, Calcium, and Vitamin K2
Vitamin D and calcium have long been recognized as vital nutrients for bone health. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium from the digestive system and synthesizes the bone-building protein osteocalcin. However, the role of Vitamin K2 in this process is often overlooked. Vitamin K2 works synergistically with vitamin D and calcium to ensure that calcium is deposited in the bones while inhibiting its accumulation in arteries and soft tissues.
The Missing Link: Vitamin K2’s Mechanism of Action
The mechanism behind vitamin K2’s contribution to bone health lies in its activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins. Vitamin K2 activates proteins already present in the body, critical for bone and cardiovascular health. Most of the research focuses on two vitamin K-dependent proteins, both of which have a common mineral acquaintance: Calcium.
- Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) inhibits calcium from depositing in arteries and soft tissues
- Osteocalcin (OC) binds calcium to the bone mineral matrix for stronger bones
Without adequate levels of Vitamin K2, these proteins remain biologically inactive, which is negatively impacting bone and cardiovascular health throughout life. Yet, when enough vitamin K2 as MK-7 is obtained – through diet, but more likely supplementation – the body can establish a balance in how the body utilizes Calcium.
Get Your Science from the Source – A Key Differentiator
With MenaQ7® Vitamin K2, you are ensured the most clinically validated K2 as MK7 in the market today:
- The only Vitamin K2 as MK-7 clinically proven in both child and adult populations to build and maintain bone health.
- The only Vitamin K2 as MK-7 clinically proven to support cardiovascular health and reduce arterial stiffness.
- Vitamin K2 as MK-7 shown to improve vitamin K status, combatting the effects of K deficiency.
Incorporating Vitamin K2 into milk powder fortified with vitamin D and calcium is a logical step towards optimizing bone health in children and promoting healthy aging in adults.
We invite you to download our latest brochure and learn how MenaQ7® is the vitamin K2 that will enable your milk powder to deliver on the promise of strong bones across all of life’s stages.