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Back-to-school season is here! Parents are busy with backpacks and lunch boxes. This time of year is perfect to think about what helps children grow. Many parents track height on doorframes. Now it’s time to understand what fuels those growth spurts. Good nutrition is just as important as school supplies.
Back-to-school season is here! Parents are busy with backpacks and lunch boxes. This time of year is perfect to think about what helps children grow. Many parents track height on doorframes. Now it’s time to understand what fuels those growth spurts. Good nutrition is just as important as school supplies.
A child’s final height comes from both genes and environment. About 20% of height differences come from environmental factors, mainly nutrition. For proper bone growth and development, children need calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K.
Most parents know about vitamin D’s importance for children’s growth. New research shows that lacking vitamin K2 can also impact height development, increasing the risk of shorter stature by over 50%.
Vitamin D for Growing Bones
Vitamin D helps children absorb calcium for healthy bones. Without enough vitamin D, bones may not grow properly, leading to shorter height.
Studies show higher vitamin D levels link to better growth rates. Each small increase improves yearly height growth. Children with very low levels grew about half a centimeter less per year compared to those with healthy levels.
Vitamin K2: The Overlooked Growth Nutrient
Vitamin K2 plays an equally important role in children’s growth and development. It activates a protein called osteocalcin that binds calcium to bones, making them stronger.
The MK-7 form of vitamin K2 works best because it stays in the body longer. Children with better vitamin K levels show more bone growth during key development periods.
During puberty, children grow taller and bones become denser. Vitamin K2 improves bone density and helps build collagen, which forms the framework for growing bones.
A recent study compared vitamin K2 levels in children of normal height versus shorter children. Results showed shorter children had much lower K2 levels. Between ages 2 and 15, K2 levels often decrease, affecting growth and development.
Children need more vitamin K2 than adults because their bones grow rapidly. Unfortunately, modern diets contain less K2 than in the past, putting today’s children at risk for deficiency during critical growth years.
Better Together: Vitamins D and K2 Work as a Team
Vitamins D and K2 work together to support children’s growth. Vitamin D brings calcium into the body, while K2 directs calcium to bones instead of soft tissues where it doesn’t belong.
This teamwork matters most during growth spurts when children rapidly build bone. Without enough of both vitamins, even with adequate calcium intake, a child may not reach full growth potential.
Supporting Optimal Growth and Development
Children need both K2 and D to reach their full height potential. Research confirms children lacking K2 are more likely to experience growth problems.
For parents concerned about children’s growth and development, both vitamins matter—not just calcium and vitamin D. They support healthy bone formation and optimal height development throughout childhood and adolescence.
While genetics plays the main role in determining height, good nutrition helps children reach their full potential. Vitamins D and K2 support bone development that determines a child’s final height.
As our understanding of nutrition grows, these often-overlooked vitamins become increasingly important. Ensuring children get enough of both vitamins may be one of the best strategies for supporting healthy growth and development in children during the school year and beyond.
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The first results from the VitaK-CAC Trial, “Menaquinone-7 Slows Down Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial,” were presented at the 34th European Meeting on Hypertension and Cardiovascular Protection, organized by the European Society of Hypertension (ESH), held in Milan in May 23–26, 2025.
The first results from the VitaK-CAC Trial, “Menaquinone-7 Slows Down Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial,” were presented at the 34th European Meeting on Hypertension and Cardiovascular Protection, organized by the European Society of Hypertension (ESH), held in Milan in May 23–26, 2025.
What is VitaK-CAC?
The study, “Menaquinone-7 supplementation to reduce vascular calcification in patients with coronary artery disease (VitaK-CAC trial),” was designed to explore the protective effect of vitamin K2 as MK-7 (menaquinone-7 as MenaQ7®) supplementation on slowing down the progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC), lending further understanding to the mechanism by which K2 inhibits calcification to cardiovascular vessels.
Primary Outcomes Presented
The first findings of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial were presented at the conference in Milan, showing that a two-year period of supplementation with MK-7 can slow down the progression of CAC in patients with mild to moderate coronary artery disease, irrespective of blood pressure status.
More to Come
The VitaK-CAC Trial was initiated on the heels of the groundbreaking 3-year MenaQ7® cardiovascular study’s publication. The full results are expected to be published this year and presented at additional prestigious conferences and congresses.
>> LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FIRST FINDINGS<<
On May 12-13, the 4th Gnosis Vitamin K2 Scientific Advisory Committee (K2SAC) meeting brought together leading experts in Greece to explore the latest breakthroughs in vitamin K2 research and innovation.
On May 12-13, the 4th Gnosis Vitamin K2 Scientific Advisory Committee (K2SAC) meeting brought together leading experts in Greece to explore the latest breakthroughs in vitamin K2 research and innovation.
The Gnosis Vitamin K2 Scientific Advisory Committee (K2SAC), an international group of leading researchers dedicated to advancing the science of vitamin K2, held its fourth meeting on May 12-13th, 2025, in Greece. Chaired by Professor Leon Schurgers (Maastricht University), the committee plays a key role in guiding scientific dialogue and shaping research priorities around vitamin K2‘s clinical potential.
Dr. Stefanos Roumeliotis, Head Academic Researcher, 2nd Department of Nephrology, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece hosted the meeting in his hometown of Thessaloniki, where he not only presented exciting new research and introduced his clinical colleagues, but also gave the committee a taste of authentic Greek food.
Dr. Kimmo Makinen, Gnosis Head of Scientific Affairs, shared key strategic insights with crucial direction as it might help shape the vision for future research priorities and clarified main areas of interest for the next five years.
The Scientific Session highlighted cutting-edge, unpublished research, featuring contributions from leading experts in the field including Prof. Schurgers, Dr. Sola Bahous , and Dr. Stefanos Roumeliotis.
A session dedicated to early-career researchers offered fresh perspectives, including an outstanding presentation by industrial PhD student Rudolf Bittner (Gnosis by Lesaffre/Maastricht University), who shared post-hoc findings from the MenaQ7® one-year clinical study. “Sharing these findings with leading experts in the field was a valuable opportunity to spark dialogue around the future potential of this important nutrient” he noted.
The meeting also explored practical dimensions of vitamin K2 application.
“Marketing session was concentrated on market-oriented perspectives, exploring how science can be translated into consumer-facing messages and product strategies.” concluded Kimmo Makinen.
Altogether, the meeting highlighted both the growing clinical evidence and the dynamic pipeline of new research shaping the future of vitamin K2.
Do you need more information about Vitamin K2 or have any outstanding questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us; our expert team will happily answer!
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The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has granted approval for the use of Vitamin K2 in Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP), a significant advancement for medical nutrition. This decision reflects the growing understanding of Vitamin K2’s role as a vital nutrient for individuals with specific medical or nutritional requirements.
The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has granted approval for the use of Vitamin K2 in Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP), a significant advancement for medical nutrition. This decision reflects the growing understanding of Vitamin K2’s role as a vital nutrient for individuals with specific medical or nutritional requirements.
MenaQ7® – A Trusted, Clinically Supported Vitamin K2
At the forefront of this category is MenaQ7®, a patented and extensively researched brand of Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone-7, or MK-7). Renowned for its excellent bioavailability and extended half-life, MenaQ7® supports the activation of calcium-binding proteins that help channel calcium to bones and away from arteries. While Vitamin K1 primarily supports blood coagulation, Vitamin K2’s ability to support bone and cardiovascular health makes it especially relevant for elderly individuals, patients with osteoporosis, and those at risk of arterial calcification.
Opening New Possibilities for Clinical Nutrition
This FSANZ approval allows healthcare providers and medical nutrition companies to formulate FSMP products that include Vitamin K2, helping to meet the targeted nutritional demands of patients under medical supervision. The inclusion of MenaQ7® in such products offers a scientifically backed solution to support bone density, vascular flexibility, and long-term health outcomes.
As scientific awareness continues to expand around the importance of Vitamin K2, this regulatory milestone paves the way for broader adoption of effective, targeted nutrition in the clinical setting.
Do you need more information about Vitamin K2 or have any outstanding questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us; our expert team will happily answer!
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In a significant step towards enhancing the scientific understanding of vitamin K2, Gnosis recently sponsored the 7th Osteoporosis Congress in Padova, Italy. This event, supported by the Italian Ministry of Health, gathered renowned experts in nephrology, osteoporosis, and bone health.
In a significant step towards enhancing the scientific understanding of vitamin K2, Gnosis recently sponsored the 7th Osteoporosis Congress in Padova, Italy. This event, supported by the Italian Ministry of Health, gathered renowned experts in nephrology, osteoporosis, and bone health.
The congress was chaired by Dr. Maria Fusaro, a Medical Doctor and respected researcher known for her extensive work on vitamin K. During the event, Dr. Fusaro emphasized the critical role of vitamin K2, such MenaQ7®, in supporting bone health.
We are thrilled to have been a part of this prestigious event. Our sponsorship of the 7th Osteoporosis Congress highlights our commitment to advancing the scientific understanding of vitamin K2 and its significance to overall health.
One of the congress’s key highlights was Dr. Fusaro’s announcement of a long-term project to identify the most effective forms of vitamin K within the existing molecules pool. This initiative is expected to provide valuable insights into the efficacy and applications of different vitamin K variants.
The congress also revealed a strong interest among attending physicians in learning more about vitamin K2. Many doctors were not fully aware of this specific nutrient but showed eagerness to understand its importance and potential benefits.
The enthusiasm and curiosity expressed by the doctors at the event were truly encouraging. It reinforces the need for continued education and research in vitamin K2, and we are excited to explore potential collaborations with Dr. Fusaro and other leading experts in this area.
Gnosis‘s participation in the 7th Osteoporosis Congress is part of its efforts to promote awareness and understanding of vitamin K2 among healthcare professionals and the general public. Gnosis aims to advance bone health and overall well-being by sponsoring such events and supporting cutting-edge research.
Download our MenaQ7® brochure to discover more!
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A recent study has emphasized the significant role of Vitamin K2 in supporting height development in children.
A recent study has emphasized the significant role of Vitamin K2 in supporting height development in children.
Understanding the Role of Vitamin K2 in Growth Development
The findings revealed that children with short stature had notably lower levels of Vitamin K2, with a deficiency increasing the likelihood of growth impairment by more than 50%.
Additionally, vitamin K2 levels were observed to decline with age in children between 2 and 15 years. These results highlight the necessity of maintaining adequate vitamin K2 intake to support optimal growth.
The Importance of Vitamin K2 in Bone Health
Essential nutrients primarily influence bone growth in children, and vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in this process. Traditionally recognized for its role in blood clotting, Vitamin K2 has gained recognition for its contribution to bone mineralization and overall skeletal strength. Studies from Maastricht University have shown that children have a high demand for vitamin K2, as indicated by increased levels of inactive osteocalcin—a key bone marker. The modern diet, however, has seen a significant decline in vitamin K2 intake since the 1950s, potentially leading to long-term health consequences.
Ensuring Adequate Vitamin K2 Intake for Growth Support
Maintaining optimal Vitamin K2 levels is essential for promoting healthy growth and development in children. Supplementing with MenaQ7®, the most clinically studied Vitamin K2 as MK-7, can help counteract deficiencies and support bone health. Beyond bone growth, vitamin K2 also plays a vital role in cognitive function and vascular health, further reinforcing its importance in a child’s diet. Ongoing research, including studies conducted in 2025, confirms the link between vitamin K2 and height development. Ensuring sufficient intake of this essential nutrient should be a priority for both parents and healthcare providers.
Do you need more information about Vitamin K2 or have any outstanding questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us; our expert team will happily answer!