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Understanding the Link Between Nutritional Deficiencies and Heart Disease.
Understanding the Link Between Nutritional Deficiencies and Heart Disease
As cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of mortality globally, emerging research reveals a critical gap in prevention strategies: widespread deficiencies in Vitamin K2 and folate (Vitamin B9) may be significantly contributing to heart disease risk, often beginning as early as their 20s.
Clinicians from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation have stated: “There is an alarmingly high prevalence of vitamin K deficiency and suboptimal recommended intake among the general population in the US.” Meanwhile, 73% of women of reproductive age have insufficient folate levels—affecting not just pregnancy outcomes but long-term cardiovascular health.
The Cardiovascular Impact of Vitamin K2 Deficiency
How Vitamin K2 Protects Your Arteries
Vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in calcium metabolism, directing calcium to bones while stopping its harmful accumulation in arteries. It activates Matrix Gla-protein (MGP), a key inhibitor of vascular calcification. Without adequate Vitamin K2, calcium deposits in arterial walls, leading to stiffness, atherosclerosis, and increased cardiovascular mortality.
The protective effect is quantifiable: each additional 10 micrograms of Vitamin K2 consumed daily is associated with a 9% lower risk of coronary heart disease. The Council for Responsible Nutrition estimates that widespread Vitamin K2 supplementation could reduce coronary artery disease events by 15.7% and save the U.S. healthcare system $9.48 billion between 2022 and 2030.
Clinical Evidence: The VitaK CAC Trial
Recent results from the VitaK CAC trial demonstrate that two years of Vitamin K2 (MK-7) supplementation significantly slowed coronary artery calcification compared with placebo. Previous studies show that long-term MK-7 supplementation improves vascular elasticity and supports healthy blood pressure, particularly in postmenopausal women with elevated arterial stiffness.
Folate Deficiency and Compromised Heart Health
The Homocysteine Connection
Approximately 54% of the world’s population does not consume adequate folate from diet alone. Folate is essential for homocysteine metabolism—elevated homocysteine damages blood vessel linings and significantly increases cardiovascular risk.
Active Folate vs. Folic Acid: Why It Matters
A critical distinction: folic acid (synthetic form in most supplements) requires enzymatic conversion to become bioavailable. Approximately 40% of the population carries MTHFR genetic variations that impair this conversion, making folic acid supplementation ineffective for these individuals.
Active folate (5-MTHF) bypasses this conversion step entirely, delivering the nutrient in its immediately usable form regardless of genetic status. This ensures optimal absorption and cardiovascular protection for all individuals.
A Complementary Approach to Heart Health
Vitamin K2 and active folate address two distinct but complementary cardiovascular pathways:
Calcium regulation: Vitamin K2 activates Matrix Gla-protein, preventing arterial calcification while supporting bone health.
Homocysteine metabolism: Active folate reduces homocysteine levels, supporting endothelial function and vascular health.
Both nutrients are backed by extensive clinical research demonstrating measurable cardiovascular benefits. Given that cardiovascular disease development begins decades before symptoms emerge, addressing these nutritional deficiencies through targeted supplementation represents a significant preventive opportunity.
Why Diet Alone Isn’t Enough
According to Lacey Hall, MS, RD, Head of Medical Affairs with Gnosis by Lesaffre: “It is difficult for most consumers to overhaul their current diets as the convenience of preparation is the top priority, resulting in low levels of key nutrients. Now more than ever, supplementation to fill the gaps is easy and attractive.”
Vitamin K2 is found primarily in fermented foods (like natto) and certain cheeses—foods many consume infrequently. Folate bioavailability from leafy greens and legumes is reduced by cooking and processing. Modern Western diets, dominated by convenience foods, make obtaining optimal levels of these nutrients through diet alone increasingly challenging.
Key Takeaways for Cardiovascular Health Protection
1- Deficiency is widespread: 73% of women and a significant portion of the general population are deficient in these critical heart-protective nutrients
2- The impact is measurable: Vitamin K2 reduces coronary heart disease risk by 9% per 10 mcg consumed; folate reduces cardiovascular mortality by 10%
3- Genetics matter: 40% of people cannot effectively convert folic acid, making active folate supplementation essential
4- Prevention starts early: Arterial calcification and endothelial dysfunction develop over decades, making early intervention crucial
5- Clinical validation: Recent trials demonstrate significant reductions in coronary artery calcification with Vitamin K2 supplementation
Conclusion: Beyond Cholesterol in Heart Health
As cardiovascular strategies evolve beyond traditional cholesterol management, scientific evidence increasingly supports comprehensive nutritional approaches. Optimizing Vitamin K2 and folate status through evidence-based supplementation addresses vascular aging at the molecular level, stopping arterial calcification and supporting long-term cardiovascular health.
With cardiovascular disease beginning in early adulthood and progressing silently for decades, addressing these common nutritional deficiencies represents a practical, scientifically validated approach to heart health strategies.
References
1- Hariri E, et al. Vitamin K2—a neglected player in cardiovascular health. Open Heart. 2021;8(2):e001715.
2- Gast GC, et al. A high menaquinone intake reduces the incidence of coronary heart disease. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2009;19(7):504-510.
3- Koulman A, et al. Folate status and urgency for folate fortification. Eur J Nutr. 2025;64(6):272.
4- Fallah M, et al. Folate Biomarkers and Risk of Death From Cardiovascular Disease. Nutrition Reviews. 2025;83(3):e801-e813.
New cardiovascular research reveals how Vitamin K2 deficiency may be silently affecting your heart health.
As February marks American Heart Month, cardiovascular health takes center stage nationwide. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming a life every 34 seconds. While most people understand heart-healthy basics like exercise and diet, cardiovascular research reveals that up to 97% of Western populations are deficient in a nutrient critical for heart and cardiovascular function: Vitamin K2.
New cardiovascular research reveals how Vitamin K2 deficiency may be silently affecting your heart health.
As February marks American Heart Month, cardiovascular health takes center stage nationwide. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming a life every 34 seconds. While most people understand heart-healthy basics like exercise and diet, cardiovascular research reveals that up to 97% of Western populations are deficient in a nutrient critical for heart and cardiovascular function: Vitamin K2.
Unlike familiar heart health supplements, Vitamin K2 helps protect the cardiovascular system by directing calcium away from heart arteries and into bones. Recent cardiovascular studies published in leading heart health journals underscore Vitamin K2’s promising role in stopping coronary artery calcification and improving arterial health.
Heart-Health Crisis: Understanding the Calcium Paradox
Many Americans take calcium supplements for bone health, often alongside vitamin D, believing they support both skeletal and cardiovascular health. However, cardiovascular researchers have identified a troubling phenomenon called the “Calcium Paradox.”
This cardiovascular condition occurs when calcium deposits accumulate in heart arteries and blood vessel walls rather than strengthening bones. The result? Increased cardiovascular risk from arterial calcification—a primary factor in heart disease progression—while bones remain inadequately mineralized.
For your heart and cardiovascular system, it’s not just about getting enough calcium. It’s about ensuring calcium reaches bones rather than your arteries and soft tissues.
How Vitamin K2 Protects the Cardiovascular System
Vitamin K2 functions as your cardiovascular system’s calcium regulator by activating Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), a potent inhibitor of vascular calcification that protects heart arteries from dangerous calcium buildup.
When K2 activates MGP, this cardiovascular protein escorts calcium out of arterial walls and redirects it to bones. Without adequate Vitamin K2, MGP remains inactive—unable to perform its heart-protective role.
Cardiovascular studies demonstrate a strong link between vitamin K deficiency and increased arterial stiffness, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality. Research shows that inactive MGP levels directly correlate with poor heart health outcomes.
The mechanism is fundamental to cardiovascular protection: K2 doesn’t just support heart health—it stops one of the primary processes underlying cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular Research: Why MK-7 Is Superior
Not all forms of vitamin K provide the same cardiovascular benefits, and these differences matter significantly for heart health.
Vitamin K1 from leafy greens has a half-life of just 1.5 hours—insufficient for sustained cardiovascular protection. In contrast, Vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (MK-7) remains bioavailable for over 72 hours, providing continuous heart and cardiovascular support.
The Rotterdam Study, a landmark 10-year cardiovascular research project, demonstrated that high Vitamin K2 intake—but not K1—resulted in:
– 50% reduction in arterial calcification
– 50% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk
– 25% reduction in heart-related mortality
Clinical cardiovascular trials on MenaQ7® MK-7 have been particularly robust for heart health. A three-year study showed that 180 mcg daily significantly inhibited age-related arterial stiffening and improved cardiovascular elasticity—key markers of heart health.
Recent cardiovascular research published in 2024 demonstrated that 24 weeks of MK-7 supplementation reduced arterial stiffness in heart disease patients with diabetes, resulting in measurable cardiovascular improvements.
Heart-Health Synergy: Vitamins D3 and K2 for Cardiovascular Protection
If you’re taking Vitamin D3 for heart health—and millions are—understanding this cardiovascular connection is critical.
Vitamin D3 stimulates the production of Matrix Gla Protein and other proteins essential for cardiovascular function, but these heart-protective proteins require Vitamin K2 for activation. It’s a two-step cardiovascular process: D3 signals production; K2 enables heart protection.
Taking Vitamin D3 without adequate K2 means your cardiovascular proteins can’t protect your heart arteries from calcification.
The Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study—a 20-year cardiovascular research project following over 53,000 participants—found that K2 intake was inversely associated with cardiovascular disease. Those consuming the highest amounts showed a 14% lower risk of heart-related hospitalization.
Action Steps for American Heart Month
American Heart Month, observed since 1964, reminds us that cardiovascular disease claims more American lives than all cancers combined.
While traditional heart-healthy practices—cardiovascular exercise, heart-healthy nutrition, blood pressure management, and avoiding smoking—remain foundational for cardiovascular wellness, research on nutrients like Vitamin K2 offers additional, evidence-based strategies for heart protection.
For optimal heart and cardiovascular health, consider:
– Requesting cardiovascular testing to evaluate vitamin K status through biomarkers like inactive MGP levels—particularly important if you have existing heart conditions or cardiovascular risk factors.
– Prioritizing heart-healthy nutrition that includes K2-rich foods alongside traditional cardiovascular diet recommendations.
– Combining cardiovascular strategies rather than relying on single interventions. Heart health requires multiple nutritional and lifestyle factors working together for optimal cardiovascular protection.
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Gnosis by Lesaffre, in collaboration with Food Review, hosted a one-day seminar titled “Nutrition for Optimal Growth and Glow” on 22 January 2026 at the IPB International Convention Center, Bogor. The event welcomed more than 60 participants from across the food and nutrition ecosystem, including industry professionals, healthcare practitioners, researchers, and formulators, to discuss the role of science-based nutrition in supporting growth, bone health, and skin vitality.
Gnosis by Lesaffre, in collaboration with Food Review, hosted a one-day seminar titled “Nutrition for Optimal Growth and Glow” on 22 January 2026 at the IPB International Convention Center, Bogor. The event welcomed more than 60 participants from across the food and nutrition ecosystem, including industry professionals, healthcare practitioners, researchers, and formulators, to discuss the role of science-based nutrition in supporting growth, bone health, and skin vitality.
Sessions highlighted the role of MenaQ7® and Emothion® in supporting growth, bone health, and skin vitality
The seminar featured expert speakers from regulatory, industry, medical, and academic backgrounds. Key sessions covered regulatory updates on functional ingredients, the role of Vitamin K2 (MenaQ7®) in optimizing bone health and cellular growth, and the benefits of antioxidant ingredient, Emothion® in supporting skin health and natural radiance. Through evidence-based presentations and discussions, attendees gained practical insights into the development of innovative and compliant functional food solutions.
Strengthening collaboration to support future nutrition solutions
This event reflects Gnosis by Lesaffre’s continued commitment to advancing nutrition through science, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. By bringing together stakeholders from across the value chain, the seminar reinforced the company’s mission to support the development of high-quality functional ingredients that address evolving consumer health needs in Indonesia and the wider region.
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 scientific conference “Application of MenaQ7 in Height Development for Children and Global Vitamin K2 Trends”, organized by Midu MenaQ7 Joint Stock Company with sponsorship from Gnosis by Lesaffre, took place on October 19, 2025, at Hanoi Medical University. The event brought together leading Vietnamese and international experts in medicine, pediatrics, and nutrition to discuss the latest findings on Vitamin K2—particularly MenaQ7® (MK-7)—and its role in supporting children’s height and bone development.
The scientific conference “Application of MenaQ7 in Height Development for Children and Global Vitamin K2 Trends”, organized by Midu MenaQ7 Joint Stock Company with sponsorship from Gnosis by Lesaffre, took place on October 19, 2025, at Hanoi Medical University. The event brought together leading Vietnamese and international experts in medicine, pediatrics, and nutrition to discuss the latest findings on Vitamin K2—particularly MenaQ7® (MK-7)—and its role in supporting children’s height and bone development.
First National Research Proving Vitamin K2-MK7’s Positive Impact on Child Growth
A highlight of the event was the presentation of Vietnam’s first scientific study on Vitamin K2’s association with height growth, conducted by Midu MenaQ7® in partnership with the Vietnam–Korea Institute of Medical Training. The three-year study (2022–2025) followed 945 children aged 1–14 across the country and demonstrated that continuous supplementation with Vitamin K2-MK7 (180–360 mcg/day) significantly improved growth rates, particularly in preschool and pubertal stages. The findings provided robust local evidence that Vitamin K2 enhances calcium metabolism by activating Osteocalcin, promoting stronger bones, and supporting height development—marking a milestone in Vietnam’s pediatric nutrition research.
Experts Unite to Strengthen Evidence-Based Approaches to Bone and Stature Health
International experts, including Dr. Hogne Vik from Gnosis by Lesaffre, emphasized Vitamin K2’s dual role in bone and cardiovascular health and its potential as a “key” nutrient for balanced calcium utilization. The seminar also explored practical nutritional interventions for stunted children and future applications of MenaQ7® in pediatric care. By connecting Vietnamese researchers with global experts, the event reinforced Vietnam’s commitment to applying scientific evidence in community health, laying the groundwork for future cooperation in nutrition science, training, and the advancement of children’s height and bone health nationwide.
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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At the recent IUNS International Congress of Nutrition, discussions on the future of Vitamin K2 research featured Prof. Leon Schurgers, a respected expert, long-standing collaborator, and chairman of the Gnosis K2 Scientific Advisory Committee. His leadership within the ILSI Europe Task Force reinforces Gnosis by Lesaffre’s commitment to supporting innovation and scientific progress for this essential nutrient.
At the recent IUNS International Congress of Nutrition, discussions on the future of Vitamin K2 research featured Prof. Leon Schurgers, a respected expert, long-standing collaborator, and chairman of the Gnosis K2 Scientific Advisory Committee. His leadership within the ILSI Europe Task Force reinforces Gnosis by Lesaffre’s commitment to supporting innovation and scientific progress for this essential nutrient.
About ILSI Europe
ILSI Europe is the European branch of the International LifeSciences Institute (ILSI), a global, non-profit organization that brings together scientists from academia, public institutions, and industry to address key issues in nutrition, food safety, and health. Through collaborative task forces, ILSI creates a neutral platform to review science, identify research priorities, and build consensus on emerging health topics.
Vitamin K2: From Known Benefits to New Horizons
Vitamin K2 is well recognized for its established roles in blood coagulation, cardiovascular, and bone health. Science has demonstrated that the MK-7 form of K2 shows the best bioavailability and longest half-life among all K vitamins. Research is now expanding beyond bone and cardiovascular health, including blood glucose control, cognitive health, and even nerve and muscle health.
The ILSI Roadmap for Vitamin K2
Since its 2013 review of menaquinones, ILSI Europe has highlighted the need to explore the broader health implications of Vitamin K2. To address this, the group launched a new Task Force on Vitamin K2. The outcomes of this Task Force’s activities are expected to provide updated assessments of the health benefits of different forms of Vitamin K2 to the scientific, industrial, and public communities. Furthermore, the estimation of healthcare cost savings resulting from adequate Vitamin K2 intakes will offer valuable guidance to clinicians and public health organizations.
Our Commitment
As one of the industry leaders in Vitamin K2, Gnosis by Lesaffre is proud to be actively involved in this initiative. By engaging with ILSI’s extraordinary expert group, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing science, building credibility for K2, and shaping the future of nutrition on a global scale.
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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From August 25 to 27, 2025, Gnosis by Lesaffre showcased its advancements in nutrition science at the 8th International Vitamin Conference in Munich, Germany. Rudolf Bittner, PhD student under the guidance of Prof. Leon Schurgers from Maastricht University and supported by Gnosis, presented new findings on the role of Vitamin K2 (MK-7, MenaQ7®) in body composition, reinforcing the company’s commitment to scientific progress.
From August 25 to 27, 2025, Gnosis by Lesaffre showcased its advancements in nutrition science at the 8th International Vitamin Conference in Munich, Germany. Rudolf Bittner, PhD student under the guidance of Prof. Leon Schurgers from Maastricht University and supported by Gnosis, presented new findings on the role of Vitamin K2 (MK-7, MenaQ7®) in body composition, reinforcing the company’s commitment to scientific progress.
Based on post-hoc analyses from a MenaQ7® one-year clinical study, Bittner’s presentation explored sex-specific effects of Vitamin K2 supplementation on weight and adiposity markers. The results revealed that low vitamin K status (higher dp-ucMGP) correlated with higher body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and visceral fat—suggesting that individuals with higher BMIs often have poorer vitamin K status and that their usual intake may be insufficient to meet their extrahepatic needs.
Notably, the study showed that women experienced improvements in body weight, fat mass, and Vitamin K status with MK-7 supplementation, while men may require higher doses to achieve similar benefits. These findings reinforce the need for a personalized approach in nutrition and highlight vitamin K2 as a promising ally in weight management strategies.
This new data complements our previous clinical research, which showed that Vitamin K2 intake could reduce body weight and visceral fat in good responders. By supporting young researchers and fostering industrial PhD programs, Gnosis by Lesaffre continues to drive scientific discoveries and reaffirm its role as a leader in clinical evaluation and innovator in exploring new applications for 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!