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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 … Continue reading The Case for Adding Vitamin K2 to Fortified Milk Powder
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.
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Achieving the status of clinical validation for an ingredient requires substantial investment and unwavering commitment. This is precisely the path that has shaped the success of MenaQ7® Vitamin K2 as MK-7 in the market today. MenaQ7® stands as the foundation of current knowledge on Vitamin K2, being utilized as the source material in over 22 … Continue reading The Road to Clinical Validation that has Shaped the Vitamin K2 Category
Achieving the status of clinical validation for an ingredient requires substantial investment and unwavering commitment. This is precisely the path that has shaped the success of MenaQ7® Vitamin K2 as MK-7 in the market today. MenaQ7® stands as the foundation of current knowledge on Vitamin K2, being utilized as the source material in over 22 human clinical trials that have demonstrated its benefits for human health. These significant findings have been published in respected peer-reviewed journals – and are now made easily accessible to you.
The Most Important Clinical Findings
Leading the K2 category is a multi-faceted endeavor of exploration, validation, and education. Exploring indications and the mechanism of a bioactive ingredient, validating its benefits for human health, and educating the medical communities, the natural products industry, and brands that work to bring supplements to market with true health-improving potential.
MenaQ7® research spans from dose-finding studies and trials confirming the superiority of K2 as MK-7 compared to K1 and K2 as MK4 in the activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins Osteocalcin and Matrix Gla Protein to the groundbreaking efforts showing bone and cardiovascular benefits in healthy populations. And if that was not enough MenaQ7® is the only Vitamin K2 as MK-7 used in studies showing its benefits for children’s bone health.
Only MenaQ7® is Validated for Kids’ Health
In 2008, a study revealed that enhancing vitamin K status in children over two years led to stronger and denser bones. Subsequently, the same researchers found that supplementing healthy, pre-pubertal children with just 45 mcg/day of MenaQ7® Vitamin K2 as MK-7 increased osteocalcin activation.
Moreover, as children may struggle with swallowing pills, product development should focus on enjoyable options like fortified yogurts. Studies have proven that MenaQ7® Vitamin K2 as MK-7 can effectively be delivered in yogurt, improving K2 status.
We welcome you to explore the path to discovery by downloading this comprehensive overview of the impressive clinical substantiation of MenaQ7® Vitamin K2 as MK-7.
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After this year’s A4M Spring Conference, Prof. Leon Schurgers sat with host Erika Schwartz, MD, to have an in-depth conversation about his research and how Vitamin K2 as MK-7 can be part of a holistic and integrative approach to health and well-being. Redefining Medicine is an intimate and personalized program that shows a different side … Continue reading Prof Leon Schurgers on A4M Redefining Medicine Podcast
After this year’s A4M Spring Conference, Prof. Leon Schurgers sat with host Erika Schwartz, MD, to have an in-depth conversation about his research and how Vitamin K2 as MK-7 can be part of a holistic and integrative approach to health and well-being.
Redefining Medicine is an intimate and personalized program that shows a different side of the practice of medicine. The conversation with Prof. Leon Schurgers did not fail to deliver.
Enjoy the podcast to learn how Prof. Schurgers work began with vitamin K, the facts that have been elucidated during his illustrious career, as well as a view of how he, as a researcher, works closely with clinicians at Maastricht University.
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Building off clinical evidence showing Vitamin K2 impacts arterial stiffness, a new 6-month trial could present a viable therapy for migraine patients. A new study protocol[1] has published on ClinicalTrials.gov detailing a Lebanese clinical trial that will explore the potential impact of vitamin K2 supplementation for migraine sufferers. Gnosis by Lesaffre is supporting this novel … Continue reading New MenaQ7® K2 Migraine Clinical Trial Announced
Building off clinical evidence showing Vitamin K2 impacts arterial stiffness, a new 6-month trial could present a viable therapy for migraine patients.
A new study protocol[1] has published on ClinicalTrials.gov detailing a Lebanese clinical trial that will explore the potential impact of vitamin K2 supplementation for migraine sufferers. Gnosis by Lesaffre is supporting this novel study, which will use a 360 mcg/daily dose of MenaQ7Ò Vitamin K2 as MK-7, in conjunction with its partner Omicron Pharmaceuticals.
More than 10% of the global population is estimated to be affected by migraines, which are three times more common in women than men.[2] The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks migraine as the fifth highest cause of years lost due to disability, with approximately 38% of migraine patients requiring preventative therapy. Unfortunately, therapies currently available, which are not migraine-specific, offer limited effectiveness and significant adverse effects.[3]
To that end, Lebanese researchers have been exploring the potential of vitamin K2 as a potential therapy based on its impact on arterial stiffness; first, with a 2019 cross-sectional study [4] that presented promising results, and now with a new six-month, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, “Efficacy of K2 Supplementation in Adult Episodic Migraine.” Migraine patients between 18 and 45 years of age will be recruited from the neurology clinic at the Lebanese American University Medical Center-Rizk Hospital, Lebanon, with the purpose of testing if vitamin K2 supplementation might “prevent” migraine attacks, as well as testing the impact of vitamin K2 supplementation on arterial stiffness in this group of patients.
“Several mechanisms have been suggested to explain the condition and its linkage to other comorbidities, including generalized anxiety disorders, restless leg syndrome, chronic pain syndromes, and more serious cardiovascular diseases, but studies have failed to explain with certainty the increased cardiovascular risk and reasons behind augmented large arterial stiffness in patients with migraine,” explains lead researcher Sola Aoun Bahous, MD, PhD, MHPE, Dean and Professor of Medicine at Gilbert & Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University. “Vitamin K2 is a fat-soluble vitamin that serves as an essential cofactor in the activation of matrix Gla protein (MGP) in the vascular smooth muscle cell, with vitamin K deficiency resulting in impaired MGP carboxylation and, subsequently, an increased calcification effect. Circulating concentrations of dephosphorylated uncarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP) are indicative of vitamin K deficiency and associated with the extent of vascular calcification, arterial stiffness, and development of cardiovascular events in specific populations.”
Previous Evidence Points to Potential
In a previous study published in Headache [4], Dr. Aoun Bahous and her colleagues hypothesized that patients with migraine have higher arterial stiffness and lower vitamin K2 levels than those without migraines, with a possible association between the two markers. When compared with controls, patients with migraine had significantly higher arterial stiffness and increased levels of serum dp-ucMGP, reflecting vitamin K2 deficiency.
“Our [2019] study presented a plausible hypothesis that vitamin K2 deficiency in patients with migraine with aura may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in this patient population,” she continues. “Furthermore, patients with migraine in general have more vitamin K2 deficiency than their matched controls. With this new study, we hope to explore whether supplementation with vitamin K2 confers cardiovascular protection and reduces migraine episodes.”
Aiming for New Insights
In this new study, patients will be randomized to either receive the vitamin K2 supplement (as MenaQ7®) or a placebo for 24 weeks. Arterial stiffness will be measured at the beginning, at 3 months, and at the end of the study. Clinical and standardized questionnaires will be used to assess the frequency of migraines throughout the study. The endpoints are assessment of changes in monthly migraine days as compared to baseline as well as changes in arterial stiffness as compared to baseline.
References :
1 Vitamin K2 Supplementation in Adult Episodic Migraine (ViKEM)
2 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2787727
3 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders
The global concern surrounding cardiovascular health continues to grow, prompting many of us to explore the supportive benefits offered by dietary supplementation. In recent years, researchers have placed a significant emphasis on understanding the role of arterial stiffness in cardiovascular health. Additionally, they have made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the vitamin K-dependent protein Matrix Gla Protein … Continue reading The Significance of Prioritizing Heart Health and the Impact of MenaQ7® Vitamin K2
The global concern surrounding cardiovascular health continues to grow, prompting many of us to explore the supportive benefits offered by dietary supplementation. In recent years, researchers have placed a significant emphasis on understanding the role of arterial stiffness in cardiovascular health. Additionally, they have made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the vitamin K-dependent protein Matrix Gla Protein (MGP). Through its many clinical trials, MenaQ7® is the vitamin K2 brand shown to effectively activate this critical cardio-supporting protein.
Vitamin K2 and Matrix Gla Protein (MGP)
Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) stands out as the most powerful prohibitor of vascular calcification, provided that the body has sufficient Vitamin K2 to activate it. Unfortunately, with vitamin K2 being almost completely void from typical Western diets, it is no wonder most people have deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin K2.
The Clinically Proven Vitamin K2 as MK-7 for Heart Health
Enter MenaQ7®: the clinically proven Vitamin K2 as MK-7. Our pioneering studies – randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials – have demonstrated the remarkable benefits of MenaQ7®. One groundbreaking study, over the course of three years, showed that daily consumption of a nutritional dose of 180 mcg of MenaQ7® inhibited age-related arterial stiffening and improved arterial elasticity — a key aspect of maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
By choosing MenaQ7® for your supplement brand, be assured your ingredient is backed by scientific evidence confirming it supports robust heart health.
Learn more about the power of MenaQ7® and how the essence of this ingredient meets the top selection criteria of supplement buyers: Proof that it works!
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Over 2,000 health professionals attended the A4M Spring Congress and enjoyed a special main stage pesentation from leading vitamin K2 researcher Prof. Leon Schurgers, where he discussed vitamin K’s critical role in inflammation. Prof. Leon Schurgers is a sought-after speaker, specifically for his engaging and charismatic way of conveying the most complex science surrounding Vitamin … Continue reading Vitamin K2 on Main Stage at A4M Spring Congress
Over 2,000 health professionals attended the A4M Spring Congress and enjoyed a special main stage pesentation from leading vitamin K2 researcher Prof. Leon Schurgers, where he discussed vitamin K’s critical role in inflammation.
Prof. Leon Schurgers is a sought-after speaker, specifically for his engaging and charismatic way of conveying the most complex science surrounding Vitamin K2. Taking the main stage at the 31st A4M Annual Spring Congress, he did not disappoint.
This annual spring congress, the theme of which was “The Fire Inside: Inflammation”, was focused on exploring an all-too-common pathway to disease (i.e., inflammation). Prof. Schurgers joined other distinguished medical authorities such as Andrew Heyman, MD; Jill Carnahan, MD; Vincent Pedre, MD; Robert Lufkin, MD; Deanna Minich, PhD; and many more.
“Our incredible faculty panel of world-renowned speakers and industry experts shared their expertise, insights, and the latest research-based approaches to care,” wrote A4M in its recap of the event. “Through 130 lectures and sessions, peer-to-peer collaboration, and connections with over 70 world-renowned speakers, attendees gained a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights to fuel their practice.”
While the clinical community is aware that Vitamin K2 is a vital nutrient for supporting bone and heart health, inflammation is not an area that has been so widely discussed … until now. With Prof. Schurgers’ enthusiasm for the emerging research behind vitamin K2, he provided rich insights that sparked great conversation, producing even more interest in vitamin K2’s cutting-edge role to support overall health and well-being.
MenaQ7® Vitamin K2 as MK-7 (menaquinone-7) leads the vitamin K2 category, with 22+ published human clinical trials confirming its safety and efficacy. Prof. Schurgers continues to dive deep into the physiological behaviors of this extraordinary vitamin and enhance awareness and excitement with new studies planned identify and, most importantly, confirm benefits for other areas of health.
Stay tuned for Prof. Schurgers’ next live webinar on the A4M forum in September!