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The importance of a robust immune system is essential for overall health. While lifestyle factors like regular exercise and sufficient sleep play vital roles in immune health, the role of nutrition, particularly micronutrients, should not be underestimated. These tiny, yet powerful components are unsung heroes of our immune defense system. Partnering Up for Quick to … Continue reading INTRODUCING NEW MENAQ7® PROTECT: Your on-the-Go Immune Ally
The importance of a robust immune system is essential for overall health. While lifestyle factors like regular exercise and sufficient sleep play vital roles in immune health, the role of nutrition, particularly micronutrients, should not be underestimated. These tiny, yet powerful components are unsung heroes of our immune defense system.
Partnering Up for Quick to Market Opportunities
Gnosis and Probiotical have joined forces to offer a hassle-free, immune-support solution in a convenient stick pack. By combining clinically proven MenaQ7® with vitamin C and three selected probiotic strains, a foundational immune-supporting formulation is delivered.
This easy-to-use formulation can be poured directly into your mouth or mixed into your favorite beverage. With its invigorating flavor and on-the-go convenience, you are all set for success with a ready-to-market product.
The Potential Novel Role of K2 in Immune Health
Vitamin K2 may play a multifaceted role in supporting the immune system. Emerging research has unveiled its immunomodulatory functions, highlighting its potential to mitigate inflammation. Additionally, Vitamin K2 has been shown to impede T cell activation and proliferation, further fine-tuning immune responses. What is more, this vital nutrient has been attributed with antioxidant properties, which are essential for maintaining proper immune functions. When it comes to lung health, Vitamin K2 activates Matrix Gla Protein, acting as a crucial inhibitor of lung tissue calcification, which is associated with reduced lung capacity and a higher likelihood of respiratory issues in individuals with lower Vitamin K status.
Uniting of Nutrients with a Foundational Approach to Immune Support
MenaQ7® Protect combines Vitamin K2 as MK-7, three carefully chosen probiotic strains, and Vitamin C to deliver comprehensive and targeted support for our immune system. Probiotics operate in harmony with our immune system, adeptly distinguishing between allies and adversaries, and play a pivotal role in fortifying our defenses against harmful pathogens.
At Gnosis we are thrilled to introduce this innovative solution in the space of immune health. This Smart-Immunity Formula that also supports bone and cardiovascular health, is delivered in a super-convenient “On-the-go” stick pack, where the tasty powder can be poured directly into your mouth or dispersed in your individual beverage of choice.
Get the insight on how you can quickly go to market with this new and innovative concept in a consumer appealing finished product.
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This year, the biennial Linus Pauling Institute Conference was set to ignite research at the dynamic intersection of health span and cutting-edge nutritional insights, within the realm coined Precision Health. Having a key focus on nutrients that can support our foundational health, living longer and better lives, the pivotal role of Vitamin K2 as … Continue reading Do We Need More Vitamin K Than is Recommended to Maintain Long-Term Health?
This year, the biennial Linus Pauling Institute Conference was set to ignite research at the dynamic intersection of health span and cutting-edge nutritional insights, within the realm coined Precision Health.
Having a key focus on nutrients that can support our foundational health, living longer and better lives, the pivotal role of Vitamin K2 as MK-7 was in its right element at this year’s conference.
Gnosis by Lesaffre, an event sponsor, contributed with its vitamin K2 experts, Dr. Stacey Smith and William Sommer, as the company co-presented its poster titled “Do we need more vitamin K than is recommended to maintain long-term health,” along with independent K2 researcher Dr. Katarzyna Maresz, which sparked great conversations on the conference floor. The poster addressed the critical need to look closer at the recommended daily dose of vitamin K – and highlighted research that suggests a higher RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) is needed to maintain long-term health.
The Triage Theory
The “triage theory” proposes that micronutrient deficiencies can accelerate aging and increase the risk of chronic diseases and predicts that optimizing micronutrient intakes will reduce the risk of chronic diseases and increase lifespan. Vitamin K is a fitting example of this hypothesis and is no longer recognized only as the coagulation vitamin. Traditionally, we have known vitamin K as the “coagulation vitamin,” essential for proper blood clotting. Beyond activating VKDP (Vitamin K Dependent Proteins) in the liver to preserve hemostasis, vitamin K – specifically K2 has a much broader scope, as it plays a significant role in activating non-hepatic VKDP, such as osteocalcin or matrix Gla protein.
The Impact of Vitamin K2 Deficiency
Lower-level activation of these VKDP has been linked to dietary vitamin K inadequacy and these deficiencies, in turn, have been associated with various health concerns, including bone fragility, arterial stiffness, and even cognitive decline. Furthermore, knowing Vitamin K insufficiency is found to increase with age this could impact two of the most critical areas of healthy aging: bone and cardiovascular health. Luckily, turning this around could not be easier, as supplementing with MenaQ7® Vitamin K2 is shown to improve bone strength and arterial elasticity.
Reassessing Dietary Recommendations
One striking revelation from the poster presentation is that current dietary recommendations in Western countries are primarily designed to prevent bleeding, with no consideration for Vitamin K2. This omission is due to the absence of an accurate food composition database for vitamin K2. In contrast, Japan incorporates the combined quantity of Vitamins K1 and K2 (MK4 and MK7) when determining daily recommended K intake.
Renowned Vitamin K2 Expert Dr. Katarzyna Maresz underscores the significance of the conference as the perfect platform to shed light on the necessity of reevaluating daily vitamin K recommendations for long-term health. She states, “The Linus Pauling Institute Conference is an ideal place to illuminate the need to re-consider the daily recommendations of vitamin K for long-term health, to an audience of key thought leaders in this field.”
The Poster presentation has undoubtedly illuminated the significance of vitamin K2 in maintaining long-term health. Beyond its role in blood clotting, vitamin K2’s impact on bone health, arterial function, cognitive well-being, and more cannot be ignored. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of nutritional science, rethinking dietary recommendations is an essential step toward promoting healthier, longer lives for all.
Once again MenaQ7® is leading the efforts to validate the benefits of Vitamin K2 as MK-7 to support cardiovascular health. At the prestigious European Society of Cardiology Congress, PhD student from CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases at Maastricht University, Femke de Vries, presented an abstract from a post-hoc analysis of the previously published 1-year MenaQ7 … Continue reading New MenaQ7® Evidence Presented at the ESC Congress; further Solidifies Cardiovascular Benefits
Once again MenaQ7® is leading the efforts to validate the benefits of Vitamin K2 as MK-7 to support cardiovascular health. At the prestigious European Society of Cardiology Congress, PhD student from CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases at Maastricht University, Femke de Vries, presented an abstract from a post-hoc analysis of the previously published 1-year MenaQ7 cardiovascular study. The presentation sparked a lot of discussion about the publication of the post-hoc analysis expected later this year.
In the post-hoc analysis, the authors aimed to examine how supplementation of Vitamin K2 as MK-7 affected vascular stiffness in women going through pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal stages. The trial included 166 women (age 40-70 with low K2 status) who consumed 180 mcg MK-7 daily or placebo for one year.
Much-Needed Research on Heart Health in Women
Research on this specific demographic is critical. While cardiovascular disease has been considered a “man’s disease,” it is still the major cause of death in women over the age of 65, and research has been underrepresented.
The findings presented via the poster named “Beneficial Effects of One-Year Supplementation with Menaquinone-7 on Vascular Health and Blood Pressure in Post-Menopausal Women,” confirm a correlation between hormonal changes and their impact on the vasculature.
Post-menopausal women may experience heightened vascular stiffness, which can manifest as functional vascular damage. Arterial stiffness is a significant indicator of cardiovascular health, particularly in relation to blood pressure. Interestingly, it seems that enhancing one’s K2 status may positively influence both.
The abstract has been published in the European Heart Journal and is available on ESC 365, the cardiology knowledge hub. The post-hoc analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal later this year.
Get Your Science from the Source
At Gnosis, we are thrilled that our flag ship brand, MenaQ7, once again is leading the way in the validation of Vitamin K2 as MK-7’s critical role in supporting human health.
When it comes to formulating for heart health, we encourage you to get your science from the source and choose MenaQ7® Vitamin K2.
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.