Search Results for: Research
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.
>> LEARN MORE <<
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!
>> CONTACT US <<
The Council for Responsible Nutrition establishes first-ever standalone safety guidance for vitamin K2 (MK-7) supplements, responding to rapidly expanding consumer demand for bone and cardiovascular health support.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition establishes first-ever standalone safety guidance for vitamin K2 (MK-7) supplements, responding to rapidly expanding consumer demand for bone and cardiovascular health support.
CRN Publishes Dedicated Safety Assessment for Vitamin K2 MK-7
The Council for Responsible Nutrition Foundation (CRN) has released updated safety guidance establishing a Highest Observed Intake (HOI) level of 375 µg/day for vitamin K2 in the form of menaquinone-7 (MK-7) for adults. This marks a significant shift from previous editions of CRN’s Vitamin & Mineral Safety guidelines, which combined vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 into a single Upper Limit value.
The decision to provide separate assessment reflects the rapidly expanding global consumer interest in vitamin K2 supplements, driven by scientific evidence supporting MK-7’s role in bone and cardiovascular health. “CRN’s updated MK-7 chapter reflects our commitment to providing rigorous, transparent safety evaluations grounded in the totality of evidence,” explains Andrea Wong, senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at CRN. “Establishing a HOI for vitamin K2 (MK-7) represents a major step forward for scientific understanding and responsible product development across the dietary supplement category.”
The updated vitamin K2 guidance appears in the 4th edition of CRN’s Vitamin & Mineral Safety (VMS4), incorporating modern methodology, expanded human clinical evidence, and new global regulatory perspectives.
What Does “No Adverse Effects Observed” Mean for Supplement Manufacturers?
There is no established Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin K (K1 or K2) by major bodies like EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) or the US NIH (National Institutes of Health) because no adverse effects or toxicity have been reported from high intakes in humans from food or supplements. Therefore, when a UL cannot be identified, the Highest Observed Intake (HOI) may be used as an alternative risk-assessment method.
The new guidance summarizes reviews of more than 40 human clinical trials conducted over the past decade, evaluating a wide range of vitamin K2 doses for periods up to two years. Among these trials, researchers observed no serious adverse effects related to MK-7 supplementation. Studies also consistently demonstrated no clinically meaningful impact on coagulation parameters in individuals not taking vitamin K-antagonist medications, commonly known as blood thinners such as warfarin.
Based on these findings, CRN established 375 µg/day as the HOI for supplemental MK-7 in adults. This guidance does not apply to individuals using VKA anticoagulants, who should consult their healthcare providers before using vitamin K-containing supplements.
Beyond Bone and Heart: Emerging Research Areas for Vitamin K2
While vitamin K2 is recognized for supporting bone density and cardiovascular wellness, scientific studies are highlighting additional potential benefitsResearch indicates that vitamin K2 may support metabolic health, help mitigate complications associated with impaired kidney function, and help address women’s health concerns during menopause, with emerging evidence also pointing to a role in brain health.
For manufacturers working with clinically studied vitamin K2 ingredients such as MenaQ7®, this comprehensive safety data provides evidence-based support for product development decisions. Dr. Katarzyna Maresz, coordinator of the Gnosis Vitamin K2 Scientific Advisory Committee, has noted that nearly two decades of clinical research support the safety of MenaQ7® in children and adults, including both healthy populations and individuals with underlying health conditions. She added that ongoing research—such as the VIKIPEDIA study, which is evaluating intakes up to 1,000 µg/day—may justify future upward revisions of the HOI as additional data become available.
The CRN’s dedicated assessment of vitamin K2 MK-7 offers the supplement industry transparent, science-backed guidance for formulating products that meet consumer demand while maintaining the highest safety standards.
>> LEARN MORE<<
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.
Interest in Vitamin K2 and Magnesium is not a marketing trend. It reflects a significant shift in the scientific understanding of calcium metabolism and its implications for cardiovascular and bone health. For decades, supplementation strategies focused on Vitamin D3 and calcium. Today, clinical evidence shows that the real issue is not calcium deficiency, but rather calcium mismanagement within the body, which affects both arterial and skeletal integrity. This is where the D3 + Magnesium + K2 combination becomes essential.
The Real Challenge Is Not Calcium Intake
The dietary supplement and functional nutrition industry widely associates Vitamin D3 and calcium with bone health. However, D3 alone increases calcium absorption without ensuring correct biological routing. The central concern is vascular calcification: when calcium does not reach the bone, it can accumulate in the arterial walls. This mechanism is now recognized as a major contributor to arterial stiffness and age-related cardiovascular decline.
The triad is designed to solve this:
– D3 increases calcium absorption,
– Magnesium activates Vitamin D3, and
– Vitamin K2 directs calcium away from soft tissues and toward the bone.
This model is supported by metabolic and cardiovascular research, which validates the synergy between these nutrients.
Three Interdependent Mechanisms
Vitamin D3: Increasing the Calcium Pool
Vitamin D3 boosts calcium availability through intestinal absorption. This is necessary, but insufficient for optimal mineral utilization.
Magnesium: Activating Vitamin D3
Magnesium is an essential cofactor for converting Vitamin D3 into calcitriol. Without adequate Magnesium, Vitamin D3 remains inactive mainly, which can reduce its biological impact and compromise long-term supplementation outcomes.
Vitamin K2: Directing Calcium
Vitamin K2 activates two key proteins:
– Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), which inhibits arterial calcification,
– Osteocalcin, which binds calcium to the bone matrix.
Together, these mechanisms support a more efficient calcium metabolism, including absorption, activation, and direction.
A Safer and More Rational Formulation Approach
This scientific evolution is reshaping formulation strategies for supplement manufacturers, premium brands, and private label developers. The market is shifting away from traditional D3 + calcium formulas and towards intelligently designed combinations that deliver more apparent clinical benefits in cardiovascular protection and bone health.
The D3 + Magnesium + K2 complex delivers on those expectations with a more evidence-based and safety-oriented approach.
Why MK-7 Is Becoming Central
Not all forms of Vitamin K2 are equal. MK-7 is the most clinically validated form, with superior bioavailability and a longer half-life, enabling sustained activity in extra-hepatic tissues, particularly the vascular system.
Within the MK-7 category, MenaQ7® stands out for its clinical validation, stability, and traceability. It is widely recognized in the industry as a reliable and safe MK-7 source, making it a preferred choice for premium formulations and brands looking to differentiate through scientifically supported ingredients.
More Than a Supplement Strategy
The value of the triad extends beyond the combination of three ingredients. It represents a new approach to calcium metabolism: activate, direct, and protect. This enables the development of products that are safer, more closely aligned with clinical research, and more relevant to real-world consumer needs.
The convergence of scientific evidence, product development trends, and consumer expectations is transforming the D3 + Magnesium + K2 triad into a new category standard. For supplement brands and manufacturers, it represents an opportunity for innovation, premium positioning, and clinically meaningful differentiation.