JAMA Cardiology has published the VitaK-CAC study, a 2-year clinical trial using MenaQ7®, demonstrating that Vitamin K2 as MK-7 supplementation led to nearly one-third less progression of coronary artery calcification — a recognized predictor of cardiovascular disease — compared to placebo.

JAMA Cardiology has published the VitaK-CAC study, a 2-year clinical trial using MenaQ7®, demonstrating that Vitamin K2 as MK-7 supplementation led to nearly one-third less progression of coronary artery calcification — a recognized predictor of cardiovascular disease — compared to placebo.

 

When Calcium Accumulates, Cardiovascular Risk Increases

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) develops when calcium deposits accumulate within the walls of the coronary arteries, causing them to stiffen and lose their natural elasticity. It is a key marker of atherosclerosis and a well-established cardiovascular risk factor. High CAC scores reflect advanced coronary artery disease. According to the study authors, this process stems from a disruption in the body’s calcification regulatory mechanisms — with matrix Gla protein (MGP), a vitamin K-dependent protein that actively prevents calcium from depositing in arterial walls, serving as one of its critical natural inhibitors.

 

MenaQ7®, Once Again the Researchers’ Choice

The trial included 180 patients with coronary artery disease, randomly assigned to receive either 360 mcg of Vitamin K2 MK-7 daily or a placebo over 24 months. Calcification progression was assessed using two complementary imaging methods: the Agatston score — the gold-standard tool for quantifying coronary calcium deposits — and calcium mass, which offers a more precise measurement of the calcification process itself. The study also tracked dp-ucMGP levels, a validated biomarker reflecting the body’s capacity to inhibit vascular calcification through MGP activation.

 

Groundbreaking Results in Coronary Artery Calcification

Participants in the Vitamin K2 MK-7 group showed approximately 29% lower progression in Agatston score and around 42% less progression in calcium mass compared to placebo. The authors stated that since both the Agatston and calcium mass scores pointed in the same direction, they are confident that Vitamin K2 MK-7 can slow coronary calcification. Supplementation also reduced dp-ucMGP levels, further supporting a beneficial effect on this critical calcification biomarker.

These findings add to a significant and growing body of evidence around MenaQ7®: “Almost two decades of clinical research on MenaQ7® has demonstrated its significant cardiovascular benefits, including maintaining arterial elasticity, supporting normative blood pressure, and now supporting healthy calcium balance in coronary arteries,” says Kimmo Makinen, our Head of Scientific Affairs at Gnosis by Lesaffre.

 

>> DISCOVER VITAK-CAC <<

Emerging research opens new perspectives on women’s health, metabolic balance, and vitamin K status.

Emerging research opens new perspectives on women’s health, metabolic balance, and vitamin K status.

 

As scientific interest expands beyond the traditional roles of vitamin K, researchers are increasingly exploring its relevance in broader physiological processes. A newly published paper in Nutrients sheds light on the relationship between vitamin K status and body composition, offering a fresh perspective on how men and women may respond differently to Vitamin K2 supplementation. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting further investigation into Vitamin K2 status within the context of women’s health, metabolic wellness, and healthy aging.

 
The publication, “Sex-Specific Effects of Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) Supplementation on Body Composition and Adiposity Markers,” presents a post-hoc analysis of a previously completed double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study in adults with low vitamin K status. Researchers evaluated the impact of one year of MenaQ7® supplementation on body composition parameters and observed notable sex-related differences. Women, particularly premenopausal women, experienced reductions in body mass index (BMI), body weight, and fat mass, whereas men demonstrated more modest responses. Importantly, these observations were made without any dietary intervention, highlighting an intriguing area for future research.

 

The authors also reported that lower baseline vitamin K status was associated with higher BMI, fat mass index, and visceral adipose tissue. Participants who achieved the greatest improvement in vitamin K status showed the most favorable changes in body composition markers. While the authors emphasize that these findings remain exploratory and require confirmation in larger studies, the work reinforces the importance of considering sex-specific physiology in nutrition science. It raises new questions about the interactions among vitamin K-dependent pathways, adiposity, and metabolic regulation.

 
At Gnosis by Lesaffre, we are proud to have supported the PhD researcher behind this publication and to see new findings on MenaQ7®. As Rudolf Bittner noted when sharing the publication, the findings serve as “a reminder that women’s health deserves its own lens in nutrition research.” This emerging scientific perspective may inspire new conversations about the role of vitamin K status in women’s health, metabolic balance, and healthy body composition across different life stages.

 
Read the full publication to discover the complete scientific findings and discussion.

 

>> READ THE PUBLICATION <<

MenaQ7® is the natural, clinically proven Vitamin K2 as MK-7, backed by nearly two decades of clinical evidence, all gathered in a single comprehensive scientific white paper.

MenaQ7® is the natural, clinically proven Vitamin K2 as MK-7, backed by nearly two decades of clinical evidence, all gathered in a single comprehensive scientific white paper.

 

A comprehensive scientific white paper revealing insights from close to two decades of proprietary and published clinical research on MenaQ7® Vitamin K2 as MK-7 is now accessible. This document examines the proven benefits in bone and cardiovascular health, the impact of vitamin K2 status throughout various life stages, and emerging research exploring its role in brain function and metabolic health. Designed as a structured, evidence-based resource, the white paper supports R&D professionals, regulatory personnel, scientific teams, and product developers in the dietary supplement and functional food sectors.

 

A Singular Ingredient Supported by Exceptional Science 

Not all Vitamin K2 ingredients are scientifically equivalent. The bioform, manufacturing process, and clinical validation program behind an ingredient determine its credibility — and, ultimately, your product’s ability to substantiate health claims. 
 

MenaQ7® is the first and most clinically proven natural Vitamin K2 as MK-7, supported by numerous proprietary clinical studies covering all life stages. Produced through a controlled natural fermentation process using non-GMO Bacillus strains on an allergen-free substrate, MenaQ7® is a highly pure ingredient — with a general purity exceeding 97% and an isomeric purity of 99.8% in the bioactive all-trans MK-7 form.
 

This groundbreaking white paper consolidates nearly 20 years of studies, offering R&D teams, regulatory specialists, scientists, and brand owners a well-structured reference document with evidence-graded data to support key product formulation decisions.

 

Built to Serve Multidisciplinary Teams

Structured to fulfill the needs of diverse professionals, the white paper provides tailored data to assist cross-functional teams. Whether evaluating clinical evidence, strategizing health claims, or assessing ingredient quality benchmarks, this comprehensive document equips teams with the insights necessary to make informed decisions.

 

Inside the MenaQ7® Clinical White Paper

From the dual mechanism of action that directs calcium toward bone and away from arteries to randomized controlled trial data on bone strength, arterial elasticity, and coronary calcification — supported by a clinically documented safety profile — this white paper covers the full scientific rationale for formulating with MenaQ7®: 

 

Executive Summary
 

– The Vitamin K Family — chemistry, sources, and regional intake recommendations  

– MenaQ7® — manufacturing process and quality specifications 

– Pharmacokinetics and Mechanism of Action 

– The Calcium Paradox — Vitamin K2, Vitamin D, and Magnesium 

– Clinical Evidence — bone health in adults and children, cardiovascular health, vitamin K status, emerging research 

– Safety Profile 
 
Access the comprehensive scientific dossier on MenaQ7®, the most thoroughly researched Vitamin K2 ingredient worldwide. Whether focusing on its established benefits in bone and heart health or exploring emerging applications, the evidence-packed white paper provides everything necessary to guide your formulation team.

 

>> DOWNLOAD THE WHITEPAPER <<