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Transform standard supplements into comprehensive performance solutions by combining magnesium with clinically validated MenaQ7®. This powerful duo addresses bone health, muscle recovery, and cardiovascular output through EFSA-authorized claims.
Transform standard supplements into comprehensive performance solutions by combining magnesium with clinically validated MenaQ7®. This powerful duo addresses bone health, muscle recovery, and cardiovascular output through EFSA-authorized claims.
Magnesium: Essential Mineral with Authorized European Health Claims
Athletes and active consumers rely on this essential mineral for multiple performance benefits. According to EFSA-authorized health claims, magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue—essential for managing demanding training schedules and competition periods. It also supports normal muscle function and protein synthesis, enabling efficient recovery following intense exercise sessions. Additional authorized claims highlight broader wellness support. It contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system and electrolyte balance, both critical during physical exertion. Magnesium also supports maintenance of normal bones, providing structural integrity for long-term athletic participation.
These regulated claims enable European sport supplement manufacturers to communicate clear benefits that resonate with health-conscious consumers seeking reliable nutrition solutions.
MenaQ7® Creates Powerful Bone Health Synergy
While magnesium provides the structural groundwork, adding MenaQ7® creates a powerful synergy for skeletal health. Magnesium and Vitamin K2 work together to ensure calcium is used effectively. MenaQ7® is shown to activate osteocalcin, the protein responsible for binding calcium to the bone matrix. Without adequate Vitamin K2, bones can become weak and brittle. MenaQ7® is the most clinically validated Vitamin K2 to significantly improve bone mineral density and bone strength.
For supplement manufacturers, choosing MenaQ7®—the most clinically proven natural Vitamin K2—allows a premium performance and mobility range that offers a higher standard of bone support than magnesium alone.
Cardiovascular Performance and Energy Enhancement
This combination extends benefits beyond skeletal health to deliver measurable cardiovascular improvements critical for athletic achievement. While EFSA allows for a claim on normal energy-yielding for magnesium, emerging clinical research demonstrates Vitamin K2 could impact aerobic capacity during exercise.
Studies with trained athletes revealed impressive findings. Eight weeks of supplementation increased maximal cardiac output by 12% during exercise testing protocols. This improvement reflects Vitamin K2’s role in optimizing mitochondrial function and ATP production—the primary energy source powering muscle contractions during high-intensity physical activity. In fact, the study suggests that K2 supplementation could potentially reduce the training window required to achieve these cardiac improvements by approximately 60%
By expanding your magnesium portfolio with MenaQ7®, you provide a scientifically backed, multi-functional product that addresses the two most critical pillars for athletes: peak cardiovascular performance and robust skeletal mobility.
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!
References
1- McFarlin BK, et al. (2017). Oral Consumption of Vitamin K2 for 8 Weeks Associated With Increased Maximal Cardiac Output During Exercise. Altern Ther Health Med.
2- Knapen MHJ, et al. (2013). Three-year low-dose vitamin K2 supplementation helps decrease bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis International.
3- van Summeren MJ, et al. (2009). The effect of menaquinone-7 supplementation on osteocalcin carboxylation in healthy children. British Journal of Nutrition.
4- EU Health Claims Register. Authorized health claims for Magnesium (Reduction of tiredness, muscle function, protein synthesis, nervous system, and bone maintenance).
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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.
We’re excited to announce MenaQ7® Olive Oil—our clinically proven Vitamin K2 as MK-7 delivered in a Mediterranean olive oil carrier designed for oil-based formulations.
We’re excited to announce MenaQ7® Olive Oil—our clinically proven Vitamin K2 as MK-7 delivered in a Mediterranean olive oil carrier designed for oil-based formulations.
Launching MenaQ7® Olive Oil
We’re excited to announce MenaQ7® Olive Oil—our clinically proven Vitamin K2 as MK-7 delivered in a Mediterranean olive oil carrier designed for oil-based formulations.
We’ve combined our MenaQ7® Vitamin K2, backed by 22+ human clinical trials over 2 decades, with an olive oil carrier to optimize bioavailability of this fat-soluble vitamin. Because Vitamin K2 requires dietary fat for optimal absorption, we developed this product to give you a clean-label solution with traditional Mediterranean wellness appeal.
Built on 22+ Clinical Trials
MenaQ7® Olive Oil brings the clinical credentials you trust. Our 22+ published human clinical trials document how Vitamin K2 as MK-7 activates osteocalcin carboxylation for bone and cardiovascular health.
Our research shows:
– Bone Health: Activated osteocalcin binds calcium to bone matrix, supporting mineralization and bone density
– Cardiovascular Health: Vitamin K2 activates Matrix Gla-protein, managing calcium distribution and supporting arterial flexibility
This clinical foundation lets you develop products with substantiated health benefit positioning.
Natural Fermentation, European Quality
We produce MenaQ7® Olive Oil through natural fermentation, delivering pure,>97% all-trans MK-7—the bioactive form identified in our clinical research. We manufacture in Europe under GMP certification with the quality standards you expect from us.
Formulation-Ready for Multiple Applications
We designed MenaQ7® Olive Oil for seamless integration:
Softgels | Gummies & Soft Chews | Liquid Drops | Combination Products with Vitamins D3, A, E, and /or Omega-3s.
Our oil-based format integrates into your existing production processes for bone health, cardiovascular support, or comprehensive wellness formulations.
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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 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.