Supports Bone Health and Soft Tissue Elasticity*.
Delivers Optimum Levels of Vitamin K to Bone and Soft Tissue*.
Supports Calcium Metabolism for Maintenance of Healthy Bone*.
The Importance of Vitamin K.
Vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin, is primarily known for its role in regulating blood coagulation. Vitamin K is required for the activity of specialized proteins that control blood clotting (Coagulation factors II, VII, IX) in a series of metabolic steps known as the coagulation cascade. The daily intake of vitamin K recommended by the National Academy of Sciences1 is based on the amount needed for biosynthesis of these clotting factors in the liver.
Vitamin K-dependent proteins are also found in bone and soft tissues, including osteocalcin, the protein that deposits calcium in bone. Activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins occurs through carboxylation, a metabolic process that adds a molecule composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen to glutamate, an amino acid within the protein structure. (Vitamin-K dependent proteins are also referred to as "Gla proteins.") Osteocalcin cannot perform its function of incorporating calcium into bone unless it is activated first. A rise in the amount of inactive (under–carboxylated) osteocalcin circulating in the blood is now regarded as a measure of vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K supplementation has been shown to decrease blood levels of inactive osteocalcin.2.
Studies report finding elevated levels of inactive osteocalcin in post-menopausal and elderly women.3 Other studies bring to light a connection between inactive osteocalcin and the deterioration of bone quality and strength that occurs with aging.4 In view of this, it is probably not coincidental that elderly women with superior vitamin K status have had better bone outcomes, when compared to other women in the same age groups.5 The importance of vitamin K for bone health was underscored by the findings of a 10-year dietary analysis of 72,327 women in which higher dietary intake of K and superior vitamin K status were associated with a better outcome marker of bone health.6.
While osteocalcin is essential for keeping calcium in bone, Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), another vitamin-K dependent protein, helps keep calcium from accumulating in soft tissues where it doesn't belong, thereby supporting vascular health.7.
As with osteocalcin, MGP must be carboxylated to be activated. A recent study found a strong connection between blood levels of active MGP and arterial health.8 Previous research discovered a link between vascular health and proper vitamin K nutrition.9.
Forms of Vitamin K.
Vitamin K exists in two major forms: phylloquinone and the menaquinones. Phylloquinone, designated as vitamin K1, is the major dietary form in food and supplements. Menaquinones, designated as vitamin K2, are synthesized in the large intestine by gut bacteria, although how much this contributes to the body's vitamin K supply is somewhat uncertain.10 Menaquinones are named MK-7, MK-8 and MK-9, according to the length of structurally related molecular side chains attached to the parent molecule. Fermented foods contain substantial amounts of K2, produced by bacteria that cause the fermentation. MK-7 is the primary menaquinone found in fermented foods such as natto. Two menaquinones are available in dietary supplements; MK-4, a synthetic vitamin K2, and MK-7, which is natural. MK-7, thanks to its longer side chain, is more stable in the bloodstream than vitamin K1. Recent research reveals that MK-7 contributes to optimum vitamin K storage in the body, and functions more effectively as a co-factor for the activation of osteocalcin that is so critical for bone strength, as discussed above.11 This characteristic of vitamin K2 is a major advantage, in view of evidence that very high intakes of vitamin K1, on the order of 1000 mcg daily (more than ten times the RDI), are needed to maintain optimum levels of activated osteocalcin.12 For older women in particular, consuming vitamin K1 at the current RDI may not be sufficient to achieve vitamin K's bone health benefits.13.
Research on Vitamin K2.
A large-scale study on vitamin K intakes among 5,000 Dutch persons suggests that vitamin K2 may help maintain healthy blood vessels, and perhaps even prolong life. The study participants were divided into four groups based on their daily vitamin K intake from food sources, as assessed from a food frequency questionnaire. Compared to those in the low vitamin K2/menaquinone group, subjects at the highest consumption level had substantially superior heart h
alth. Similar associations were not seen for vitamin K1.14.
Natto consumption is markedly higher in eastern Japan compared to western Japan. Interestingly, bone outcomes are correspondingly better among eastern Japanese women, which prompted a study of vitamin K2, as MK-7, in the blood of natto consumers. Not surprisingly, natto eaters have higher levels of MK-7. The data further revealed a correlation between more natto in the diet and stronger bones.15 Another population-based study in Japan found a direct link in postmenopausal women between natto consumption and bone mineral density (BMD). BMD, the content of calcium and other minerals in a segment of bone, is a measure of bone strength and resistance. Over a 3-year period, women increased their hip BMD with more frequent natto intake.16.
In summary, emerging science clearly shows that the body's need for vitamin K exceeds the amount necessary for its basic function of maintaining normal blood coagulation. Vitamin K is gaining recognition as an essential nutrient for bones and soft tissues. By activating the key Gla proteins such as osteocalcin and MGP, vitamin K helps maintain mineralization of bone while counteracting mineralization of tissues where calcium doesn't belong.17 Compared to other forms of vitamin K2, the effective dose of MK-7 is substantially lower, making it a superior choice for long-term consumption as a dietary supplement.11.
Quality Control.
MenaQ7** is manufactured exclusively in a government-inspected Japanese facility that adheres to strict quality standards. Robust controls are in place to eliminate any risk of contamination during the manufacturing process. Every batch undergoes thorough testing authenticated by a Certificate of Analysis. Vitamin K2 potency is verified by a state of the art laboratory analytical procedure. MenaQ7** complies with international standards for absence of heavy metals, pesticides, harmful microorganisms and other contaminants.
Scientific References.
1. Food And Nutrition Board. National Academy of Sciences; 2004.
2. Yasui T, Miyatani Y, Tomita J, others. 2006;22:455-9.
3. Plantalech L, Guillaumont M, Vergnaud P, others. 1991;6:1211-6.
4. Liu G, Peacock M. 1998;62:286-9.
5. Hodges SJ, Akesson K, Vergnaud P, others. 1993;8:1241-5.
6. Feskanich D, Weber P, Willett WC, others. 1999;69:74-9.
7. Shaw LJ, Raggi P, Berman DS, Callister TQ. 2006;188:112-9.
8. Cranenburg EC, Vermeer C, Koos R, others. 2008;45:427-36.
9. Jie KS, Bots ML, Vermeer C, others. 1995;116:117-23.
10. Shearer MJ. 1992;6:92-104.
11. Schurgers LJ, Teunissen KJ, Hamulyak K, others. 2007;109:3279-83.
12. Binkley NC, Krueger DC, Kawahara TN, others. 2002;76:1055-60.
13. Booth SL, Martini L, Peterson JW, others. 2003;133:2565-9.
14. Geleijnse JM, Vermeer C, Grobbee DE, others. 2004;134:3100-5.
15. Kaneki M, Hedges SJ, Hosoi T, others. 2001;17:315-21.
16. Ikeda Y, Iki M, Morita A, others. 2006;136:1323-8.
17. Vermeer C, Shearer MJ, Zittermann A, others. 2004;43:325-335.
