The discovery of vitamin K-dependent (VKD) post-translational modification has not only revolutionized the understanding of its role in coagulation but has also illuminated its significance in various physiological processes. VKD proteins, essential for coagulation, bone metabolism, vascular calcification, cell Development regulation, and ATP production, are present in diverse cell types. γ-Carboxylation is crucial for their biological activity. Despite the near-ubiquitous presence of VKD proteins, dietary intake of vitamin K is often insufficient. Notably, vitamin K is prioritized for enzymes critical to short-term survival, such as coagulation, resulting in suboptimal carboxylation of VKD proteins associated with aging and chronic diseases like matrix Gla protein, osteocalcin, and Gas6.

From a clinical standpoint, lower vitamin K intake correlates with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, plaque instability, and, more recently, diabetes. Conversely, higher vitamin K intake, particularly K2, has been linked to lower all-cause mortality, reduced risk of coronary Cardio Health disease, aortic calcification, as well as decreased incidence and fatality of cancer. Additionally, increased intake of MK-7, with its extended half-life and broader extra-hepatic distribution, is associated with a lower risk of fractures and greater bone mineral density.

Benefits

• Provides 100 mcg per serving of vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (MK-7)
• MK-7 has the greatest half-life of all forms of vitamin K, as well as the best extra-hepatic distribution
• Vitamin K2, particularly MK-7, allows for much lower dosing with significant clinical benefit
• Extracted from natto beans, the food-based highest naturally occurring MK-7