NattoPharma-backed review tips vitamin K2 as beneficial for heart health

23 Nov 2021 --- Vitamin K2 is overlooked in cardiovascular health, according to a review paper published amid calls to roll out a recommended daily intake.

Published in Open Heart, the paper presents an overview of data on vitamin K2 and specifically identifies the US, where vitamin K deficiency is significant.

“There is an alarmingly high prevalence of vitamin K deficiency and suboptimal recommended intake among the general population in the US. Despite this, there is a growing body of evidence that supports the potential role of vitamin K2 in cardiovascular health,” says paper author and professor of biochemistry of Vascular Calcification, Leon Schurgers.

Vying for K2 supplements
The review presents an organization of data surrounding vitamin K2, which is “desperately needed in the effort to petition for a K2-specific recommended daily intake” according to Schurgers.

Scientists are petitioning for K2 supplementation.The paper was published by the Cleveland Clinic and Maastricht University, which is NattoPharma’s long-time research partner. NattoPharma is part of Gnosis by Lesaffre.

“This review covers the rapidly expanding evidence supporting the cardioprotective effects of vitamin K2 intake,” notes Dr. Hogne Vik, chief medical officer with NattoPharma – Gnosis by Lesaffre.

“Vitamin K2 supplementation appears safe and practical, and randomized clinical trials can investigate its use. With evidence mounting, the definitive role of vitamin K2 supplementation in delaying progression of vascular and valvular calcifications remains the subject of multiple clinical trials,” highlight the authors.

Exploring the interplay between K2 and Matrix Gla
The review aims to summarize literature for scientists and clinicians, highlighting the pathophysiological interplay between K2 and Matrix Gla protein. It also seeks to provide information on cardiovascular benefits of vitamin K2 and supplementation.

“There is expanding preclinical and clinical data on vitamin K's cardiovascular benefits, with multiple ongoing clinical trials. To that end, there is a pressing need to organize our understanding of the pathophysiology, and efficacy of K2 intake as it relates to markers and outcomes of cardiovascular health,” notes Schurgers.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence and consumer understanding supporting the benefits of vitamin K2, providing suppliers with increased options for NPD.

Research by Kappa Bioscience, manufacturer of K2 MK-7, revealed vitamins D3 and K2 each function more effectively when combined.

A previous NattoPharma-backed study, flagged that vitamin K2 may improve cardiovascular risks in nicotine users.

 Edited by Andria Kades