Vitamin K2-7

BIO

Found In
Cheese, curd and natto beans (Japanese fermented soya beans)

Form
Menaquinone-7 (MK-7)

Source
Fermented chickpeas

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin which is not synthesized by the body, thus, making it an essential nutrient. It is present in two forms K1 and K2. Vitamin K1 called phylloquinone, is found in leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. It has roles in blood clotting and other blood disorders. Most individuals get sufficient vitamin K1 through their diet. Vitamin K2 has different functions and is more bioavailable than K1. Vitamin K2 is a group of menaquinone compounds (MK) and each MK is associated with unique benefits. They range from MK-4 to MK-13. Out of which, MK-7 is the most biologically active and bioavailable form of vitamin K2 by having the highest biological half-life. Vitamin K2 is an important supplement for vegans as they are naturally found in fermented cheese and animal products.

KEY BENEFITS

  • Supports cardiovascular health

Description

Vitamin K2 in recent years has become an extensive topic of research for its role in two particular areas- cardiovascular health and osteoporosis. A deficiency of Vitamin K2 can lead to extensive bleeding. However, for its added benefits one might need to supplement with Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 and Bone Health

Prevalence of osteoporosis increases markedly with age. Long-term inadequacy of vitamin K has been indicated as one of the risk factor for the development of age-related diseases, including osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease (1).

Vitamin K is required for the posttranslational carboxylation of the Gla-proteins, including osteocalcin (OC) and matrix Gla-protein. OC is local inhibitor of mineralization in bone, and the uncarboxylated form (ucOC) is considered as a marker for poor vitamin K status in bone. Inadequate intake of vitamin K and high levels of circulating ucOC have been associated with low bone mass and increased fracture risk (1).

A study carried out on postmenopausal women concluded that MK-7 intake has significantly improved vitamin K status and decreased the age-related decline in BMC and BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Therefore Vitamin K2-7 supplementation can help postmenopausal women to decrease bone loss (1).

Vitamin K status is been associated with increase in the bone mineral content (2). Long-term supplementation with MK-7 beneficially affects bone health (1).

Vitamin K2 and Cardiovascular Health

 Poor vitamin K status has been associated with increased in the risk of cardiovascular disease. Population-based studies indicate that low dietary vitamin K intake is associated with arterial calcification (3).

Vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health through regulation of calcium homeostasis. cardiovascular system are mediated through activation of the anti-calcific protein known as matrix Gla protein. Vitamin K2 mediates activation of the anti-calcific protein (matrix Gla protein) and maintains cardiovascular health (4).

Supplementation with vitamin K2 has been observed to improve cardiovascular outcomes such as modification of systemic calcification and arterial stiffness (4).

The Unived difference

Unived provides a 100% natural, whole-food based, vegan vitamin K2-7. Vitamin K2 is a group of menaquinone compounds and is clinically proven to be a more bioactive and bioavailable form of vitamin K. Among the various types of menaquinone, MK-7 is more potent than MK-4 which is a synthetic form of menaquinone. MK-4 has poor bioavailability, whereas MK-7 is well absorbed and has a longer half-life. Unived uses a natural form of K2-7 which is derived from fermented chickpeas.

Evidence-Based or Bust

We use ingredients backed by a significant body of research that is growing each day.

  1. The effect of menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) supplementation on osteocalcin carboxylation in healthy prepubertal children
    van Summeren, M. J., Braam, L. A., Lilien, M. R., Schurgers, L. J., Kuis, W., & Vermeer, C. (2009). The effect of menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) supplementation on osteocalcin carboxylation in healthy prepubertal children. British journal of nutrition, 102(8), 1171-1178.
  2. Effect of Menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) on vascular elasticity in healthy subjects: results from a one-year study
    Vermeer, C., & Vik, H. (2020). Effect of Menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) on vascular elasticity in healthy subjects: results from a one-year study. Vasc Dis Ther, 5, 1-4.
  3. Vitamin K2—a neglected player in cardiovascular health: a narrative review
    Hariri, E., Kassis, N., Iskandar, J. P., Schurgers, L. J., Saad, A., Abdelfattah, O., ... & Kapadia, S. (2021). Vitamin K2—a neglected player in cardiovascular health: a narrative review. Open heart, 8(2), e001715.

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Studies on Vitamin K2-7 and Counting

Vitamin K2-7 has been recognized for its essential role in building and maintaining strong bones as well as inhibiting calcium deposits in the arteries and blood vessel to maintain cardiovascular health