Vitamin K is a very important component of human health, and
it is essential for ensuring the normal functioning of the body. Vitamin K
deficiency can contribute to significant bleeding, poor bone development,
osteoporosis, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that occurs in two main
forms namely, phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and various menaquinones (vitamin K2).
The main sources of phylloquinone include plant-based foods like leafy
vegetables whereas sources of menaquinones include animal-based foods like
meat, fish, dairy products, and fermented foods [1] [2].
Vitamin K2-7 is a natural form of Vitamin K2 found in foods
such as natto (traditional Japanese food from fermented soybeans). Vitamin K2-7
is also known as menaquinone-7 (MK-7) and it is known for its beneficial
effects on osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, diabetes, and
peripheral neuropathy [1].
It plays an important role in various biological functions
along with vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs). K2-7 is a cofactor of enzymes
that drives the conversion of inactive proteins through the carboxylation
process into their active forms such as osteocalcin (OC), and matrix GLA
protein (MGP). These calcium-binding proteins in their inactive or
uncarboxylated form are unable to effectively regulate the integration of
calcium from the intestines, potentially leading to diminished bone mass,
higher fracture risk, and the calcification of arteries and other soft tissues.
An adequate intake of vitamin K2 ensures the effective
carboxylation of OC and MGP proteins, which in turn helps the body to bind
calcium to bones — while keeping levels in the bloodstream at the correct
quantities to avoid vascular calcification. In the absence of vitamin K2, the
optimal functioning of these proteins is hindered which leads to pathological
complications that include chronic degenerative conditions cardiovascular
disease, osteoporosis, and metabolic conditions like diabetes [1].
Vitamin K deficiency in adults is rare but may occur in
people taking medications that block vitamin K metabolism such as antibiotics,
or in those with conditions that cause malabsorption of food and nutrients.
Antibiotic medicines may destroy vitamin-K-producing bacteria in the gut,
thereby potentially decreasing vitamin K levels, especially if taking the
medicine for more than a few weeks. People who have a poor appetite while using
long-term antibiotics may be at greater risk for a deficiency, and may benefit
from a vitamin K supplement [3].
Our Formulation
Unived’s K2-7-Veg™ is formulated with Menaquinone-7 from
fermented chickpeas. It also contains Medium-Chain Triglycerides (70%).
Mode of Action:
Vascular or arterial calcification is characterized by
mineral depositions on the walls in the vascular system. Vitamin K2-7
facilitates carboxylation of glutamate (Glu) residue present on matrix Gla
protein (MGP) leading to the formation of carboxylated MGP (cMGP) and aids in
phosphorylation of MGP leading to its activation; activated MGP inhibits bone
morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) resulting in prevention of vascular or arterial
calcification [1].
K2-7 also is a cofactor in the conversion of
undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) to carboxylated osteocalcin (cOC); cOC has
an affinity for calcium ions and facilitates the transport of calcium to the
bone for bone formation [1].
References:
1. Jadhav N, Ajgaonkar S, Saha P, Gurav P, Pandey A,
Basudkar V, Gada Y, Panda S, Jadhav S, Mehta D, Nair S. Molecular Pathways and
Roles for Vitamin K2-7 as a Health-Beneficial Nutraceutical: Challenges and
Opportunities. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Jun 14;13:896920. doi:
10.3389/fphar.2022.896920. PMID: 35774605; PMCID: PMC9237441.
2. Imbrescia K, Moszczynski Z. Vitamin K. [Updated 2022 Jul
11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing;
2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551578/.
3. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-k/
