FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS
When form meets function:
delivering proven bone and cardiovascular support Every hour in South Africa, five people have heart attacks and ten people have strokes, leading to ten fatalities. This is according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa1.
T
he National Osteoporosis Foundation
and heart. There are actually multiple
of South Africa also estimates that one
forms of K2, but the two most common
in three South African women
forms as dietary supplements are K2 as
and one in five South African men could
MK-4 (menaquinone-4) and K2 as MK-7
develop osteoporosis in their lifetime.
(menaquinone-7). Vitamin K2 as MK-7 is
This means that potentially between 4
superior since it requires a single daily
and 6 million South Africans suffer from
microgram dose and works for 72 hours
compromised bone health.2
compared to K2 as MK-4 that requires
What would happen if we could promote bone health while simultaneously protecting
multiple daily milligram intakes and works for only 90 minutes.4,5
our cardiovascular health simply by taking a vitamin? Vitamin K2 as MK-7 (menaquinone-7) is a
THE K2 MECHANISM Vitamin K2 activates vitamin K-dependent
newly-recognised vitamin shown in clinical
proteins (VKDP) already present in the body.
studies to support bone and cardiovascular
Most of the research focuses on two VKDPs:
health by activating proteins that help the
• Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) inhibits calcium
body properly utilise calcium. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to obtain this vital
from depositing in arteries and soft tissues; • Osteocalcin (OC) binds calcium to the
nutrient from diet alone, leaving 97% of
bone mineral matrix for a stronger skeleton
the Western population deficient3, making
and dentin. food such as cheese (the most popular
supplementation a viable alternative. For these proteins to do their jobs, they
Western source). These products contain
WHAT IS VITAMIN K2?
must first be activated by Vitamin K2. The
relatively small levels, which would require
The supplement consists of a family
more incoming calcium, with no or not
consuming large amounts. The best source
of vitamins comprised of vitamin
enough vitamin K2, the more likely it will
of natural vitamin K2 as MK-7 is the traditional
K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2
be deposited into arterial blood vessels,
Japanese dish natto. Several studies link
(menaquinone). Phylloquinone and
increasing cardiovascular risks. When the
natto consumption in Japan to significant
menaquinone share similarities, such as
body has enough K2, it accelerates MGP’s
improvement in K vitamins status and bone
working in the liver for blood clotting; and
activity of transporting incoming calcium
health8,9. But the dish is rarely consumed
chemically share a quinone ring called
out of arteries and boosting OC’s bone
outside of Japan, and there are clear
menadione. This is, however, where
remodeling activity.
indications that Western populations have
6,7
insufficient intake of vitamin K2 from their
similarities end.
FOOD SOURCES
regular diets; hence supplementation is a
menaquinones, which are available beyond
The body cannot synthesise K vitamins (just
viable alternative.
the liver for other systems such as bones
small levels in the intestine), so people are
Vitamin K2 has several molecules, called
mainly dependent on regular food intake. Vitamin K1 is found in leafy green
Vitamin K2 supports bone health due to its
vegetables such as spinach and kale.
activation of OC. This has been established
However, K1 from food is very poorly
in a raft of studies, highlighted by a
absorbed – only about 10% of it reaches the
breakthrough double-blind, randomised
circulation, meaning a small amount can
clinical trial published in Osteoporosis
reach peripheral parts of the body. Moreover,
International using a specific K2 as MK-7
the liver takes what it needs of K1 with little
called MenaQ7.
left for other tissues. Add to this a common misconception that if one eats plenty of green leafy vegetables,
of the vertebrae and the hip (femoral neck)
they are getting plenty of vitamin K2.
against bone loss. This was attained with a
bacterial fermentation and is present in
April 2021 | FOOD REVIEW
The study demonstrated for the first time clinically statistically significant protection
Natural vitamin K2 is produced during
18
PROVEN BONE BENEFITS
nutritional dose (180mcg) of K2 as MK-7 taken daily for three years.
