Perhaps less well known that other vitamins like Vitamin B and Vitamin C, Vitamin K2 is equally essential for health. The experts at Gnosis from Lesaffre tell us why
What is vitamin K2 and what are its health benefits?
Vitamin K2 helps the body properly utilise calcium, providing simultaneous support to bones and the cardiovascular system. By activating K-dependent proteins already in the body, namely osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein (MGP), K2 helps the body bind calcium to the bone (where it is needed) while inhibiting it from depositing in arteries and soft tissues (where it increases cardiovascular risks). The cardiovascular mechanism is now being linked as having the potential to support brain health.
Why are some people deficient in vitamin K2?
Vitamin K2 deficiency is incredibly prevalent – up to 97% of the global population – because K2 is near impossible to obtain through diet alone. K2 is produced via fermentation and only specific foods contain substantial amounts. The richest source is a fermented soybean dish called Natto, but few find it palatable. The most popular Western source is quality fermented cheeses, but you must consume considerable amounts daily to get the necessary amount of K2.
How is MenaQ7® produced?
MenaQ7® Natural Vitamin K2 as MK-7 is produced through patented fermentation and purification processes. This natural fermentation produces menaquinone-7 (MK-7) which is completely free from known allergens.
How pure is it?
MenaQ7® has an exceptional purity profile. The multi-step patented purification processes successfully deliver MK-7 with a minute level of MK-6, a marker of natural fermentation. Most importantly, it is all-trans MK-7, meaning it is the bioactive form of the K2 molecule as it occurs in nature and is naturally recognised (and utilised) by the body.
Is anything added to MenaQ7®?
MenaQ7® high purity all-trans vitamin K2 as MK-7 is delivered in forms that are suitable for a whole range of finished product applications like soft gels, liquids, gummies, and so on. For that purpose, our portfolio comes in quality oils and powders free from any allergens, sugar, or gluten. And all inert materials are, of course, non-GMO.
Is it suitable for vegans?
MenaQ7® is produced to meet the most stringent quality assurance measures, including Non-GMO, Halal, and Kosher. Our material is not manufactured with any raw material or processing aids of animal origin, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Can anyone take MenaQ7®?
Supporting our bone and heart health is essential for everyone. In fact, our studies show children express the greatest need for K2 due to their bones developing intensely. The only contraindication for taking K2 is if someone is using an oral anticoagulant (i.e., blood thinner). For that reason, we encourage all our partners to include a warning on their products encouraging consumers to consult their physician if they are currently taking a blood thinner.
In what dosage is it taken?
Clinical studies show that Vitamin K2 as MK-7 (as MenaQ7®) is safe for both child and adult populations.
The MenaQ7® clinical studies have shown doses as low as 45mcg/day can positively and safely contribute to bone and cardiovascular health in adults, while the ground-breaking 3-year trials in healthy postmenopausal women used 180 mcg/daily. Further, our study of healthy prepubertal children showed a dose of 45-50mcg/day can positively and safely improve bone health.
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How long should it be taken for?
Experiencing bone and cardiovascular benefits from vitamin K2 does not happen overnight. Consistent, cumulative supplementation has been shown improvement in as little as a year. For our bone health studies in children, improvement was seen in as little as 3 months.
Has it been subjected to clinical trials?
Absolutely. In fact, MenaQ7® Vitamin K2 as MK-7 has been the source material for 22+ human clinical trials published in respected peer-reviewed journals. We offer links on our website (https://menaq7.com/science/). These studies have confirmed safe, efficacious health benefits, as well as the most appropriate dosages for children and adults, and have become the foundation of our understanding of K2 as we know it today.
What is the story behind Gnosis?
Gnosis by Lesaffre harnesses the power of microorganisms and biotransformation processes like fermentation to cultivate nutritional actives, probiotics, and nutritional and functional yeasts that benefit human health and well-being. The team draws on its focused research and application capabilities to collaborate with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical brands to develop game-changing products for their customers.
Gnosis by Lesaffre – Exploring Life to Improve Living. http://www.GnosisByLesaffre.com
Where can I find out more about MenaQ7®?
We hope you will visit https://menaq7.com to learn more about our ingredient and the benefits it has been clinically proven to deliver. You can also learn more about the quality supplements available across the globe featuring MenaQ7® by visiting https://menaq7.com/buy-menaq7/for-consumers/.
