Why do you need Vitamin K2 MK-7 supplements?

1. Importance of Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 MK-7 is a fat-soluble vitamin that is biologically active in animals and essential for bone and calcium metabolism, playing a fundamental and critical role.

Vitamin K2 acts like a "conductor" that directs calcium deposition by activating bone-related proteins - osteocalcin (OC) and matrix Gla protein (MGP) - to target calcium into bones while inhibiting abnormal calcification of cartilage and vessel walls [1,2]. This maintains bone and vascular health and helps improve mobility.

Among the vitamin K family, K1 and K3 must be converted to K2 to become active, demonstrating its significance.

Different activated forms of vitamin K2 supplements have varying efficacies and minimum effective doses. Common forms are MK-4 (menaquinone-4) and MK-7 (menaquinone-7), with MK-7 having the advantages of lower effective dose and higher bioavailability[3].

2. Obtaining Vitamin K2

Natural vitamin K2 is mainly synthesized by intestinal bacteria, but the body's intestinal synthesis is far below required levels, especially in middle-aged and elderly as synthesis capacity rapidly declines with age [1]. Therefore, external intake is necessary. Currently, natto has the highest vitamin K2 content among foods but does not fit most dietary habits. To reach the recommended 45μg daily vitamin K2 from other foods requires consuming 8 lbs of beef or 5 liters of milk, which is unrealistic.

Thus, many people have difficulty obtaining adequate vitamin K2 from diet alone, requiring exogenous supplementation.

Literature searches show 500+ studies in recent years on vitamin K2 for bone health, with 50+ RCTs on its calcium bone deposition effects and 10+ on preventing vascular calcification.

① Calcium Bone Deposition

Mechanism [3]:

Vitamin K2 aids bone development and density increase. The main mechanism is carboxylating glutamic acid residues in osteocalcin to gamma-carboxyglutamic acid, activating osteocalcin to form "calcium claws" that bind hydroxyapatite and promote bone mineralization.

Clinical Studies [4]:

In an 8-week randomized controlled trial of vitamin K2 (MK-7) supplementation in 55 adolescents, measurements of serum uncarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), carboxylated OC (cOC) and MK-7 assessed calcium absorption. Results showed moderate MK-7 supplementation (45μg/d) increased MK-7 levels and osteocalcin carboxylation in healthy adolescents. Since ucOC is secreted by osteoblasts, vitamin K2 converts it to cOC to form calcium claws, improving calcium absorption.

② Inhibiting Vascular Calcificatio

Mechanism

Vascular calcification is the abnormal deposition of calcium-phosphate in vessel walls, contributing to some cardiovascular issues and aging.

Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is the first protein recognized in vitro and in vivo as a calcification inhibitor, and a potent natural inhibitor of calcification [5] When carboxylated and phosphorylated, it becomes biologically active to inhibit vascular calcification.

Mechanisms of MGP [6] include binding free calcium ions, clearing them from circulation into bones; antagonizing BMPs to inhibit osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption; binding matrix vesicles secreted by smooth muscle cells; anti-apoptotic effects; etc. Vitamin K2 activates MGP to inhibit arterial calcification, reducing cardiovascular risks [7].

Clinical Studies [8]:

A 10-year study of over 4800 adults (≥55 years old) in Rotterdam examined if dietary vitamin K2 intake correlates with aortic calcification and cardiovascular outcomes.

Results showed: that vitamin K2 intake decreased relative cardiovascular risks; subjects with ≥32.7μg daily vitamin K2 had 50% lower risk of aortic calcification compared to low intake groups.

Extensive theoretical and clinical evidence demonstrates vitamin K2 promotes calcium absorption and bone mineralization while reducing vessel wall calcium deposits and vascular calcification.

The 2013 Chinese Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis recommend ~50-120μg/day vitamin K2 to maintain bone health [1]. Thus, vitamin K2 content should be considered when selecting supplements.

An optimized calcium supplement formula should contain:

- Adequate calcium

- Vitamin D3:

- Improves calcium absorption, directing 20-40% more into blood [9]

- Vitamin K2 MK-7:

- Activates osteocalcin and MGP to form calcium claws, facilitating bone deposition and converting "blood calcium" to "bone calcium", increasing osteocalcin carboxylation by 36% [10].

Vitamin K2 is critical for bone and cardiovascular health by promoting calcium absorption into bones and inhibiting abnormal vascular calcification. This scientifically designed formulation utilizes the synergistic effects of calcium, and vitamins D3 and K2 to effectively maintain bone health.

Additionally, a balanced diet and exercise routine with joint and bone movement can enhance mobility for a healthy lifestyle.

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