and bone strength, it also stopped age-related arterial stiffening and improved arterial flexibility. In the first study, the research team monitored 244 healthy postmenopausal women who were randomly selected to receive either 180mcg of MenaQ7 ® or a placebo every day for three years. The supplementation group significantly increased their circulating active osteocalcin (cOC), a well-established biomarker for bone and vitamin K status. After three years of supplementation, improvements in both bone mineral content and density were more evident in the MenaQ7 ® group. Moreover, bone strength was greatly improved. In the second study, the same research group took recognised standard measurements for cardiovascular health [pulse wave velocity (PWV) and ultrasound techniques] from the same group of 244 healthy postmenopausal women. Results confirmed that carotid artery health was significantly improved over a three-year period as compared to the placebo group. Also, PWV was significantly decreased in the MenaQ7 ® group, demonstrating an increase in arterial elasticity and reduction in age-related arterial stiffening. In other words, the arteries actually became healthier and more flexible in the MenaQ7 ® group. These results have been supported by a recent one-year study in healthy men and women.
Lifelong benefits of K2 Bone health is not just a concern for older people. In fact, the odds of developing a bone disease later in life are closely linked to the amount of bone mass accumulated before age 30, so adopting good bone-building habits early is essential. Up to 90 per cent of peak bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls and by age 20 in boys, and just a 10 per cent increase in bone mass will halve that child’s risk of osteoporotic fracture in adult life. Interestingly, a study published in Food & Function has revealed that healthy children actually demonstrate the largest vitamin K deficiency, followed by adults 40 years and older. Research has also emphasised the importance of MK-7 supplementation, indicating that improving vitamin K status in children over a two-year period resulted in them having stronger, denser bones.
Dr Hogne Vik is the Chief Medical Officer for NattoPharma. Clinical references available on request.
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ISSUE 59 • 2020
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