Montvale, New Jersey, (1 February, 2024) –
Groundbreaking research in the dynamic cardiovascular health space continues to underscore the potential of vitamin K2 MK-7 as a heart health supplement. The latest findings from a peer-reviewed paper – published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) – have revealed the potentially positive effects of vitamin K2 MK-7 and vitamin D intake on coronary artery calcification (CAC) progression specifically.1
The Aortic Valve Decalcification Trial – also known as the AVADEC study – is a clinical trial investigating the impact of daily vitamin K2 and D supplementation on CAC progression – which is strongly associated with a higher risk of heart disease and negative cardiovascular events. No significant effect was observed on the CAC score in the total group. However, the peer-reviewed research in JACC did find that two years of all-trans vitamin K2 MK-7 (720 µg/d K2VITAL® DELTA vitamin K2 MK-7) and vitamin D (25 µg/d) intervention in a subgroup analysis of participants at high-risk of CAC (CAC score ≥ 400 AU) with no prior ischemic heart disease (heart weakening) significantly slowed down the progression of the CAC score. Statin users also displayed a significant slowdown in the progression of the CAC score following vitamin K2 and D intervention. A further noteworthy observation was that the number of adverse “events” in patients – that is acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and all-cause death – was lower in the group receiving vitamin K2 MK-7 and D supplementation compared to placebo.
“Scientific observations reveal that vitamin K2 and D supplementation play an important role in heart health – but there is limited research that delves deeper into the mechanism of action behind this benefit. Our research set out to fill this gap in knowledge, with discoveries from the subgroup analyses offering promising insights into the role of both vitamins in calcification in specific populations.”
Axel Diederichsen, Principal investigator of the study, Professor, Odense University Hospital in Denmark
In addition to its possible role in CAC progression, the potential of vitamin K2 MK-7 is being investigated in arterial health too. One recent study demonstrated that 24 weeks of 375 µg/d K2 MK-7 intake provided a beneficial impact on lowering the rate of arterial stiffness progression in chronic hemodialysis patients with diabetes.2 Whereas another trial highlighted the effect of 360 µg/d K2 MK-7 on arterial elasticity in vitamin K-deficient kidney transplant recipients after 12 weeks; concluding that K2 intervention supports healthy progression of arterial stiffness.3
“As an industry leader in vitamin K2 MK-7 scientific excellence, we remain at the forefront of cutting-edge research in the field – and we are excited to have uncovered findings that are important for the future of our understanding of the heart health space. These latest discoveries in CAC progression and arterial stiffness signify a step forward for heart health solutions and will most certainly open up new development opportunities. It’s particularly exciting that our K2VITAL® DELTA vitamin K2 MK-7 is projected to be at the heart of innovation.”
Trygve Bergeland, Director Nutrition Science, Kappa Bioscience® (now a Balchem company)
Balchem’s K2VITAL® DELTA ingredient provides typically 99.7% all-trans vitamin K2 MK-7 – identical to the K2 molecule found in nature and fully bioactive. With excellent purity and unmatched stability and patented processes, Balchem aims to bring the best possible health benefits to consumers around the world, including support for bone, heart and immune health.
To learn more about Balchem’s solutions for vitamin K2 MK-7 innovation, visit: https://balchem.com/human-nutrition-health/
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