OFFERS VITAMIN K2 (MK-7) TO HELP MAINTAIN HEALTHY VASCULAR CALCIUM HOMEOSTASIS TO SUPPORT CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION‡
Vitamin K2 menaquinone-7 promotes healthy vascular calcium balance and cardiovascular function. In a systematic review involving 5 studies, higher intakes of vitamin K2 were associated with cardiovascular health. Research indicates that it supports the carboxylation of matrix Gla-protein (MGP), a key protein involved in calcium balance. Unlike vitamin K1, which promotes bone health, menaquinone-7 targets vascular tissue to support healthy arterial blood flow and vascular elasticity. In an observational study involving 564 postmenopausal
women, higher intake of vitamin K2 was associated with calcium balance in the vascular tissue. Optimal serum levels of vitamin D are
also important to maintain healthy calcium balance in vascular tissues, in part by supporting the activity of MGP. Studies indicate that the
combination of vitamin K and D provides synergistic support. Vitamin K supplementation may be contraindicated for those taking Coumadin/ warfarin anticoagulant medication.‡

Dr. W's Comments:

This is a really interesting nutrient that I’m getting more and more excited about.  We used to think of Vitamin K as simply a nutrient that helps in coagulation of blood; then it was discovered to play a role in bone calcification.  Now it looks like it is very important to ensure that calcium does not calcify in places it is not supposed to calcify – like your arteries, which can cause stroke and heart attacks; or in other soft tissues like cartilage where it can cause joint pains.  It is also valuable in patients on dialysis, which often causes calcification of the kidney’s vascular vessels.  It has been found that most dialysis patients are deficient in Vitamin K.  

Unfortunately if you are on anticoagulant therapy you should not take this without monitoring from your doctor.  What warfarin does is to block the recycling of Vitamin K.  Unfortunately people who take warfarin, or Coumadin have a greater chance of developing calcification of their arteries – which actually goes against the goal of protecting their vascular vessels.  

The form of Vitamin K-2 (7) in this support is formed by a traditional process of bacterial fermentation of soy that is done in Japan.  People who eat this product regularly have less bone fractures and cardiovascular issues.  Though you may hear me say eating/drinking soy products is not good for you, fermented soy products, as well as tofu is okay!