New cardiovascular research presented from the Odense University Hospital in Denmark at the European Society of Cardiology Congress (Barcelona, Spain, August 2022) reveals a link between vitamin K2 MK-7 and D supplementation in slowing progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) – a strong predictor of acute myocardial infarction, also known as heart attack, and cardiovascular mortality.
The double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial was independently designed and performed by the research group, and Kappa Bioscience®’s vitamin K2 MK-7 solution (K2VITAL® DELTA) was the active ingredient tested. The study concluded that the ingredient together with vitamin D3 may help to slow the progression of CAC. These findings present an exciting opportunity for nutraceutical manufacturers looking to support healthy ageing with efficacious and science-backed ingredients.
Vitamin K2 MK-7 slows CAC progression
Acute myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of death in the developed world, with a prevalence approaching 3 million people worldwide, annually. CAC, i.e. the buildup of calcium in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, is a strong predictor of acute myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. The Aortic Valve Decalcification Trial – commonly known as the AVADEC study – was commissioned in 2018 to investigate the effects of vitamin K supplementation through the quantification of calcium deposits in the aortic valve as well as the coronary arteries. A subgroup analysis of the study found that vitamin K2 MK-7 (720 µg/day) and D (25 µg/day) intake for 2 years slowed the progression of coronary plaque development in individuals at high-risk of CAC with no prior identified ischemic heart disease. Additionally, the number of “events” – that is acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularisation and all-cause death – while limited in number, was lower in the group receiving vitamin K2 MK-7 and D supplementation compared to placebo. These important outcomes were presented by Selma Hasific, PhD student, at the European Society of Cardiology conference – the largest cardiology convention in the world.
“These findings add to a growing bank of evidence demonstrating the benefits of vitamin K2 MK-7 for heart health, but this is the first clinical trial documenting effects directly on calcium deposits in the coronary arteries,” said Trygve Bergeland, Vice President Science & Product Development, Kappa Bioscience. “We’re thrilled to be at the forefront of such pivotal research in the cardiovascular space and for our K2VITAL® solution to be at the centre of it all. We’ve been interested in the science behind ‘The Perfect Pair’ – that is vitamin K2 MK-7 supplementation in combination with vitamin D – for some time now. The positive discoveries from the AVADEC trial signal an exciting advancement in our continued efforts to understand the full benefits of this vitamin combination.”
Kappa Bioscience’s K2VITAL® and K2VITAL® DELTA ingredients are all-trans vitamin K2 MK-7 products with unmatched stability and 99.7% isomeric purity. K2VITAL® DELTA is an innovative double-encapsulated stable vitamin K2 offering exceptional stability in formulations combining K2 and minerals, like calcium or magnesium. Both ingredients are easy to use and fully bioactive, ensuring that consumers can experience the full advantages of vitamin K2 for their bones, hearts and bodies.
This news comes hot on the heels of a recent study from the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) Foundation exploring the US healthcare cost savings that could be generated between 2022 – 2030 from the targeted use of dietary supplements – including vitamin K2, omega-3s, magnesium and dietary fibre. The study concluded that if the high-risk population for coronary artery disease were to take these 4 supplements at a preventive level, it could prevent between 81,236 and 301,539 avoidable medical events. This amounts to yearly net savings of between US$13.3 billion and US$85.3 billion. Savings of between $12.66 billion and $83.84 billion are estimated to be occurring in the target population already taking these supplements. These findings show that for national economies, dietary supplements – like vitamin K2 – can mean small investments today and big returns tomorrow.
To learn more about Kappa Bioscience’s solutions for vitamin K2 MK-7 innovation, visit https://www.kappabio.com/.
