The many forms of Vitamin K
Further reading
Vitamin K2: A Requirement
Over the past 20 years, several other Natural Vitamin K (VKD) dependent proteins have been discovered apart from the Vitamin K dependent clotting factors. Recent studies have shown that in addition to their role in carboxylation of coagulation factors, VKD proteins are involved in bone metabolism and the inhibition of arterial calcification. The two VKD proteins extensively studied in this regard are osteocalcin and matrix Gla Protein (MGP); both are present in extra hepatic tissue.
The Carboxylation Process
Osteocalcin is synthesized mainly by Osteoblasts (bone cells), and when carboxylated, they enable calcium absorption onto the bone thus promoting mineralization. MGP is synthesized primarily by chondrocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells and is found in the cartilage, bone and vasculature. MGPs, when carboxylated, play a key role in the inhibition of tissue calcification; thus becoming a very critical factor in preventing plaque formation. The major dietary source of Vitamin K is K1 and the primary transport and uptake of K1 is in the liver where it plays a role in the carboxylation of the VKD clotting factors. The liver takes the amount of Vitamin K it needs, and the remaining Vitamin K is used by other tissues. Hence, Vitamin K deficiency mainly occurs in extra-hepatic tissues, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and arterial calcification.
MenaquinGold® is Natural Vitamin K2 known as menaquinone (MK-7, Vitamin K2-7). It is manufactured by Synergia Life Sciences a subsidiary of Viridis Biopharma in Mumbai, India, using proprietary fermentation technology in a dedicated GMP facility.
MK-7 is redistributed by the liver and transported to the extra-hepatic tissues where deficiency is typically found. Vitamin K2-7 (MK-7) has a half-life of 72 hours when compared to 1.5 hours for Vitamin K1. The absorption of MK-7 is better; it has stable serum levels and accumulates to higher levels during prolonged intake.
When compared with K1, Vitamin K2 was noted to be more effective in decreasing bone turnover and it exerts a more powerful influence on bone. In addition, Vitamin K2 has been linked to a reduction in coronary heart disease. It has been reported that Vitamin K2 could completely block arterial calcification induced by Warfarin.
Hence, co-factor activity of MK-7 is better, making MenaquinGold® the most effective and efficient Natural Vitamin K product for supplementation.
