K2 is recognized as a cardiovascular health protector
Two papers link Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) status and aortic stiffness to compromised eye and brain health. Vitamin K2 is needed to activate this important protein.
The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Scientific Reports published papers that examined the role of aortic stiffness caused by calcification, which affects calcium presence in blood vessels and can contribute to age-related stiffness, as a contributing factor to dementia and retinal arteriolar health, respectively. Both conditions are impacted by the status of active MGP, the most potent inhibitor of vascular calcification (once activated by Vitamin K2 as MK-7). Once activated, MGP helps regulate calcium transport as part of the mechanism by which K2 is now recognized as a cardiovascular protector that supports blood vessels. MenaQ7® is the first and best Vitamin K2 as MK-7 clinically validated and patented for cardiovascular health.
According to “Aortic stiffness associated with Increased Risk of Dementia in Older Adults”[1], cardiovascular disease risk factors, including age, hypertension, and diabetes, contribute to aortic stiffness and subclinical cardiovascular and brain maladies, increasing dementia risk. Aortic stiffness, measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), reduces the buffering of pulsatile blood flow, exposing cerebral small arteries to microvascular damage. Healthier vascular function may also support long-term vision. The paper questions whether interventions to slow arterial stiffening (such as K2 supplementation) can reduce the risk of dementia.
Meanwhile, the paper “Inactive matrix Gla protein is a novel circulating biomarker predicting retinal arteriolar narrowing in humans”[2] examined how active MGP, “a potent inhibitor of calcification in large arteries, protects against macrovascular complications and may also help protect ocular health.” The paper states that “recent studies suggested that active MGP helps maintain the integrity of the renal and myocardial microcirculation, but its role in preserving the microcirculation in the retina remains unknown.”
A protector of retinal health
Studying a randomly recruited Flemish population, the researchers concluded that circulating inactive MGP (dp-ucMGP) is a long-term predictor of smaller retinal arteriolar diameter in the general population. “Our observations highlight the possibility that Vitamin K supplementation might help protect retinal health and eye health,” they stated.
Vitamin K2 as MK-7 is the only compound to date shown to impact arterial calcification through its activation of MGP, which is why it is garnering attention from the healthcare community as a potential supplement, with Vitamin K2 as a critical nutrient in this process. MenaQ7, is the first and best K2 on the market clinically proven to impact cardiovascular health through its activation of MGP, and the only K2 patented for cardiovascular health.
There are 17 K-dependent proteins in the body, and we have a strong understanding of a few; these nutrients play vital roles in blood clotting, bone health, and cardiovascular health. These findings shine a light on the importance of continuing research to articulate the health benefits of activating additional proteins, and the impact that supporting these biological processes can have on the global population.
References:
- Cui C, Sekikawa A, Kuller LH, Lopez OL, Newman AB, Kuipers AL, Mackey RH. “Aortic stiffness is associated with increased risk of incident dementia in older adults.” J Alzheimer’s Dis. 2018;66(1):297-306.
- Wei FF, Huang QF, Zhang ZY, Van Keer K, Thijs L, et al. “Inactive matrix gla protein is a novel circulating biomarker predicting retinal arteriolar narrowing in humans.” Sci Rep. 2018 Oct 10;8(1):15088.
Deep dive into Vitamin K2
Significant research shows vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin, occurs naturally, and Vitamin K2 is primarily found in fermented foods and animal products in the MK-7 form. Vitamin K2 as MK-7 has a longer half-life and is valued for bone and cardiovascular health support.
Because it is fat-soluble, absorption depends on diet and the healthy fats consumed.
Most people do not achieve adequate intake through food alone, so supplements can be a reliable option to support their Vitamin K2 intake.
