At the Linus Pauling Institute’s Diet and Optimum Health Conference, professor Leon Schurgers, PhD, chair of the department of biochemistry at CARIM Maastricht University, presented recent findings from the VitaK-CAC trial. The event was held in Corvallis, OR in September. Gnosis by Lesaffre,  supplier of a vitamin K2 as MK-7 ingredient MenaQ7, provided the source material for the trial.

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and is an early marker of atherosclerosis. CAC occurs when calcium deposits accumulate in artery walls, hardening them and increasing the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke.

In the presentation, Schurgers discussed evidence of vitamin K2 supplementation in slowing the progression of CAC through its ability to carboxylate matrix Gla protein (MGP), a protein that prevents vascular calcium composition.

Study Findings

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study sought to determine the protective effect of 2 years of supplementation with MK-7 on slowing the progression of CAC in men and women. MK-7 levels rose significantly in the supplement group, with no change in placebo. Inactive MGP levels rose in both groups, but the MK-7 group saw a significantly smaller increase. While progression of calcification continued in both groups, MK-7 significantly slowed the rate of progression.

The new study follows previous research, including a 3-year study published in 2015 which found that MK-7 supplementation improved arterial flexibility through reduced CAC in post-menopausal women.

“This trial breaks new ground by showing, for the first time, that a vitamin can slow CAC progression, help postpone the development of coronary calcium buildup in individuals with coronary artery disease,” said Schurgers. “This is a major step forward in translating MK-7 science into clinical cardiology. MenaQ7 continues to prove its exceptional value in proactive cardiovascular care.”

“This is the first study to achieve statistical significance in its primary outcomes, a result the clinical community has eagerly awaited for a long time,” said Schurgers. “What better opportunity to share the preliminary findings than at such a revered event?”

“Professor Schurgers’ presentation is the latest in Gnosis’ continually-expanding scientific educational outreach program, and it certainly won’t be the last,” said Lacey Hall, director of medical affairs at Gnosis. “MenaQ7 has a robust and growing portfolio of evidence showing that it is one of the most powerfully authentic ‘anti-aging’ supplements available for healthy consumers, as well as for populations requiring cardiovascular support.”