Vitamin K2 formulations for foods and beverages

Offentlig prosjektsammendrag

NattoPharma is a leading supplier of Vitamin K2 products to maintain human health and healthy development and aging. It stays in the forefront of Vitamin K2 research and technology such as findings on addressing effects of COVID-19. Vitamin K2 activates a range of enzymes in the body, so called vitamin K dependent proteins. Osteocalcin is one of them, and only after activation it will be functional in supporting deposition of calcium to bone mass. This results in lower risk of both bone fractures and onset of osteoporosis. Another enzyme is matrix Gla protein (MGP). After activation by vitamin K2, MGP is an inhibitor of calcification in the blood vessels. Clinical trials by collaborating University of Maastricht (Prof. Leon Schurgers) have shown that vitamin K2 can on short term stop the decline in arterial flexibility and on longer term improve the flexibility. NattoPharma has supported 20 clincal trials and is currently investigating other indications for MK-7. Vitamin K2 is oil soluble and is absorbed from the small intestine with dietary oils and fat. This project will be important for understanding impact of formulation on potential for bioabsorption as food is digested.