Global researchers dedicated to exploring the health benefits of vitamin K2 met in Thessaloniki, Greece, for the fourthh annual Gnosis by Lesaffre Vitamin K2 Scientific Advisory Committee (K2SAC) meeting.
The event featured panels by internationally prominent experts, focused on groundbreaking advances in research and communications strategies for continued growth in K2 awareness.
Hosted by Dr Stefanos Roumeliotis, Head Academic Researcher, Second Department of Nephrology, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the 4th K2SAC meeting was chaired by Prof. Leon Schurgers from the University of Maastricht, who is recognised as the pre-eminent Vitamin K2 expert.
Each year, this robust committee plays a pivotal role in furthering the scientific understanding of Vitamin K2, shaping research priorities, and driving K2’s clinical and supplemental potential.
K2 scientific sessions
The Scientific Session highlighted cutting-edge ongoing research featuring contributions from leading K2 researchers, including Prof. Schurgers, Prof. Sola Bahous and Dr Roumeliotis.
They shared preliminary data from MenaQ7 clinical trials, including the VitaK-CAC study demonstrating that MK-7 slowed coronary artery calcification, as well as updates on ongoing studies in kidney disease and migraines, with some results expected soon.
A session dedicated to early career researchers offered fresh perspectives, including a standout presentation by industrial PhD student Rudolf Bittner (Gnosis by Lesaffre/Maastricht University), who shared post-hoc findings from the MenaQ7 one-year clinical study.
“Sharing these findings with leading experts in the field was a valuable opportunity to spark dialogue around the future potential of this important nutrient,” stated Bittner.
New research and voices
Other young researchers made their mark at the meeting as well; Dr Ioannis Keofytou and Dr Ariti Tsinari presented new research exploring novel angles in chronic kidney disease, focusing on the roles of vitamin K status in cognitive function, inflammation and oxidative stress.
Kimmo Makinen, Gnosis Head of Scientific Affairs, related: "The sheer breadth and depth of K2 research in humans is not only exciting, but astounding, and the momentum drives even more research forward."
"At the 4th K2SAC meeting, the tremendous progress made is evident and early data from current ongoing research is promising for the future health value of K2."
Finally, a Marketing-Focused session played a key role in highlighting how to effectively translate scientific findings into accessible, popular science communication.
Discussions emphasised the mutual importance of sharing new research in a clear, engaging way — and how strategic marketing can help to deliver complex messages through simple, impactful narratives.
Photo caption: Participants (from L to R): Dr Hogne Vik, Prof. Leon Schurgers, Dr Katarzyna Maresz, Dr Stefanos Roumeliotis, Dr Olav Gåserød, Prof. Sola Bahous and Dr Kimmo Makinen.
