Gnosis by Lesaffre's Vitamin K2 Scientific Advisory Committee (K2SAC) has shared insights from its meeting at the Cardiovascular Research Institute at Maastricht University.
At the meeting, the experts discussed critical advances in vitamin K2 research, as well as the necessity of sharing these findings with the public, as well as brands selling this functional ingredient.
Vitamin K2 in healthy ageing
Throughout the meeting, many topics were addressed, including the impact of vitamin K2 in healthy ageing — which is currently being looked into by PhD student Rudolf Bittner.
His research paper, titled "Investigating the Role of Vitamin K2 in Aging: Insights into Mitochondrial Function and Dynamics" will be published in due course.
The team also discussed recent clinical updates highlighting the potential of vitamin K2 in promoting kidney health and relieving migraines.
Prof. Leon Schurgers, a researcher and longstanding collaborator for Gnosis by Lesaffre, chaired the event. “Under my guidance, several young researchers have embraced vitamin K2 as an exciting and novel field of study; our meeting offered these emerging scientists a platform to explore cutting-edge topics, including the role of K2 in ageing and its potential benefits for cognitive health, beyond its already recognised bone and cardiovascular advantages.”
Raising awareness on the benefits of vitamin K2
As well as discussing the latest findings, the experts addressed the need for an enhanced understanding on vitamin K2's role in health within both the public and the nutraceutical industry.
This includes a heightened comprehensive of vitamin K2's safety and potential contraindications as, although the ingredient is commonly used in supplements, the experts believe that there is a lack of understanding on how to use it safely and effectively.
"More effort is needed to educate the public about the importance and safety of this nutrient," stated Hogne Vik, member of the K2SAC and Gnosis Medical and Scientific Advisor. “Vitamin K2 is too important a nutrient to be avoided out of fear of a contraindication or safety. We ideally need to ensure that doctors and consumers are aware of this."