A recent review has highlighted the benefits of vitamin K2 as MK-7 for bone health.
The report specifically delves into the benefits of pairing vitamin K2 with vitamin D, and how this can support our bones, while also promoting calcium metabolism.
Currently, osteoporosis is a significant issue worldwide, as approximately 20% of the population live with this condition.
According to previous research into Gnosis' MenaQ7 ingredient, even a minor increase in bone density can significantly reduce the risk of fractures in those with osteoporosis.
Therefore, the findings detailed in this review call attention to the potential of vitamin K2 and vitamin D supplementation in preventing fractures and promoting bone health.
Those receiving daily K2 had an increased bone mineral density
Vitamin K2 for bone health: the evidence
In 2013, researchers determined that post-menopausal women taking K2 daily showed a diminished rate of age-related decline in bone mineral content and density.1
This increase in bone density proved vital in reducing fracture risk, while also maintaining mobility.
Following on from this study, a systematic review from Ma et al. (2022) and a parallel meta-analysis from Zhou et al. (2022) found distinct bone support benefits from K2 supplementation.2,3
In these analyses, those receiving daily K2 had an increased bone mineral density in their lumbar spine, while also exhibiting a reduced fracture incidence.
Not only can vitamin K2 supplementation enhance bone density, but it can also bolster a user’s extrahepatic vitamin K status.
An increase in extrahepatic levels of vitamin K is a significant factor in the promotion of bone mineralisation and strength.
Vitamin K2 and D as a bone-boosting duo
Research suggests that vitamin K2 can help to potentiate the protective effects of and vitamin D, while also having its own benefit as a single entity.
A meta-analysis by Kuang et al (2020) highlights this finding, as the combination of vitamin K2 and D enhanced the total bone marrow density.4
This synergistic combination also decreased the presence of undercarboxylated osteocalcin in users, which is linked to weakened bone structure and fracture potential.
The most recent evidence to back up the pair’s efficacy was published in July 2024, and comprehensively covers the recent studies that detail the synergistic effects of vitamin K2 and D supplementation.5
Vitamin K2 and calcium
In a systematic review of RCTs involving 1,346 subjects, Hu et al (2021) found that combining vitamin K and calcium had a highly similar effect to vitamin K2/D supplementation.6
This suggests that vitamin K and calcium could also be a highly effective approach to supporting bone health while staving off the possibility of osteoporosis.
Substantiation Team Leader at Gnosis, Jean-François Jeanne, commented: “The growing body of evidence showing that supplementation with Vitamin K2 as MK-7 protects healthy bone structure is compelling, and MenaQ7 MK-7 has been the source material in pioneering research in this area,”
“Vitamin K2 completes the triumvirate of bone health alongside calcium and vitamin D, and Gnosis is committed to informing and educating consumers and healthcare professionals on this. We are actively supporting more bone research, with recent efforts focused on reducing the side effects of bisphosphonates.”
References
1 Knapen et al Osteoporosis Int (2013)
2 Ma et al. Front Public Health (2022)
3 Zhou et al. J Bone Miner Metab (2022)
4 Kuang et al. Food Funct (2020)
5 Aeseth JO et al. Nutrients (2024)
6 Hu et al. J Orthop Surg Res (2021)