A cadre of researchers specialising in the biological activities of vitamin K2 menaquinone-7 (MK-7) gathered for the 5th semi-annual Gnosis by Lesaffre Vitamin K2 Scientific Advisory Committee meeting held in mid-November. During the meeting, they presented groundbreaking research, forthcoming study publications, and explored new marketing landscapes to further consumer education and motivate purchase.
The meeting, led by K2 pioneer Professor Leon Schurgers from Maastricht University, featured two main sessions: science and marketing.
Scientific Session
New study results support the benefits of MK-7 as MenaQ7® and highlight the importance of optimal extrahepatic vitamin K status, with several key findings that offer strong marketing potential. Fresh findings from new studies were presented by K2 experts Prof. Schurgers, Prof. Sola Bahous, Dr. Stefanos Roumeliotis, and Gnosis Industrial PhD Student Rudolf Bittner.
Data previously presented by Dr. Roumeliotis’ group at the 62nd ERA-EDTA congress showed that low vitamin K status is linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired cardiovascular function. [1] Oxidative stress emerged early in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and worsened as kidney function declined, closely paralleling increases in inactive Matrix Gla Protein (dp-ucMGP) and suggesting a link with vitamin K deficiency. [2] Cognitive impairment also appeared early and progressed with CKD severity, independently associating with higher dp-ucMGP, underscoring the connection between vitamin K deficiency and poorer clinical outcomes.[3] Together, these findings suggest that improving vitamin K status may be an important benefit to protect kidney health and reduce cardiovascular and cognitive complications in CKD.
Additionally, data collected from MenaQ7® interventional studies have shown benefits in arterial calcification and body composition, with full publications expected in 2026 (so stay tuned and follow us). Together, these findings suggest that improving vitamin K status—particularly by increasing vitamin K2 intake—may be a crucial strategy for enhancing kidney and overall health.
Dr. Katarzyna Maresz, scientific consultant for Gnosis and executive coordinator of the company’s Vitamin K2 Scientific Advisory Committee, commented, “This semi-annual event dedicated to advancing knowledge of K2 to drive product innovation is highly anticipated by leading clinical and scientific experts in the field. Experts presented ongoing observational and MenaQ7 clinical studies that will strengthen the message around extrahepatic vitamin K and general well-being, with emphasis on cardiovascular, kidney, and novel cognitive health.”
Marketing Session
The demand for products containing vitamin K2 (MK-7) is soaring worldwide, but with differing priorities. Beyond traditional supplement formats, UK brands have a new focus on innovative product concepts such as salad dressings, shots, and ‘health biscuits,’ as examples. The Philippines is focused on increasing awareness and knowledge of K2’s benefits for cardiovascular and kidney health, whereas in Vietnam, the emphasis is on bone health and growth, particularly in children.
“Overall, the global K2 market is experiencing strong growth, driven by increasing awareness of its benefits for bone and cardiovascular health, with further expansion expected in the coming years,” added Xavier Berger, Gnosis Global Category Manager.
Conclusion
“The data collected and presented by the experts, as well as the planned future research, have high marketing and robust formulation value for vitamin K2 as MenaQ7,” Dr. Maresz stated. “We also identified important gaps, such as the lack of clear recommendations and the still limited recognition of this important nutrient. Despite numerous clinical studies and meta-analyses demonstrating clear benefits of vitamin K2 —for example, in bone health, this shows there is still a lot of work to do, but the outlook for future use of K2 remains very promising."
References:
1 Neofytouet et al. The association of dephosphorylated, uncarboxylated Matrix Gla Protein with vascular calcification and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease patients. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2025 Oct;40(Suppl 3).
2 Tsinari A, Neofytou I, Varouktsi G, et al. The association of malondialdehyde, catalase and superoxide dismutase with kidney function and vitamin K status in chronic kidney disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2025;40(Suppl 3).
3 Varouktsi et al. The association of cognitive dysfunction with markers of oxidative stress and vitamin K deficiency in chronic kidney disease patients. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2025;40(Suppl 3).
