Vitamins K and D act in synergy in the process of supporting and maintaining bone, cardiovascular and immune health. K-Force provides soy-free vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 for support of cardiovascular and bone health.
While vitamin D has long been known to assist in calcium absorption, it is vitamin K, through its carboxylation of osteocalcin, that guides calcium into bones and prevents its absorption into organs, joint spaces and arteries. Vitamin K occurs in three main forms: K1 (phylloquinone), from foods such as green leafy vegetables; K2 (menaquinone), which originates from bacteria; and K3 (menadione), which is a synthetic analogue. Numerous studies have shown that vitamin K2 is the more bioavailable form of the nutrient and more powerfully influences bone building than K1. In addition, though both reach the liver, most of the body's K1 is used for purposes of coagulation, with little left over to support the body's needs elsewhere.
Emerging research highlights the importance of optimal intake of vitamin K and its critical role in maintaining bone and cardiovascular health. Composed of a group of naturally occurring and structurally similar, fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin K is required for the proper utilization of calcium and helps to bind newly absorbed calcium to the bone matrix. Vitamin K acts in synergy with vitamin D to support and maintain bone, cardiovascular and immune health. K-Force provides 180 mcg of soy-free vitamin K2 delivered in the preferred MK-7 form, along with 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 per capsule, for optimal support of cardiovascular and bone health.
Calcium and vitamin D are important mediators in bone growth, but vitamin K plays an equally important role. The synthesis of bone growth is dependent on vitamin K, through its carboxylation of osteocalcin, a protein secreted by osteoblasts.5 Osteocalcin guides calcium into bones and prevents its absorption into organs, joint spaces and arteries. Vitamin K occurs in two main forms: K1 (phylloquinone), found primarily in the liver, naturally occurs in green leafy vegetables and is considered to be the main dietary source; and K2 (menaquinone), which is a group of related compounds differentiated by their side chains.7 MK-4 and MK-7 are the two subclasses of K2 most widely studied for their role in bone and cardiovascular health. MK-4 is primarily a metabolic byproduct of K1 while MK-7 is found in small quantities in liver mitochondria and other tissues.7 The MK-7 form is substantially more active, has a longer half-life and accumulates to higher concentrations in serum than vitamin K1.4, 9 The different degrees of bioavailability between K1 and K2 are due to differences in structure. The long side-chain of vitamin K2 (specifically MK-7) allows it to bind with fat particles in circulation. This process then allows easier facilitation to soft tissue, bones and arteries. More recently, research has shown that doses of 180 mcg of MK-7 provide greater results when supporting both bone and cardiovascular health.4
The addition of MenaQ7® PRO to this formula is backed by extensive research. Dr. Leon Schurgers , world-renowned expert in vitamin K2 as MK-7 research for cardiovascular and bone health, and his team of research scientists have conducted over 15 clinical trials on MenaQ7PRO through the University of Maastricht
Although most people consume adequate dietary levels/ amounts of vitamin K to maintain sufficient blood clotting, most do not consume enough MK-7 to meet cardiovascular and bone health needs. In fact, approximately 70% of the western population is deficient in vitamin K2. Compromised intestinal absorption can also lead to insufficient K2 levels leaving calcium available to be exported out of bone and into other tissues. Other medications such as antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering medications and laxatives have also been found to contribute to a deficiency of vitamin K.10
Vitamin K also plays a key role in supporting the cardiovascular system and healthy blood sugar balance. In a large population study, those who consumed high amounts of K2 had significantly improved cardiovascular markers compared to those given vitamin K1.15 A cohort of over 16,000 women also linked higher intake of K2 with better maintenance of cardiovascular health.16 Studies have also shown vitamin K to support healthy blood sugar metabolism.17,18 A 2015 study showed that long-term (three years) supplementation of 180 mcg of vitamin K2 as MK-7 was safe and effectively maintained healthy arterial elasticity and cardiovascular function.19,20 The same amount of MK-7 was also found to impart substantial benefits in arterial plasticity and blood vessel elasticity in healthy women, which had previously been only with “pharmacological doses” up to 4,500 mcg of synthetic vitamin K.14
Vitamin K2 (MK-7 form)
Composed of a group of naturally occurring and structurally similar, fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin K is required for the proper utilization of calcium and helps to bind newly absorbed calcium to the bone matrix. Vitamin K helps maintain bone mineral density by decreasing the activity of osteoclasts, or the cells that break down bone. Numerous studies have shown that vitamin K2 is the most bioavailable form of the nutrient. MK-7 has also been found to remain in the blood approximately nine times longer than other forms, making it the preferred form of K2. More recently, research has shown that doses of 180 mcg of MK-7 provide significant results when supporting both bone and cardiovascular health.
1 capsule per day or as recommended by your health care professional.
Ortho Molecular is a manufacturer of nutritional supplements that also develops its own formulas using efficacious and well-researched ingredients. With a 25-year experience, they implement a quality process that controls every step of the manufacturing line, from the selection of raw materials to packaging, ensuring their top standards are met all the way. To ensure the composition, strength, and purity of their products, they test them in a cutting-edge, in-house laboratory while they also focus on providing healthcare practitioners and their patients with educated technical support and products that considerably enhance health.
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