Low Vitamin K2 Status a Cardio Risk Factor

PHILADELPHIA—Presentations at the American Society of Nephrology's Renal Week 2008 supported evidence that increased intake of Vitamin K2 from dietary sources significantly reduces the incidence of arterial calcification and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Four presentations, including two abstracts, a poster and a feature presentation by Leon Schurgers, PhD, Senior Scientist at the Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM) at the University of Maastricht, all discussed the significance of adequate vitamin K2 intake for the prevention of vascular calcification in both healthy and diseased populations. The source of natural vitamin K2 used in the studies was MenaQ7 natural vitamin K2.

Schurgers explained: "Calcification of the arteries seen in chronic kidney disease is the same type of calcification which is found in aging population. The accumulation of calcium salts in the arteries results in stiffening and increase fragility. This might be considered a ‘silent killer’ as hardening of the arteries develops without any symptoms over time. At this meeting evidence was provided that the process of calcification is an actively regulated process and that adequate vitamin K2 intake can prevent this process and potentially reduce this risk factor."