MenaQ7: Benefits, Testing, and Recommendations

Newer studies have also revealed that it would make sense to classify K1 and K2 as different nutrients altogether because of properties unique to each type.* K2, for example, can actually be broken down into two nutrients – Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) and Menaquinone-7 (MK-7).

In June of 2017, one study examined the impact of K1 and K2 on various cardiovascular and bone challenges.* Scientists observed that K2 (MK-4 and MK-7) made noticeable positive impacts on heart and bone health, whereas vitamin K1 alone did not.*

The study also showed that vitamin K2 supported bone quality.* When choosing a K vitamin, studies such as this one suggest that K2, particularly MK-7, may make the most impact.*

Benefits of MENAQ7®

MenaQ7® (menaquinone-7 or MK-7) plays a vital role in bone metabolism.* It activates osteocalcin and matrix GLA proteins, which help calcium bind to phosphorus and benefit bone health.*

Vitamin K is also long-associated with heart health.* This makes sense because of its impact on blood coagulation.* However, calcium also factors in as a mechanism of action for cardiovascular health.*

K vitamins help reduce the number of calcium deposits in the arteries by activating osteocalcin, a protein that transports and deposits calcium into bones.* Those taking K2 over long periods (7-10 years) were more than 52% less likely to experience vascular and heart-related challenges because K2 redirects calcium away from arteries.*

IN ADDITION TO SUPPORTING HEART AND BONE HEALTH, MENAQ7® ALSO:

May support age-related arterial health*
May support dental health*
May support joint health*
May support cognitive health*
May support healthy insulin response*

What separates MENAQ7® FROM OTHER TYPES OF VITAMIN K?

MenaQ7® is the first and most clinically validated novel form of vitamin K2 as MK-7 (menaquinone-7).

There are currently 22 studies published on MenaQ7® that clinically validate its benefits and efficacy.* Ten of those studies are specific to heart health, and three are related to bone health.*

Menaquinone is trending as a cardio-support nutrient, but not all vitamin K2 is made equally. MenaQ7® (K2 as MK-7) has a proven track record of being beneficial for arterial stiffening.* Not all K2 formulations can deliver this particular benefit.

MenaQ7® makes a powerful impact due to its remarkable purification and condensation process. Its crystals are made through a cutting-edge process using the gram-positive mesophilic bacteria, Bacillus licheniformis. The result is a product that is over 96% pure MK-7.

MenaQ7® is the superior choice for vitamin K2 supplementation because of its ultra-high purity (controlled by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)) and its all-trans form.

The all-trans configuration is the biologically active form of K vitamins, which better activates various coagulation factors and proteins such as Matrix Gla protein, Osteocalcin, and ligase enzymes such as Pyruvate carboxylase.

Numerous studies show MenaQ7® is particularly useful for cardiovascular and bone health in postmenopausal women.* However, it also shows promise as a useful supplement for children and their developing bones.* MenaQ7® is the only vitamin K2 patented for cardiovascular health.

THIRD-PARTY TESTING FOR MENAQ7®

DaVinci® utilizes rigorous testing protocols to ensure that our labels meet all label claims and
are not misleading.

Our products are produced following current good manufacturing procedures (cGMP) to ensure that they meet the highest quality control standards. Our MenaQ7® is tested in its raw form by third-parties using top of the line instrumental analysis.

Through these processes, we accurately measure the quantitative amount and purity of MenaQ7®. We also employ third-party testing to verify and ensure our products meet our standards and FDA standards for contaminants like heavy metals and microbes.

MENAQ7® ALSO PROUDLY HOLDS THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATIONS:

ISO 22000
Non-GMO Project Verified
Novel Food
Self-Affirmed GRAS Halal
Kosher
Suitable for Vegans and Vegetarians

CLINICAL TRIALS THAT SUPPORT MENAQ7®

Multiple human clinical trials have proven MenaQ7® delivers powerful results.* The amount of clinical validation backing MenaQ7®® has earned it the VitaK2™ Seal of Quality and Efficacy from world-leading vitamin K experts.

2020 | Effect of Menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) on vascular elasticity in
healthy subjects - results from a one-year study: Cees Vermeer & Hogne Vik; Cardiovascular Research Institute CARIM, Maastricht University, The Netherlands

In this three-year, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 243 vitamin K insufficient subjects between the ages of 40 and 70 tested the impact of MenaQ7® intervention.

After one year of MK-7 intervention, women in, the group given MenaQ7® showed a significant decrease in dp-ucMGP and cfPWV.* These women also experienced other vascular benefits, as well as improved body weight and BMI.*

The researchers concluded that higher vitamin K intake in the form of MenaQ7® decreased age-related vascular stiffening.* While both sexes benefited from taking MenaQ7®, women were more positively impacted during the study.

2017 | Vitamin K2 supplementation and arterial stiffness among renal transplant recipients - a single-arm, single-center clinical trial: Anthony G Mansour, Essa Hariri, Yazan Daaboul, Serge Korjian, Andrew El Alam, Athanase D Protogerou, Hala Kilany, Albert Karam, Antoine Stephan, and Sola Aoun Bahous

Subclinical vitamin K deficiency and associated cardiovascular challenges is a common experience for renal transplant patients. In this study, researchers delivered 360 μg of MenaQ7® once a day for eight weeks to 60 renal transplant patients.

These patients showed a reduction in arterial stiffness, a 14.2% reduction in mean cfPWV levels, and a 55.1% reduction in plasma concentrations of desphospho-uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP).* The results provided further evidence of MenaQ7®’s positive impact on subclinical vitamin K deficiency and arterial stiffness.*

2015 | Menaquinone-7 supplementation improves arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women | a double-blind randomised clinical trial: Marjo H J Knapen, Lavienja A J L M Braam, Nadja E Drummen, Otto Bekers, Arnold P G Hoeks, and Cees Vermeer

Prior to this 2015 study, research suggested a link between vitamin K2 and cardiovascular health, but there were few clinical trials that demonstrated vascular endpoints.* The researchers in this study investigated long-term effects of MenaQ7® supplementation on arterial stiffness in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 244 otherwise healthy postmenopausal women.

About half the group (120) received MK-7, while the other half (124) received a placebo for three years. The women in the MenaQ7® group experienced a 50% decrease in dp-ucMGP when compared to the placebo control group, which provided evidence that MenaQ7® supplementation may reduce arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women.*

2013 | Three-year low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation helps decrease bone loss
in healthy postmenopausal women: M H J Knapen, N E Drummen, E Smit, C Vermeer, and E Theuwissen

In 2013, researchers published the findings of a three-year study on age-related bone strength, bone mineral density, and the impact of MenaQ7® supplementation. Previously, the European Food Safety Authorities accepted claims of high-dose K1 and short-chain MK-4 supporting normal bone health after menopause.

However, the researchers from this study sought to test the impact of low-dose, long-chain MK-7. A group of postmenopausal women (n = 244) received either a placebo or 180 μg of MenaQ7® for three years. The women from the MenaQ7® group demonstrated improved bone strength over the placebo group, and a marked decrease in age-related bone health decline (both BMC and BMD) at the femoral neck and lumbar spine.*

2012 | Comparison of menaquinone-4 and menaquinone-7 bioavailability in healthy women: Toshiro Sato, Leon J Schurgers, and Kazuhiro Uenishi

By 2012, researchers already had evidence that vitamin K2 could support normal bone and cardiovascular health.* However, there was no conclusive clinical data related to menaquinone-4 (MK-4) efficacy versus menaquinone-7 (MK-7) and their relationship to vitamin K serum levels.

This study tested the bioavailability of the two. Researchers administered a single dose of either MK-4 (420 μg; 945 nmol) or MK-7 (420 μg; 647 nmol) to a group of volunteers during their morning meal. MK-7 proved to be well-absorbed and was detectable at max serum levels just six hours after intake and detectable for as long as 48 hours after consumption.

Researchers were unable to detect increases for volunteers in the MK-4 group. The results provided evidence that MK-7 significantly increases vitamin K menaquinone-7 serum levels, but MK-4 present in foods most likely does not contribute to vitamin K serum levels.

SUPPLEMENTS CONTAINING MENAQ7®

CARDIO BENEFITS™

CARDIO BENEFITS™ is a supplement blend to support healthy cardiac tissue and vascular integrity.* This formula provides a comprehensive cardiovascular strategy by providing nutrients to support healthy cardiac tissue, vascular integrity, and homocysteine levels while also providing nutrient replenishment.* Learn More

Liposomal ADK

Liposomal ADK contains the vitamin heavy-hitters that work in combination to build healthier, stronger, more resilient bones throughout life.* Vitamin A supports growth and repair of bones.* Vitamin D regulates absorption of calcium in the gut.* Vitamin K2 activates a critical protein, osteocalcin, which incorporates calcium into bones.* With these vitamins on your side, you’ll have strong, dense, durable bones that will last a lifetime.* Learn More

D3/K2 LIQUID

D3/K2 Liquid is a dietary supplement containing 125 mcg (5,000 IU) of Vitamin D3 and 500 mcg of Vitamin K2. New research suggests that vitamins D3 and K2 may positively impact immune system function by supporting healthy cell growth.*

D3/K2 Liquid supports bone health, calcium balance, and cardiovascular function.* Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for maintaining normal calcium metabolism.* Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) can be synthesized by humans in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation from sunlight or obtained from the diet.

Our vitamin K2 formula includes the soy-free, clinically tested MenaQ7®®, working primarily outside of the liver in bones and blood vessels. Vitamin K2, known as menaquinone-7 (MK-7) is the form that has been shown to support bone formation.* Learn More

DAILY BEST™ WOMEN

Daily Best™ Women is a comprehensive daily multi-vitamin/mineral supplement targeting diverse needs unique to women. This formula features the core Daily Best™ vitamin/mineral and probiotic profile, including active forms of B6, B12, and folate.

The Daily Best™ formula also includes Pureway C®, a bio-enhanced form of Vitamin C and the clinically validated form of vitamin K2, MenaQ7®®. Daily Best™ Women uses shelf-stable probiotics for optimal digestive function.*

Daily Best™ Women also includes our Eye Blend, Longevity Blend, and Women’s Blend to provide unparalleled system-specific support.

Eye Blend: Composed of lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene, our Eye Blend contains all the necessary compounds to promote long term eye health by supporting the retina and macula when exposed to blue light-emitting devices.*

Longevity Blend: This powerhouse blend of NAC, CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Meriva® Curcumin Phytosome provides foundational support for metabolic health, neurological health, and optimal detoxification.*

Women’s Blend: This blend features Chasteberry, Ashwagandha, Calcium d-glucarate, L-Theanine, and Cranberry Extracts to provide the key nutrients necessary to balance hormones, mood, and the circadian rhythm.*

Learn More

DAILY BEST™ MEN

Daily Best™ Men is a comprehensive daily multivitamin/mineral supplement targeting diverse needs unique to men. This formula features the core Daily Best™ vitamin/mineral and probiotic profile, including active forms of B6, B12, and folate.

The Daily Best™ formula also includes Pureway C™, a bio-enhanced form of Vitamin C and the clinically validated form of vitamin K2, MenaQ7®. Daily Best™ Men uses shelf-stable probiotics for optimal digestive function.*

We’ve also included three key blends in Daily Best™ Men to provide unparalleled system-specific support:

Men’s Blend: This blend combines Hawthorne Extract, Saw Palmetto, Pygeum, and Maca Root Extract to provide targeted support for hormonal, cardiovascular, and prostate health.*