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One of the most significant things you can do when attempting to conceive or while pregnant is to make sure to be fueling yourself, and your unborn child, with a nutritious diet. Pregnancy is taxing on the body and it is often hard or near impossible to obtain all the recommended nutrients without vitamin supplementation. Making smart choices concerning what you eat and the supplements you take will promote healthy development and growth of your baby says Certified Nutrition Specialist and Innerzyme founder, Katie Jodscheidt. One vitamin that is gaining more and more interest is vitamin K2, which is found in fermented foods such as natto and certain cheeses, eggs, meat, butter and other dairy foods¹ from grass-fed sources. However, just because a food is fermented does not necessarily mean it is rich in vitamin K2, in fact, many are not.

Many Eastern cultures consume fermented soybeans or natto on a daily basis, however, the slimy and smelly taste and texture of it is often too unpleasant for the Western palate. As far as other foods containing vitamin K2, getting an adequate amount is not as easy as one may think since many foods are lacking this essential nutrient because they are processed, genetically modified and no longer sourced from grass-fed animals. An easier and more convenient way of getting an adequate amount of vitamin K2 is through daily supplementation. However, not all vitamin K2 supplements are created equal. When choosing a vitamin K2 supplement, quality, dosage and type of vitamin K2 is important. The optimal quality of vitamin K2 is in the natural form of MK-7 because it has a longer half-life, meaning it stays in your system longer and the body better absorbs it. In healthy individuals, research has not reported any side effects, adverse reactions or known toxicity as a result of large doses of vitamin K2. In fact, many Eastern cultures consume 300-600mcg of natto daily. Inside the human body vitamin K2 is involved in many processes that are critical for a healthy pregnancy and baby, such as blood coagulation, bone metabolism and other calcium dependent events.

Research into the health benefits of vitamin K2 is still in its infancy with more and more work being done. Two recent peer reviewed studies provide encouraging results concerning the role of vitamin K2 in embryonic development. In August 2014, a cohort of Japanese researchers discovered that an enzyme called UBIAD1, which is involved in vitamin K2 synthesis, is required for development of mouse embryos². When the scientists deleted both copies of the gene coding for UBIAD1 mice embryos died in less than 8 days after ceasing to grow, and as expected, produced no vitamin K2. Strikingly, when the mothers of these mutant mice were administered vitamin K2, the embryos lifespan was extended to term. Not long after this report was published, Canadian researchers found that vitamin K2 supplementation significantly improved embryo production in cows³. This finding is most likely due to the role of vitamin K2 in mitochondria function, which converts sugars into energy for the cells to use. Together, these reports add to the increasing knowledge researchers at Innerzyme are gaining concerning the health benefits of vitamin K2 and warrant further research.

References:

1. Elder S. et al. Vitamin K contents of meat, dairy, and fast food in the U.S. diet.  Agric. Food Chem.2006, 54(463−467) (source)
2. Nakagawa K. et al. Vitamin K2 biosynthetic enzyme, UBIAD1 is essential for embryonic development of mice.PLoS One 2014, 9(8): e104078 (source)
3. Baldoceda-Baldeon et al. Improvement of bovine in vitro embryo production by vitamin K₂Reproduction 2014, 148(5) 489-97 (source)

Recommended dosage: Take 1 vegetarian capsule (300mcg) per day, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Worldwide, cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death¹, with over 7 million deaths each year attributed to the specific cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease (CHD)². CHD, the main cause of heart attacks³, results from atherosclerosis, the narrowing of the inside of the artery. The plaque that builds up within arteries results in decreased blood flow to the heart. This is comparable to your drain clogging after the pipes gradually collect gunk inside. The main risk factors for CHD are smoking, genetics, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, lack of exercise and stress⁴.

To combat coronary heart disease, doctors commonly utilize drugs and invasive procedures or surgeries⁵. In addition to, or in lieu of these sometimes-aggressive treatments, many employ lifestyle changes and take supplements to fight or prevent CHD. In order to determine specific risk factors related to cardiovascular diseases as well as others, a group of researchers in the Netherlands began an extensive population-based research effort called The Rotterdam Study⁶. Since 1989 the group has regularly interviewed and examined 15,000 elderly people within a specific district in the city of Rotterdam. With such a large number of localized subjects in this unique study, the scientists have the statistical power to determine whether or not specific risk factors are related to certain diseases. It is important to note that although these researchers can determine the relationship between risk and disease, they cannot determine whether a factor causes a disease or not.

In a seminal research paper generated by the Rotterdam Study, scientists and doctors determined that increased consumption of Vitamin K2 is correlated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease⁷, building upon numerous studies describing the inhibitory effect of Vitamin K-dependent proteins on atherosclerosis. The Rotterdam researchers assessed the diet of nearly 8000 subjects using a validated semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire conducted by trained dieticians. The concentration of Vitamin K2 and other micronutrients in common Dutch foods were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography, an analytical chemistry technique to separate, determine and quantify components of complex mixtures. Comprehensive clinical examinations were performed on all patients, including thorough blood work and assessment of atherosclerosis.

When the researchers assessed Vitamin K2 levels, they first noticed higher quantities in patients with greater total fat, saturated fat and calcium intake. Moreover they found higher levels in individuals with higher body mass index (body fat) and diabetes. Conversely they noticed lower Vitamin K2 levels in subjects with higher polyunsaturated fat (omega-3, omega-6, DHA, etc.). Furthermore, when analyzing cholesterol levels they found an inverse association with total cholesterol and a positive correlation with HDL (healthy cholesterol). Interestingly, Vitamin K2 intake was not correlated to a healthy lifestyle or diet, although some of the individual associations may suggest this.

Excitement arose when the researchers looked at the relationship between Vitamin K2 intake and coronary heart disease. To do this, they arranged patients into three evenly sized groups based on their Vitamin K2 levels (low, medium and high). When examining the high Vitamin K2 group the scientists discovered a strong and significant decrease in CHD incidence and CHD-related deaths.

Moreover there was a significant reduction in death from any cause in this group. In agreement with the coronary heart disease findings the researchers also found that patients with severe atherosclerosis had lower Vitamin K2. What is striking about these findings is that they still stand when the researchers adjusted for every other factor, including smoking, education, and diet. Additionally the researchers excluded subjects with previous heart attacks from their analysis in order to avoid a bias resulting from intentional changes in diet or lifestyle.

Altogether these data suggest that dietary intake of Vitamin K2 has a protective effect against coronary heart disease and death. Although this study does not prove Vitamin K2 specifically deters CHD, it provides additional support for a causal relationship between this dietary micronutrient and heart disease. Since this study was published, other groups have found similarly encouraging results. For instance, researchers discovered that for post-menopausal women, increased consumption of Vitamin K2 lowered the risk of atherosclerosis⁸. With the mounting evidence for Vitamin K2 reducing the risk of coronary heart disease the International Life Sciences Institute recently recommended taking Vitamin K2⁹. Since it can be hard to consume the recommended amount of Vitamin K2 with a standard diet, taking a natural Vitamin K2 supplement, like Innerzyme Vitamin K2, MK-7, 300mcg can be advantageous. It will be exciting to learn more about the additional benefits of Vitamin K2 in the coming years, as it is an active area of research for many scientific and medical professionals.

1. “Global status report on noncommunicable diseases 2010” World Health Organization (2011).
2. Lozano et al., “Global and regional mortality from 235 causes of death for 20 age groups in 1990 and 2010: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010” Lancet 380(9859): 2095–128 (2012).
3. “Heart attack/coronary artery disease”. Mount Sinai Hospital, New York.
4. “Causes”. Coronary artery disease. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2012).
5. Jameson et al., “Harrison’s principles of internal medicine” (16th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division (2005).
6. Hofman et al., “Determinants of disease and disability in the elderly: the Rotterdam Elderly Study” European Journal of Epidemiology 7:403–422 (1991).
7. Geleijnse et al., “Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: the Rotterdam Study” Journal of Nutrition 134(11):3100-3105 (2004).
8. Beulens et al., “High dietary menaquinone intake is associated with reduced coronary calcification” Atherosclerosis 203(2):489-93 (2009).
9. Beulens et al., “The role of menaquinones (vitamin K₂) in human health” Journal of Nutrition 110(8):1357-68 (2013).

Katie Jodscheidt is a Fitness Nutrition Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

Katie is passionate about helping others improve their overall quality of life by improving their health. Her mission is to educate people on how to live a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, exercise and nutritional supplementation. With years of research on natural health alternatives and collaborating with highly trained physicians around the world, Katie Jodscheidt founded Innerzyme in 2011. Innerzyme is revolutionizing the natural health industry with specially formulated, ethically created nutritional supplements including Vitamin K2, MK-7, 300mcg and a full range of digestive and systemic enzyme supplements. All Innerzyme supplements are made in the USA in a cGMP certified facility.

Scottsdale, AZ – Innerzyme, a highly reputable and fast growing nutraceutical company specializing in natural digestive and systemic enzyme supplements has launched the highest potency, Non-GMO Vitamin K2, MK-7 supplement on the market which provides 300 mcg in a single vegetarian capsule. Innerzyme utilizes a pure, optimum quality Vitamin K2, MK-7 as menaquinone-7 from Non-GMO fermented soybeans.

The decision to formulate and launch a high potency Vitamin K2, MK-7, 300mcg supplement came after much research into health and dietary habits of Eastern cultures and collaboration with a strategic team of healthcare professionals who focus primarily on preventative care through alternative medicine.

Vitamin K has long been recognized for its role in protein biosynthesis for the blood coagulation process. However, research now indicates that Vitamin K plays a vital part in a variety of complex physiological functions within the body. More specifically, studies show high doses of Vitamin K2, MK-7, the menaquinones, may help promote cardiovascular, bone and soft tissue health.* (1,3)

The K group of vitamins includes Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2. It is important to know that Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2 not only come from different sources but also have different functions. Vitamin K1 is readily available in plant-based foods and easy to consume. The best way to get an adequate amount of Vitamin K1 is through your diet. Vitamin K1 offers adequate blood clotting support, however, there are a variety of health related issues that Vitamin K1 does not sufficiently support.* (2) Studies show these growing health issues are better addressed by Vitamin K2 in the natural form of MK-7. Although many people in Eastern cultures consume fermented soybeans, the slimy and smelly taste and texture of them often make it too harsh and unpleasant to consume.

With the growing research on the many health benefits associated with Vitamin K2, MK-7, Innerzyme wanted to offer an easier and more convenient way for people to get an adequate amount of MK-7. This new addition to the Innerzyme line of natural supplements has done just that with an easy to swallow, one a day vegetarian capsule providing 300 mcg of Vitamin K2, MK-7.

Vitamin K2, MK-7 may support:

• Cardiovascular Health*
• Bone and Soft Tissue Health*
• Arterial Calcification*
• Healthy Brain Function*

In healthy individuals, research has not reported any side effects, adverse reactions or known toxicity as a result of large doses of Vitamin K2. However, individuals on anticoagulants such as warfarin should consult their healthcare professional before adding a Vitamin K2 supplement to their daily regimen.

Innerzyme is dedicated to improving the overall quality of life for people by spreading awareness about the importance of preventative health and living a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, exercise and nutritional supplementation. Innerzyme is committed to providing people with safe, natural and effective products. Innerzyme supplements are manufactured in the USA to the highest standards in a cGMP certified facility.

For more information about Innerzyme Vitamin K2, MK-7:

Website: http://www.optimumvitamink2.com
Phone: (480) 284-8478
Email: [email protected]

**Warning: If you have a health condition, are pregnant, nursing, lactating, trying to become pregnant or taking any medications (especially anticoagulants such as warfarin), consult your healthcare practitioner before using this product.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

References:

1. Beulens JW, Bots ML, Atsma F, et al. High dietary menaquinone intake is associated with reduced coronary calcification. Atherosclerosis. 2009;203:489-493.
2. Booth SL, Suttie JW. Dietary intake and adequacy of vitamin K. J Nutr. 1998;128(5):785-788.
3. Geleijnse JM, Vermeer C, Grobbee DE, Schurgers LJ, Knapen MH, van der Meer IM, Hofman A, Witteman JC. Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: the Rotterdam Study. J Nutr. 2004;134(11):3100-5.