Natto MK-7

MK-7(Menaquinone 7) is one of subtypes of vitamin K2 found in fermented foods. Vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (Mk-7) is one of the most bioavailable, longest lasting and most bioactive form of Vitamin K supplements.

For many years it was thought that vitamin K function was exclusively related to blood coagulation. However, over the past decade, Vitamin K2 especially has also been linked to two of the most important health issues: bone health and cardiovascular health.

Vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (Mk-7) helps calcium to get into the blood and bones where it belongs, and studies indicate that it potentially supports both bone mineral density and vascular elasticity within normal levels.*

One of the simplest ways to explain the importance of vitamin K2 is to say it has two basic and crucial functions, again, having to do with cardiovascular health and bone restoration. It helps prevent osteoporosis and hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. and several other valuable things, including:

• Directing calcium to places like your bones, making them stronger, and your teeth to help prevent cavities. It also prevents calcium from going to the wrong areas, such as to your kidneys, where it could lead to kidney stones, or your blood vessels, where it could trigger heart disease.
• Optimizing sexual function by increasing testosterone and fertility in men, and decreasing androgens, the male hormones, in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Creating insulin to stabilize your blood sugar (keeping your system sensitive to maintaining correct amounts), protecting against diabetes and helping to prevent metabolic problems associated with obesity
• Suppressing genes that can promote cancer while strengthening genes that promote healthy
• Enhancing your ability to utilize energy as you exercise improving overall performance

According to a Dutch study, matrix Gla Protein (MGP), a protein that relies on vitamin K2, is the most potent natural inhibitor of calcification there is, but it requires activation. Vitamin K2.org explains:

"When the body has adequate vitamin K2 (specifically as menaquinone-7, or MK-7, as it is the most biologically active and available form of vitamin K2), MGP repels calcium from depositing in the arteries and blood vessels, returning it to the bloodstream so it can be utilized by other systems, such as building strong, dense bones."

A study in Rotterdam involving 4,809 Dutch adults determined that those with the highest vitamin K2 intake had fewer heart attacks, a lower aortic calcification risk and the lowest death rate, altogether. That's one reason why naturopathic doctor and author Tal Friedman recommends taking vitamin K2 supplements, particularly MK-7.*

1. Cardiovascular Health：

Vascular calcification is highly associated with cardiovascular disease mortality, particularly in high risk patients with diabetes and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Vascular calcification leads to increased vascular stiffness and reduced vascular compliance. For many decades, vascular calcification has been noted as a consequence of aging. Studies now confirm that vascular calcification is an actively regulated process. Matrix Gla Protein （MGP) is one of the strongest inhibitors of arterial calcification. MGP has a high affinity binding to calcium ions. The protein plays a role in reverse of arterial calcificayion by binding calcium ions and taking them out from vascular wall. But the inhibitor is vitamin-K2 dependent and need to be actived at presence of vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 activates matrix GLA protein (MGP), which inhibits the deposits of calcium on the  blood-vessel walls.*

2.Bone Health：

Osteoblasts produce osteocalcin, which helps take calcium from the blood circulation and bind it to the bone matrix. In part, osteocalcin influences bone mineralization through its ability to bind to the mineral component of bone, hydroxyapatite, which in turn makes the skeleton stronger and less susceptible to fracture. The newly made osteocalcin, however, is inactive, and it needs vitamin K2 to become fully activated and bind calcium.That requirement alone makes vitamin K2 a major player in bone health, but its importance does not stop there. Vitamin K2 also keeps calcium from accumulating in the walls of blood vessels.*

The concept of calcification inhibition by high vitamin K intake was confirmed in experimental animals. In this model the efficacy of vitamins K1 and K2 in preventing arterial calcification was compared. It was found that K2 completely inhibited tissue calcification, whereas a similar or even an eight-fold higher dose of K1 had no measurable effect.

Source：Spronk HM, et al. Tissue-specific utilization of menaquinone-4 results in the prevention of arterial calcification in warfarin-treated rats. J Vasc Res 2003; 40:531–537.