Cardiovascular researchers reveal vitamin K2 MK-7 and D supplementation reduces heart attack risk

10 Oct 2022 --- New cardiovascular research presented by the Odense University Hospital in Denmark at the European Society of Cardiology Congress has revealed a link between vitamin K2 MK-7 and D supplementation and coronary artery calcification (CAC) development – a strong predictor of acute myocardial infarction, also known as heart attack, and cardiovascular mortality. 

The double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was independently designed and performed by the research group. Kappa Bioscience’s vitamin K2 MK-7 solution (K2Vital Delta) was the active ingredient tested. The study concluded that the ingredient – together with vitamin D – might help to slow the progression of CAC.

The researchers say these findings present an exciting opportunity for nutraceutical developers looking to support healthy aging with efficacious and science-backed ingredients.

Odense University Hospital has started the preparations for its next trial to confirm the findings of the Aortic Valve Decalcification Trial – commonly known as the AVADEC study.

Combating a leading cause of death
Acute myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of death in the developed world, with a prevalence reportedly approaching three million people worldwide annually.

CAC – the buildup of calcium in the arteries that supply blood to the heart – is a strong predictor of acute myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. The AVADEC study – was commissioned in 2018 to investigate the effects of vitamin K supplementation through the quantification of calcium deposits in the aortic valve and the coronary arteries.

A subgroup analysis of the study found that vitamin K2 MK-7 (720 µg/day) and D (25 µg/day) intake for two years slowed the progression of coronary plaque development in individuals at high risk of CAC with no prior identified ischemic heart disease.

Additionally, the number of “events” – acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularisation and all-cause death – while limited in number, was lower in the group receiving vitamin K2 MK-7 and D supplementation compared to placebo.

A clinical trial first
The study outcomes were presented by Selma Hasific, Ph.D. student, at the European Society of Cardiology conference in Barcelona, Spain, in August – the largest cardiology convention in the world. 

“These findings add to a growing bank of evidence demonstrating the benefits of vitamin K2 MK-7 for heart health, but this is the first clinical trial documenting effects directly on calcium deposits in the coronary arteries,” says Trygve Bergeland, VP for science and product development at Kappa Bioscience.The study concluded that Kappa Bioscience’s vitamin K2 MK-7 ingredient with vitamin D could help prevent heart attacks.

“We’re thrilled to be at the forefront of such pivotal research in the cardiovascular space and for our K2Vital solution to be at the center of it all. We’ve been interested in the science behind ‘The Perfect Pair’ – that is vitamin K2 MK-7 supplementation in combination with vitamin D – for some time now. The positive discoveries from the AVADEC trial signal an exciting advancement in our continued efforts to understand the full benefits of this vitamin combination.” 

Principal investigator of the AVADEC study, Professor Axel Diederichsen, Odense University Hospital, adds: “Emerging science shows that vitamin K2 and D supplementation play an important role in heart health. But there is limited research that delves deeper into the mechanism of action behind this. We were interested in exploring this further, particularly the effects of vitamin K2 deficiency on coronary artery calcifications, which we know is strongly associated with a higher risk of heart attack and death.”

“Although this is just the beginning of our research in this specific field, the initial findings from our subgroup analysis are promising and pave the way for future innovation and research in the cardiovascular space.”

K2Vital ingredients
Kappa Bioscience’s K2Vital and K2Vital Delta ingredients are all-trans vitamin K2 MK-7 products with “unmatched stability” and 99.7% isomeric purity. K2Vital Delta is a double-encapsulated stable vitamin K2 offering “exceptional stability” in formulations combining K2 and minerals, like calcium or magnesium.

Both ingredients are easy to use and fully bioactive, ensuring that consumers can experience the full advantages of vitamin K2 for their bones, hearts and bodies.

Kappa Bioscience will be exhibiting at Fi Asia/Vitafoods Asia on stand AG42 from October 5-7 in Thailand and SupplySide West on stand 5845 from October 31-November 4 in the US.

Ahead of Vitafoods Asia, we spoke to Kappa Bioscience and other leading nutrition companies about the latest consumer demands and regulations in the APAC region.

US healthcare cost savings
The announcement of the study outcomes came shortly after a recent study from the Council for Responsible Nutrition Foundation exploring the US healthcare cost savings that could be generated between 2022 – 2030 from the targeted use of dietary supplements – including vitamin K2, omega 3s, magnesium and dietary fiber.

The study concluded that if the high-risk population for coronary artery disease was to take these four supplements at a preventive level, it could prevent between 81,236 and 301,539 avoidable medical events, amounting to yearly net savings of between US$13.3 billion and US$85.3 billion.

Savings of between US$12.66 billion and US$83.84 billion are estimated to be occurring in the target population already taking these supplements. These findings show that for national economies, dietary supplements like vitamin K2 can mean “small investments today and big returns tomorrow.”

Edited by Joshua Poole