Conagen’s fermentation platform develops new vitamin K2 forms, targets heart health

02 Nov 2022 --- Conagen is introducing its fermentation-derived vitamin K2, a high-purity all-trans menaquinone-7 (MK-7). It is pegged as the first molecule produced by the proprietary fermentation platform, which produces pure, long-chain menaquinone forms of vitamin K2. Supplementation with the latter may improve cardiovascular and bone health.

According to the company, brands now have opportunities to create products that meet the demands of the aging population.

“Conagen’s MK-7 technology produces a clean profile of the vitamin without other similar molecules, such as ubiquinone,” says Casey Lippmeier, senior VP of innovation at Conagen.

“Our process allows us to make pure forms of any long-chain menaquinone, be it 6, 7, 8, 9 and these can be consumed in various combinations with other vitamins or with each other to make the most effective supplement possible. As the clinical evidence evolves, so can the supplement.”

Bone and heart health
Consumers interested in technological advancements in functional foods and nutrition are drawn to personalized nutrition.

Vitamin K2 regulates calcium mobility in bones and prevents calcium buildup in blood vessels, which can lead to stroke and heart disease.

The more bioavailable form of K2 available on the market is MK-7, the other major form is MK-4, and both have established themselves as leaders in the bone and cardiovascular health markets.

Vitamin K2 regulates calcium mobility in bones and prevents calcium buildup in blood vessels (Credit: Conagen).Previous Denmark-based research revealed that supplementation with vitamins K2, MK-7 and D lowers the risk of having a heart attack.

Blue California – Conagen’s pipeline partner – will distribute the MK-4 and MK-7 forms of vitamin K2. The two companies previously collaborated for the commercialization of fermentation-derived nicotinamide mononucleotide, targeting immunity and healthy aging.

Low cost, increased options
Conagen’s platform enables low-cost manufacturing and produces high-quality products. The company develops processes that enable bioconversion or direct production of molecules using enzymes produced by fermentation or fermentation.

This biosynthesis process produces effective, natural vitamin and nutraceutical products that can be used as supplements or food fortifications.

Conagen’s research into the MK-7 production process was conducted partly, through a three year partnership with researchers at the US-based Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“We’re demonstrating our capabilities with innovative technologies that expand market choices in nutrition. Our fermentation and bioconversion platforms have also produced the clean nutrient ergothioneine and the antioxidant taxifolin, further demonstrating the versatility of our platform technologies,” adds Lippmeier.

 The all-trans configuration of MK-7, which is naturally present in fermented superfoods like natto, is strictly related to the biological activity of the compound. Cis-analogues are thought to be inactive biologically.

The cis-isomer form of MK-7 can be found in small amounts in synthetic versions. The effectiveness of the vitamin is impacted by low-quality sources that contain cis forms.

Cheese naturally contains MK-8 and MK-9, two other long-chain vitamin K2 forms. These other K2 forms’ potential health advantages are still being studied.

Edited by Nicole Kerr