Gnosis by Lesaffre vitamin K2 slows coronary calcification in clinical trial

A two-year study confirms that vitamin K2, in the form of menaquinone-7 (MK-7), helped to reduce the progression of coronary artery clarification (CAC) by a third compared to a placebo. This condition is a recognized predictor of cardiovascular disease. The study on coronary artery disease patients used Gnosis by Lesaffre’s branded MK-7 ingredient, MenaQ7. 

The company highlights the trial’s significance, as it adds to a substantial body of evidence demonstrating the cardiovascular benefits of MK-7 and provides an additional understanding of how it inhibits calcification in cardiovascular muscles. 

The trial authors note that arterial calcification results from an imbalance in regulatory mechanisms, identifying vitamin K-dependent matrix Gla protein (MGP) as an important inhibitor of arterial and soft tissue calcification. 

“Both preclinical and clinical studies have shown that inhibition of the vitamin K cycle by vitamin K antagonists results in elevated uncarboxylated MGP and extensive arterial calcification,” says lead researcher Leon Schurgers. He is a professor of biochemistry of vascular calcification and chair of the Department of Biochemistry at the Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, the Netherlands. 

In earlier studies with MenaQ7, Schurgers demonstrated that MK-7 supplementation improves vitamin K-dependent MGP activation and supports arterial elasticity. 

Moreover, Gnosis by Lesaffre adds that clinical research indicates that MK-7 may help improve blood pressure in some population groups and support a slower progression rate of CAC. 

“This led us to hypothesize that supplementation with MK-7 can slow down the progression of CAC,” says Schurgers.

Plaque buildup

CAC indicates a hardened plaque buildup in the heart’s arteries, explains Gnosis by Lesaffre. This makes them stiffer and thus less able to expand and contract. Moreover, certain calcification patterns can also be associated with plaque vulnerability and a risk of rupture. 

The company notes that CAC acts as an indicator of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside arteries, and a significant risk factor for cardiovascular issues. 

MK-7 can slow coronary calcification, says lead researcher Leon Schurgers of Maastricht University.The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, published in JAMA Cardiology, included 180 male and female patients with coronary artery disease. The participants were randomized to receive either 360 µg of MK-7 or a placebo daily for 24 months. 

All participants had a baseline Agatston CAC score between 50 (mild levels of plaque detected) and 400 (extensive levels of plaque detected). Severe atherosclerosis — often measured by high CAC scores — indicates coronary artery disease. 

A large share of the participants (78%) were on statin therapy, which is known to stabilize plaques, promote calcification, and raise CAC scores. Meanwhile, 67–74% were smokers, who are at risk of increased CAC progression compared to people who have never smoked. 

MK-7 supplementation

The study showed that MK-7 has the potential to attenuate established CAC and reduce new buildup, as participants using the supplementation had an approximately 29% lower progression in the Agatston score in people with mild coronary disease. 

In the placebo group, CAC scores grew from an average of 145 to 214 in two years, while in the MK-7 group, these moved from an average of 135 to 184. 

“The difference between the groups was significant, even after adjustment for covariates,” states the study.

The team observed a similar trend in calcium mass, which the researchers note is a better marker of the calcification process than calcium volume. The MK-7 group showed around 42% less progression in calcium mass versus placebo. 

Hogne Vik of Gnosis by Lesaffre underscores that there are currently no effective treatments to address vascular calcification.“As both the Agatston and the calcium mass score pointed in the same direction, we are confident that MK-7 can slow down coronary calcification,” conclude the authors. 

MK-7 also improved vitamin K status outside the liver, increased blood MK-7 levels, and lowered uncarboxylated MGP, all supporting a positive effect on calcification. 

Heart health breakthrough

Gnosis by Lesaffre notes the study highlights MenaQ7’s potential to “change proactive heart health care.” 

Hogne Vik, Ph.D., medical and scientific advisor at the company, notes that CAC scoring is a useful tool for assessing cardiovascular risk as it reflects the vascular age of coronary arteries by measuring calcified plaque. 

“Even still, the findings are remarkable as we currently do not have any effective treatments to address the issue of vascular calcification,” says Vik. 

He says that research highlighting the role of vitamin K2 in activating MGP has helped drive continued expert interest in MK-7, including clinical studies in patients with advanced CAC.

Kimmo Makinen, head of Scientific Affairs at Gnosis by Lesaffre, adds: “Almost two decades of clinical research on MenaQ7 have demonstrated its significant cardiovascular benefits, including maintaining arterial elasticity, supporting normative blood pressure, and now supporting healthy calcium balance in coronary arteries.” 

“Our vitamin K2 ingredient is supported by multiple clinical trials that have demonstrated its safety and biological effect across various health areas, with this landmark trial being the latest.”

Gnosis by Lesaffre’s Stefania Sala, product manager, previously told Nutrition Insight that there is a “worrisome” state of deficiency for vitamin K2. She cautioned that, contrary to common belief, it is difficult to obtain sufficient vitamin K2 from diets alone. 

“Research suggests that up to 97% of Western populations have a deficiency or insufficiency of vitamin K2,” said Sala. “This deficiency leaves the population with compromised heart and bone health.”

At the same time, the Council for Responsible Nutrition previously confirmed vitamin K2 safety at higher intake levels. The organization updated its safety guidance for the highest observed intake level for vitamin K2, specifically in the form of MK-7, at 375 µg daily for adults.