NattoPharma welcomes study linking vitamin K2 with Alzheimer’s prevention

13 Jul 2021 --- NattoPharma is highlighting a new study flagging vitamin K2 as a potential method for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) “prevention.” However, the scientists warn that additional clinical research is needed.

A review of research published in Nutrients examined the body of evidence linking vitamin K2 to factors involved in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis, concluding that K2 has the potential to slow the progression of AD and potentially prevent it.

The US researchers, who were not funded by NattoPharma, investigated vitamin K2’s antiapoptotic and antioxidant effects. They also examined its impact on neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cognition, cardiovascular health and co-morbidities in Alzheimer’s disease.

“Our review is the first to consider the physiological roles of vitamin K2 in the context of AD,” the study authors Alexander Popescu and Monica German from Harvard Extension School and Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, state.

”Given the recent shift in AD research toward nonpharmacological interventions, our findings emphasize the timeliness and need for clinical studies involving vitamin K2.”

Alzheimer’s in the spotlight
The prevalence of AD has risen dramatically in recent years, and it continues to be a primary cause of chronic disability and mortality.

It is the most common type of dementia, affecting an estimated 6.2 million US adults, with that figure expected to more than double by 2050.Vitamin K2’s antioxidant effects on neuroinflammation influence Alzheimer’s disease.

The National Institutes of Health states that treating certain dietary deficiencies can help prevent or delay dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Also, food influences the brain’s ability to think and remember as people age.

“There is growing evidence for possible dietary risk factors in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive declines with age, such as antioxidants, omega 3s, dietary fats, and B vitamins,” says Dr. Hogne Vik, chief medical officer at NattoPharma.

“Moreover, research suggests that people with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.”

“We are gratified that vitamin K2 is becoming a prominent part of this conversation, particularly as most of the world’s population expresses a K deficiency,” he continues.

Maintaining brain health in elderly
Industry players are addressing healthy aging with new products that target brain health and age-related problems.

For example, citicoline could increase composite memory and specifically episodic memory within the elderly population, according to new research by the Kirin Central Research Institute of Kirin Holdings.

Moreover, healthy aging is a significant nutrition trend with immunity, cognitive function, heart health, as well as strength, are among the spotlighted demands.

Meanwhile, supplementing with GlyNAC may help older persons with various age-related problems, such as enhancing muscle strength and cognition and supporting healthy aging.

“NattoPharma’s branded Vitamin K2, MenaQ7, is clinically proven to impact cardiovascular health through its activation of MGP. It has also been shown to be anti-inflammatory in human cells and act as an antioxidant, improving endothelial function.

By Nicole Kerr