D3K2 provides Vitamin K2 to maximize the benefits of Vitamin D which together support the immune system, maintaining strong bones, and healthy muscle function.
PRODUCT BENEFITS*
• Supports Bone Health by Promoting
Carboxylation of Bone Proteins*
• Supports Cardiovascular Health by Affecting
Arterial Calcium Deposits*
• Supports Healthy Blood Clotting*
Naturally occurring vitamin K is found as either K1 (phylloquinone),
which is derived from food sources such as green leafy vegetables,
or K2 (menaquinones). Menaquinones are designated as MK-n,
where n denotes the length of the molecule’s aliphatic side chain.
Menaquinones are synthesized by bacteria and can be obtained from
animal-based and fermented foods. Structural differences between
K1 and K2 impact their bioavailability and bioactivity. Furthermore,
among menaquinones, menaquinone-7 (MK-7), with its longer side
chain, is very hydrophobic. Compared to K1, MK-7’s physiochemical
properties make it highly transportable by plasma lipoproteins, increase
its extrahepatic (bones, arteries, etc.) availability, and produce its long
half-life.[1-3]
Absorption of K1 from food can be limited due to its membranebound nature and the individual consumer’s digestive and absorptive
variability. Moreover, adequate consumption of foods high in K2 can be
challenging. Therefore, dietary supplementation is an important option.
In addition, research suggests that higher levels of menaquinones are
needed than were previously thought. Supplementary vitamin K can be
found in three forms: synthetic K1; MK-4, which is structurally similar to
K1; and natural, long-chain MK-7. Biogenetix provides MK-7 as Vitamk7®,
a naturally derived and solvent-free vitamin K2 that has been obtained
through a patent-granted biofermentation process of Bacillus subtilis
natto cultures.*
MK-7 Bioavailability Increases Extrahepatic Tissue Utilization
Schurgers et al conducted human studies to compare the in vivo
properties of orally administered K1 and MK-7. The results supported
better bioavailability and utilization of MK-7. Expressed as AUC , MK-7
demonstrated a six-fold better 96 half-life, a seven- to eight-fold
higher dose-response level, and a three times higher carboxylated
to uncarboxylated osteocalcin ratio (cOC:ucOC†). Furthermore, on a
molar basis, MK-7 is a three-to-four times more potent antidote for oral
anticoagulation than is K1. Researchers note that, aside from sensitive
individuals, “MK-7 supplements containing more than 50 mcg/d may
interfere with oral anticoagulant treatment, whereas doses of at least
50 mcg are not likely to affect the INR value in a relevant way.”[2]
Nonetheless, practitioners should closely monitor patients taking
anticoagulants.*
While studies on the absorption and bioavailability of MK-4 at
nutritional levels (i.e., doses of 500 mcg/d or lower) suggest less
efficacy compared to longer-chain menaquinones at similar doses,[4]
this remains subject to debate. It is possible that rapid uptake of MK-4
could account for its observed lack of detection in serum after oral
administration,[5] but more studies are needed for clarification.*
