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-"The Calcium Paradox" - Vitamin K Commentary & Research Update by Dr. Mark Swanson, N.D.
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“The Calcium Paradox” - Vitamin K Commentary & Research Update by Dr. Mark Swanson, N.D.
Vitamin K Update:
This feature focuses on the importance of natural vitamin K2, known as menaquinone-7 (MK-7). Its enhanced absorption, bioavailability, 3-day half-life in the blood, and tissue distribution account for its significant activity in the body. *
Vitamin K2 can serve as a valuable nutritional adjunct in most patients, especially post-menopausal women and those requiring cardiovascular support.*
The studies below highlight MK-7’s effects on bone metabolism, markers of bone turnover and maintenance of a healthy heart as well as vessel and arterial wall elasticity. These abstracts join a growing list of others, which can be summed up in a simple take-home caveat and clinical pearl:
“Vitamin K2 (as MK-7) helps keep calcium in bones to maintain healthy arteries.”*
What is emerging on the medical landscape is the recognition of a silent epidemic of under-nutrition and miscalculated recommendations for both vitamin K and vitamin D. Fortunately, this is now being addressed through a global scientific consensus that calls for an urgent need for greater awareness and change with regards to these grossly underutilized nutrients.
“The Calcium Paradox”
Inadequate amounts of vitamin K (and vitamin D3) create the “calcium paradox”, meaning the concurrence of arterial calcification and decreased bone density. This has created a new and exciting role for these vitamins in nutritional practice, specifically one that addresses the needs for preserving healthy bone mineral content and strength as well as arterial elasticity.*
Distinctions of Vitamin K2 as MK-7
- Natural MK-7 (source natto) is the most bioavailable form. Its absorption has a long lasting effect, achieving a sustained steady-state in the blood for 72-96 hours for enhanced availability in tissues.*
- MK-7 provides optimal vitamin K status for bone strength and mineral content at a physiological daily dose of 45 mcg. Research suggests that this dose of MK-7 may have the equivalent benefit on bone health as 45 mg vitamin K2 as MK-4. Studies on vitamin K1 have shown positive results within a range of 250 mcg to 1 mg.*
- MK-7 is the only form of vitamin K linked to healthy arterial elasticity due to its specialized bioactivity in vessels. Specifically, it has an affinity for vascular tissues, where it activates matrix Gla protein (MGP), a key regulator of healthy calcium homeostasis in the bloodstream and blood vessels.*
A balanced combination of MK-7, MK-4 (at practical levels of 500 mcg to 1 mg) and vitamin K1, plus co-support from vitamin D3, can provide optimal synergy for bone, heart, and arterial health. This also is the most cost effective approach for patients.*
RECENT RESEARCH
Vitamin K-containing dietary supplements: comparison of synthetic vitamin K1 and natto-derived menaquinone-7
Vitamin K is a cofactor in the production of blood coagulation factors (in the liver), osteocalcin (in bone), and matrix Gla protein (cartilage and vessel wall). Accumulating evidence suggests that for optimal bone and vascular health, relatively high intakes of vitamin K are required. The synthetic short-chain vitamin K(1) is commonly used in food supplements, but recently the natural long-chain menaquinone-7 (MK-7) has also become available as an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement. The purpose of this paper was to compare in healthy volunteers the absorption and efficacy of K(1) and MK-7. Serum vitamin K species were used as a marker for absorption and osteocalcin carboxylation as a marker for activity. Both K(1) and MK-7 were absorbed well, with peak serum concentrations at 4 hours after intake. A major difference between the 2 vitamin K species is the very long half-life time of MK-7, resulting in much more stable serum levels, and accumulation of MK-7 to higher levels (7- to 8-fold) during prolonged intake. MK-7 induced more complete carboxylation of osteocalcin, and hematologists should be aware that preparations supplying 50 mug/d or more of MK-7 may interfere with oral anticoagulant treatment in a clinically relevant way. Schurgers LJ, Teunissen KJ, Hamulyak K, et al. Blood. 2007 Apr 15;109(8):3279-83.
Regression of warfarin-induced medial elastocalcinosis by high intake of vitamin K in rats.
Arterial calcification (AC) is generally regarded as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Matrix Gla-protein (MGP) is a potent inhibitor of AC and its activity depends on vitamin K (VK). In rats, inactivation of MGP by treatment with the vitamin K-antagonist warfarin leads to rapid calcification of the arteries. Here we investigated whether pre-formed AC can be regressed by a VK-rich diet. Rats received a calcification-inducing diet containing both VK and warfarin (W&K). During a second 6-week period, animals were randomized to receive either W&K (3.0 mg/g & 1.5 mg/g, subsequently), a diet containing normal (5 microg/g) or high (100 microg/g) amount of VK (either K1 or K2). Increased aortic calcium concentration was observed in the group that continued to receive W&K, and also in the group changed to the normal dose of VK, AC progressed. Both the VK-rich diets decreased the arterial calcium content by some 50%. Additionally, arterial distensibility was restored by the VK-rich diet. Using MGP antibodies, local VK-deficiency was demonstrated at sites of calcification. This is the first study in rats demonstrating that AC and the resulting decreased arterial distensibility are reversible by high VK intake. Schurgers LJ, Spronk HM, Soute BA, et al. Blood. 2006 Nov. 30.
Dr. Swanson received his naturopathic degree from Bastyr University in 1984. He has been in a nutritionally oriented practice in Washington State for over 22 years and a consultant of Pure Encapsulations since 1992.
For educational purposes only. Consult your physician for any health problems.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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