Vitamin K2 Supplementation Reduces Progression of Artery Calcification by Nearly One Third After Two Years: Study

A two-year study found that, in a population with coronary artery disease, supplementation with vitamin K2 as MK-7 reduced the progression of coronary artery calcification, based on imaging-based endpoints. Compared to placebo, those who took the supplement, manufactured as MenaQ7 by Gnosis by Lesaffre, saw slowed coronary artery calcification and a reduced buildup of new calcium in areas that were non-calcified coronary plaques at baseline. The findings were published in JAMA Cardiology.

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) indicates hardened plaque buildup in the heart’s arteries, making them stiffer and less able to expand and contract. Certain calcification patterns may also be associated with plaque vulnerability and the risk of rupture. CAC is a major indicator of atherosclerosis and a significant risk factor for cardiovascular issues. Severe cases, measured by high CAC scores, indicate advanced coronary artery disease.

“Both preclinical and clinical studies have shown that inhibition of the vitamin K cycle by vitamin K antagonists (VKA) results in elevated uncarboxylated MGC (ucMGP) and in extensive arterial calcification,” said Leon Schurgers, professor of biochemistry of vascular calcification and chair of the department of biochemistry at the Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARM), and co-lead researcher. Prior studies have shown that vitamin K2 supplementation improves independent MGP activation, supporting arterial elasticity. Further, studies have shown that K2 may support reductions in blood pressure in select populations, in addition to slower coronary artery calcification.

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

Study Details

In the present study, 180 men and women with CAD with a baseline CAC score between 50 and 400 were randomized to receive 360 mcg of MK-7 or a placebo daily for two years. Most (78%) of participants were on statin therapy, and 67-74% were smokers; this information was important as statins can stabilize plaques, promote calcification, and raise CAC scores, while active and past smoking increases the risks of CAC progression.

Over the treatment period, those who took vitamin K2 had a 29% slower progression in Agatston score in participants with mild coronary disease, representing nearly a third less progression compared to placebo. A similar trend was observed for calcium mass, which is a better marker of the calcification process than calcium volume. The MK-7 group showed approximately 42% less progression in calcium mass versus placebo. “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,” the authors concluded.

MK-7 also improved extrahepatic vitamin K status, lowering dp-ucMGP while increasing blood MK-7 levels.

CAC scores represent “vascular age” of the coronary arteries by measuring calcified plaque, making it a useful tool for assessing cardiovascular risk, said Hogne Vik, MD, PhD, medical and scientific advisor at Gnosis by Lesaffre and member of the company’s vitamin K2 scientific advisory committee.

“Even still, the findings are remarkable as we currently do not have any effective treatments to address the issue of vascular calcification,” said Vik; he noted that a growing body of research highlights the importance of Vitamin K in activating MGP, a strong inhibitor of vascular and soft tissue calcification. “The scientific rationale has helped drive continued expert interest in MK-7, including clinical studies in patients with advanced CAC.”

“Almost two decades of clinical research on MenaQ7 has demonstrated its significant cardiovascular benefits, including maintaining arterial elasticity, supporting normative blood pressure, and now supporting healthy calcium balance in coronary arteries,” said Kimmo Makinen, head of scientific affairs at Gnosis. “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. We are proud to provide the most substantiated vitamin K2 product on the market.”