SUPPLIERS OF VITAMIN K2 MK4 and MK7
wholesale TO MANUFACTURERS
Falcon Trading International is a USA based global supplier of wholesale Vitamin K2 MK-4 and MK-7 to manufacturers. Available in various strengths in oil or powder form, these products are in high demand due to their proven effectiveness in the areas of bone and heart health.
Contact us for specifications, technical data or general information. We believe in service and support in addition to providing the highest quality products.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MK-4 AND MK-7
Both Vitamin MK-4 and MK-7 are fat soluble vitamins. Vitamin K2 MK-4 (menaquinone-4, or menatetrenone) has a molecular structure consisting of 4 repeating isoprene side chain units. MK-7 (menaquinone-7) has a side chain comprised of 7 units.
The longer molecule chain of MK-7 enables superior absorption and bioavailability. MK-7 remains in the body for days, whereas MK-4 is eliminated from the bloodstream within hours as it is rapidly distributed to organs and tissues such as bones, kidneys, pancreas and brain. Because of the shorter half-life of MK-4, it requires frequently repeated dosage. Some manufacturers use both forms in their products.
HOW VITAMIN K2 FUNCTIONS IN THE BODY
Vitamin K2 plays an essential role in carboxylation of glutamic acid to γ-carboxy glutamic acid (Gla). This process allows for coagulation of blood, critical binding of calcium to the bone matrix, and removal of calcium from soft tissues such as arteries.
VITAMIN K2 AND HEART HEALTH
Vitamin K2 enables a mechanism which reduces arterial calcification. In the bloodstream, Matrix Gla Protein along with other Gla proteins in osteocalcin, are dependent on activation by Vitamin K2. Once activated, these proteins bind to calcium to inhibit accumulation on the arterial walls. The result is improved vascular elasticity and improved blood flow leading to a reduction in risk of cardiovascular problems.
VITAMIN K2 CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH STUDIES
Multiple studies have documented the role of vitamin k2 in improved cardiovascular health through inhibition of vascular calcification. One such 2017 review by Gerry Kurt Schwalfenberg, indicated “significant risk reduction of coronary heart disease, and severe aortic calcification.” This was a seven year study in which more than 4,000 subjects were followed, in categories of high and low Vitamin K2 intake. In this review, although Phylloquinone (Vitamin K1) was found to not be related to coronary outcomes, however vitamin K2 was.
The study also characterized the addition of vitamin K2 as “essential for good bone health.” Also reviewed were the prospects for Vitamin K applications in the areas of diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer. See this comprehensive Vitamin K1 and K2 study, as published in The Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism and PubMed.
VITAMIN K2 AND BONE HEALTH
The human skeleton is a living mass of 206 bones. It regenerates every ten years in a perpetual process of building and rebuilding. Older bone material with microdamage is systematically replaced by new bone as biomineralization occurs. This repair of the bone matrix is made possible by carboxylation of bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) when it is activated by the presence of Vitamin K2.
VITAMIN K2 BONE HEALTH STUDIES
Many studies have indicated that Vitamin K2 plays an important role in maintaining bone mineral density, causing a reduction of incidence of fractures in individuals with osteoporosis. A paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, by Sarah Cockayne, MSc; Joy Adamson, PhD; Susan Lanham-New, PhD; et al, reviewed thirteen studies which referenced the effect of Vitamin K2 on bone loss and bone mineral density (BMD).
Twelve of the thirteen studies showed a positive effect of Vitamin K1 (phytonadione) and Vitamin K2 MK-4 (menaquinone-4) relating to BMD. Seven of the studies involved fracture outcomes. All seven indicated a benefit of supplementing with MK-4.
In the review, they examined studies involving vertebral, non-vertebra and hip fractures, and found the reduction of incidences to be consistent among all fracture types. In the comment section of the review, the authors characterized the results of the 80% reduction in hip fractures to be “particularly striking.” Read the full review entitled Vitamin K and the Prevention of Fractures, as published in the Journal of The American Medical Association.
VITAMIN K DEFICIENCY IN THE MODERN DIET
The modern western diet is deficient in the Vitamin K that is needed for optimal bone and heart health. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is present in common food sources such as green leafy vegetables, but it is far less efficient than Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) in enabling the movement of calcium from arteries to bone mass.
Vitamin K2, which is derived mostly from fermented foods and animal products (such as eggs and cheese) is not present in sufficient amounts in the modern diet. This makes K2 supplementation an important option for improved cardiovascular and bone health.