Bioavailability and Chemical/Functional Aspects of Synthetic MK-7 vs Fermentation-Derived MK-7 in Randomised Controlled Trials

Abstract

Abstract:We investigated the bioavailability of a synthetic form of the vitamin K 2 molecule menaquinone-7 (MK-7) in a randomised single-blinded two-way cross-over study. Healthy subjects (20 -66 years of age) took a single 180 µg dose of synthetic MK-7 or fermentation-derived MK-7, and serum MK-7 concentrations were monitored for 72 hours to calculate AUC(0 -72 h) and C max . We also compared the biological effects of placebo, fermentation-derived MK-7 (90 µg) and 3 doses of synthetic MK-7 (45, 90 and 180 µg) in a randomised double-blinded parallel study. Healthy subjects (20 -60 years of age) took one of the supplements daily for 43 days, and the fraction of carboxylated osteocalcin (OC) was compared between day 1 and day 43 as a marker for vitamin K activity. In the bioavailability study, the 90 % confidence interval for the ratio of the AUC(0-72 h) values for synthetic and fermentationderived MK-7 was 83 -111, indicating bioequivalence. The 90 % confidence interval for the Cmax ratio was 83 -131. The serum concentrations of carboxylated OC and undercarboxylated OC were increased (p = 0.01) and reduced (p = 0.02), respectively, after daily intake of 180 µg of synthetic MK-7 for 43 days, indicating increased vitamin K activity. Across both studies, only 1 participant reported an adverse event (dry mouth; 180 µg synthetic MK-7 group, functional study) that was considered possibly related to synthetic MK-7 supplementation. Our findings provide evidence that the tested synthetic form of MK-7 is bioequivalent to fermentation-derived MK-7, exhibits vitamin K activity and is well tolerated in healthy subjects.

In vitro bioaccessibility of vitamin K (phylloquinone and menaquinones) in food and supplements assessed by INFOGEST 2.0 – vit K

“…No significant difference in the bioaccessibility of MK-7 was observed between pure MK-7 standard, MK-7 supplement powder and natto. This is in agreement with what was found by others when assessing the bioavailability in humans ( Møller et al, 2016 ).…”

Vitamin K2 Needs an RDI Separate from Vitamin K1

“…The MK-7 isoform appears to have the greatest extrahepatic bioavailability [ 9 ]. It has been demonstrated that it has beneficial effects on both bone and cardiovascular health with a relatively low dose of 180 μg/day [ 105 , 106 ], with similar effects of much higher doses of VK1 [ 107 , 108 ]. These low doses can be additionally supported by VK2 intake from food.…”

Molecular Pathways and Roles for Vitamin K2-7 as a Health-Beneficial Nutraceutical: Challenges and Opportunities

“…It was observed that the 90% confidence interval for the ratio of the AUC (0–72 h) values for synthetic and fermentation-derived MK-7 was 83–111, indicating bioequivalence. The 90% confidence interval for C max ratio was 83–131 ( Møller et al, 2017 ). Due to the widespread use of MK-7-containing supplements, the pharmacokinetics following single intake of MK-7 from various formulations was assessed in four parallel studies.…”

“…The fermentation-derived MK-7 group showed similar results. Therefore, it was concluded that the tested synthetic form of MK-7 is bioequivalent to fermentation-derived MK-7, exhibits vitamin K activity and can be well tolerated in healthy subjects ( Møller et al, 2017 ).…”