Jarrow Formulas MK 7 Promotes Bone Health 90 mcg 60 Softgels

Product Description NOTE: If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, lactating, trying to conceive, under the age of 18, or taking medications (especially anticoagulants [e.g. warfarin/Coumadin]), consult your healthcare professional before using this product. Amazon.com Jarrow Formulas MK-7, 60 SoftgelsAt a Glance:A superior vitamin K productOffers an enhanced bioactive form of vitamin K2 from cultured Bacillus nattoTen times better absorbed than K1 from spinachIdeal for anyone seeking optimum cardiovascular health and healthy bones* Offers an enhanced bioactive form of vitamin K2 from cultured Bacillus natto. Ten times better absorbed than K1 from spinach. View larger.Beyond Coagulation The story of vitamin K began in 1929 when the Danish researcher Henrik Dam discovered its role in coagulation. Vitamin K is integral to the conversion of the amino acid glutamic acid (Glu) into gamma-carboxyglutamate (Gla). Proteins containing Gla are important in coagulation processes. These proteins work together in a complex cascade to create fibrin that strengthens platelets and helps to stop the flow of blood when necessary. Almost fifty years later, vitamin K benefits beyond coagulation were discovered.* Vitamin K is a group name for a number of structurally related compounds including phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and menaquinones (K2 vitamins). The synthetic, short-chain vitamin K1 is commonly used in food supplements, but recently the natural, long-chain menaquinone-7 (MK-7) has also become available as a dietary supplement. All forms of vitamin K serve as a cofactor for the posttranslational carboxylation of certain protein bound glutamate residues, which are converted into gamma-carboxyglutamate (Gla). These Gla residues form calcium-binding sites that are essential for the activity of the proteins in which they are found. The most recognized Gla-containing proteins are the blood coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X, which are all synthesized in the liver. Gla proteins not related to blood clotting are osteocalcin (synthesized in bone) and matrix Gla protein (mainly synthesized in cartilage and in the vessel wall). For example, carboxylated matrix Gla protein binds calcium and helps guard against the deposition of calcium in arteries. Likewise, researchers have confirmed that vitamin K activates matrix Gla protein and promotes arterial health.* Osteocalcin is the most abundant vitamin K-dependent protein in bone. It is synthesized by the bone forming cells known as osteoblasts and plays an important role in the regular deposition of hydroxyapatite in the bones. The amount of osteocalcin that is not carboxylated [under-carboxylated osteocalcin] is considered a sensitive measure of vitamin K status in bone, with an elevated percentage of under-carboxylated osteocalcin associated with low dietary intakes of vitamin K. As a result, bone health relies heavily on the activation of osteocalcin by vitamin K. Studies show that when supplemental vitamin K is given to people with inactive osteocalcin, active levels will rise.* Modern scientific evidence has linked low vitamin K intake with a number of suboptimal health conditions. In addition, vitamin K supplements have been shown to help maintain healthy bone density and display a beneficial effect on the elastic properties of the arterial vessel wall.*Superiority of K2 The K2 vitamins include the menaquinones, MK-7, MK-8, and MK-9 and are present in some fermented foods, most notably natto. Natto is a traditional Japanese fermented soybean food, which is produced by growing the MK-7 generating Bacillus natto on the surface of cooked soybean. Natto also happens to be the richest dietary source of vitamin K presently known, almost all of which occurs in the form of MK-7. The longer-chain menaquinones, including MK-7, are more hydrophobic, have longer half-lives and are incorporated into low-density lipoproteins. Moreover, MK-7 from natto, or Bacillus natto fermentation, is much better a