Danisco, Kappa Bioscience Add K2 MK-7 to Foods

COPENHAGEN, DenmarkDanisco is adding the proprietary vitamin K2 MK-7 from Kappa Bioscience to its ActivK range to include the ingredient in fortified foods that address bone and cardiovascular health. The two companies are in the process of gaining regulatory clearances for this synthetic form of the vitamin in Europe and the United States, which they expect later this year, according to Peter Wisler, director business development, Danisco Health & Nutrition.

This new agreement between Danisco and Kappa Bioscience will enable the expansion of vitamin K2 into broad market segments," Wisler said. Not only will this aid the availability of a broader format of end products, it will also increase awareness and education amongst consumers, thus establishing this vitamin alongside many other highly functional and necessary vitamins."

The umbrella brand ActivK currently includes the natural form of vitamin K2 MK-7, best known for its high presence in the traditional Japanese food Natto, which is proven suitablein a wide range of food and dietary applications.

Kappa Bioscience, Oslo, Norway, is the first company to have developed a synthetic form of vitamin K2 MK-7, with the same full bioavailability and bioequivalence as natural, in a proprietary process.  Vitamin K2, specifically the long chained menaquinones, are known to have crucial influence on bone and cardio functions and recently, its importance was recognized by EFSA by granting a bone health claim for vitamin K.

Our agreement with Danisco reflects our shared commitment to boosting the portfolio of scientific evidence for Vitamin K2," commented Egil Greve, CEO of Kappa Bioscience. I strongly believe that together we can develop an exciting new ingredient category in the bone and cardiovascular health area, and that industry interest and confidence in vitamin K2 will grow following this cooperation."