Natto K2 Superior to Vitamin K1 in Preventing Bone Loss

Natto K2 Superior to Vitamin K1 in Preventing Bone Loss

VERNON HILLS, Ill.Natural Inc.s (www.naturalinc.com)Natto K2, a proprietary extract of the fermented soy cheese natto, issuperior to vitamin K1 supplements in absorption capabilities and reducingosteoporotic risk factors, according to the company.

Study participants received either vitamin K1 or vitamin K2 (as menaquinon-7from Natto K2) supplements over a six-week period. At the end of six weeks,subjects receiving vitamin K2 had much higher blood levels of vitamin K comparedto subjects receiving vitamin K1, according to Natural Inc. Levels ofcirculating undercarboxylated osteocalcin (a marker for hip fracture risk) weremuch lower in the vitamin K2 supplemented group; vitamin K causes carboxylationof osteocalcin and therefore decreases fracture risk. The ratio betweencarboxylated and under-carboxylated osteocalcin (this ratio being a marker ofbone vitamin K status) improved similarly in both supplemented groups; however,the ratio continued to rise in the vitamin K2 group after six weeks ofsupplementation, compared to the vitamin K1 supplemented group, where it reacheda definite plateau.

This study is the first of its kind comparing a vitamin K2 extract insupplement form to ordinary vitamin K supplements for bone health, said CeesVermeer, Ph.D., lead researcher of the study. These findings build on theexisting body of evidence supporting vitamin K2 as an important form of vitaminK with benefits that extend beyond K1 alone.