The upgraded Super K formula provides vitamin K1 and the MK-4 and MK-7 forms of vitamin K2 in just one daily softgel. The virtue of this updated formula is that it provides the precise amount of the long-acting MK-7 form of vitamin K2 that recent human studies have shown provides optimal K2 levels over a 24-hour period. The MK-4 is included to provide the rapid increase in vitamin K blood levels that may account for its beneficial effects in certain studies.

An abundance of human clinical data reveals that vitamin K plays a critical role in maintaining healthy bone density by facilitating the transport of calcium from the bloodstream into the bone.(3-7)

Vitamin K is also required by calcium-regulating proteins in the arteries. Matrix Gla-protein (MGP) is a vitamin K-dependent protein, and it must be carboxylated to function properly. Poor vitamin K status leads to inactive uncarboxylated MGP (ucMGP), which accumulates at sites of arterial calcification.(8)

Since MGP is a potent local inhibitor of arterial calcification, MGP is important in relation to the health of the entire cardiovascular system. Without adequate vitamin K, calcium in the blood can bind to the arterial wall resulting in calcification.(9,10)

As people age, even a subclinical vitamin K deficiency can pose risks to the vascular system. Poor vitamin K status also results in increased circulating levels of undercarboxylated osteocalcin that is shown to be associated with increased bone loss in postmenopausal women.(11,12)

Humans get most of their vitamin K from green vegetables in the form of vitamin K1. The problem is that K1 is tightly bound to plant fiber and only a small fraction absorbs into the bloodstream.(13-15)

Vitamin K2 (menaquinones) is found in meat, eggs, and dairy products and is also made by bacteria in the human gut, which provides a certain amount of the human vitamin K requirement.(16) Human studies show that vitamin K2 is up to ten times more bioavailable than is K1. Vitamin K2 remains biologically active in the body far longer than K1. For instance, K1 is rapidly cleared by the liver within eight hours, whereas measurable levels of K2 have been detected 72 hours after ingestion.(17)

The Rotterdam Heart Study, a large-scale, well-controlled clinical trial that tracked 4,800 participants for seven years, revealed that participants who ingested the greatest quantities of vitamin K2 in their diet experienced a better cardiovascular condition than people who ingested the least.(18)

High intakes of vitamin K2 also corresponded to less calcium deposition in the aorta, whereas participants who ingested less K2 were more likely to show moderate or severe calcification. Animal studies suggest vitamin K intake not only blocks the progress of further calcium accumulation but also induces 37% regression of preformed arterial calcification.(19,20)

Ideal Forms of Vitamin K2:
In recent years, two forms of vitamin K2 have been extensively researched and the findings reveal vastly improved effects compared to K1. The MK-4 form of vitamin K2 is the most rapidly absorbed and is now routinely used in Japan to maintain healthy bone density. MK-4, however, only remains active in the blood for a few hours. The MK-7 form of K2, on the other hand, remains bio-available to the human body over a sustained 24-hour period and to higher levels (7- to 8-fold) during prolonged intake.7 Both MK-4 and MK-7 have demonstrated remarkable health benefits when studied in human populations.

The Most Complete Vitamin K Formula:
Vitamin K1 is the form found in plants and vegetables and should be part of most peoples daily supplement regimen. Even more important is inclusion of the MK-4 and MK-7 forms of vitamin K2. Based on data substantiating the long-acting effects of MK-7, it is now possible to ingest fewer total micrograms of vitamin K but achieve far higher sustained blood levels of this critical nutrient.

The upgraded Super K formula provides vitamin K1 and the MK-4 and MK-7 forms of vitamin K2 in just one daily softgel. The virtue of this updated formula is that it provides the precise amount of the long-acting MK-7 form of vitamin K2 that recent human studies have shown provides optimal K2 levels over a 24-hour period. The MK-4 is included to provide the rapid increase in vitamin K blood levels that may account for its beneficial effects in certain studies.

Ingredients:
Each softgel contains:
Vitamin K Activity (2100 mcg) (2625%DV)
From:
---Vitamin K2 (as menaquinone-7) 100 mcg
---Vitamin K2 (as menaquinone-4) 1000 mcg
---Vitamin K1 1000mg Medium chain triglycerides (MCT oil) 215mg
Ascorbyl palmitate (antioxidant) 25mg
Other Ingredients: gelatin, glycerin, beeswax, water, carob color.
Contains NO: milk, egg, fish, peanuts, crustacean shellfish (lobster, crab, shrimp), soybeans, wheat, yeast, gluten, corn, rice, sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Recommended Use:
Adults: Take one softgel a day with a meal, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Do not take with fiber supplements.

Caution:
Those individuals currently taking anticoagulants such as Coumadin (warfarin) should consult with their personal physician before taking supplemental vitamin K.

Warning:
Keep out of reach of children. Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged. If you have a bad reaction to product discontinue use immediately. When using nutritional supplements, please inform your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

References:
3. J Bone Miner Metab. 2001;19(3):146-9.
4. Osteoporos Int. 2007 Jul;18(7):963-72.,
5. J Bone Miner Res. 2007 Apr;22(4):509-19.
6. Natural Vitamin K2 as Menaquinone-7. Monograph April 2006
7. Blood. 2007 Apr 15;109(8):3279-83.
8. Blood 2007 Apr 1;109(7):2823-31.
9. Thromb Haemost. 2008 Oct;100(4):593-603.
10. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2008 Sep;3(5):1504-10.
11. Vitam Horm. 2008;78:393-416.
12. Curr Drug Saf. 2006 Jan;1(1):87-97.
13. J Nutr. 1999 Jun;129(6):1201-3.
14. Br J Nutr. 1996 Aug;76(2):223-9.
15. J Nutr. 2002 Sep;132(9):2609-12.
16. Prog Food Nutr Sci. 1992 Oct-Dec;16(4):307-43.
17. Blood. 2007 Apr 15;109(8):3279-83.
18. J Nutr. 2004 Nov;134(11):3100-5.
19. Schurgers et al. Blood 2007;109:2823.
20. Spronk et al. J Vasc Res 2003;40:531.