Even though milk does not contain the menaquinone-7 (MK7), the fats contained in it are an ideal food matrix and carriers for lipophilic quinones such as MK7.

This conclusion comes from findings in a recent publication appeared in Nutrafoods where serum vitamin K levels in healthy subjects were compared after a single oral administration (1 mg) of MK7 (vitaMK7 Gnosis by Lesaffre) diluted in 1% fat milk either as a powder or as a pre-emulsified dispersion (oil–water emulsion). MK7 plasma levels were controlled at baseline, two, four and eight hours.

Even if both formulations increased serum MK7 levels in all subjects, the results highlighted that, there is a highly significant difference for the emulsified vitamin formula.

As matter of fact, AUC analysis showed a highly significant increase in the bioavailability of MK7 over the eight hours of observation using emulsified formula compared to a standard powder suspension.

MK7 a type of vitamin K that plays a key role in cardiovascular and bone health as a cofactor of gamma-glutamyl carboxylase enabling the activation of several vitamin K-dependent proteins, particularly at the extrahepatic level. MK7 is essential for calcium utilisation, helping build strong bones and inhibit arterial calcification.

Fortified dairy products represent an optimum way to improve the nutritional status of the fat-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamin K2 as MK7. Dairy products have a relevant lipid components that ranges from 1-2% of skimmed milk to 9% in some fat-concentrated yogurt.

Fortified milk is widely used around the world to help people get nutrients that may otherwise be lacking in their diets. Examples are vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B9 (folate), minerals and micronutrients.

“The sector of fortified milk and dairy products is very promising for vitamin K2. Fortification of dairy products with MK7 completes the “perfect combo” for bone health (Ca++, Vit D and Vit K2), in an easy-to-use and highly bioavailable manner”, said Lorena Carboni, Product Support Specialist of Gnosis by Lesaffre commenting the study results.

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