Updates on current research while emphasizing the need for more study and public education.
On 31 October, while most of the industry was attending SupplySide West in Las Vegas, the Gnosis by Lesaffre Vitamin K2 Scientific Advisory Committee (K2SAC) convened for the third time, this time at the Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University (The Netherlands). The meeting, which featured globally prominent experts in Vitamin K2, focused on critical advances in research and how best to communicate findings to the public and brand marketers.
Prof. Leon Schurgers, a distinguished researcher and longstanding collaborator for Gnosis by Lesaffre, chaired the event. “Under my guidance, several young researchers have embraced vitamin K2 as an exciting and novel field of study; our meeting offered these emerging scientists a platform to explore cutting-edge topics, including the role of K2 in aging and its potential benefits for cognitive health, beyond its already recognized bone and cardiovascular advantages.”
Vitamin K2 Discussions
One such emerging researcher is PhD student Rudolf Bittner, who is sponsored by a research fund made available by Gnosis by Lesaffre, and who proudly presented his latest findings, “Investigating the Role of Vitamin K2 in Aging: Insights into Mitochondrial Function and Dynamics.” He commented, “I’m delighted to share my unpublished research with this esteemed group of experts, fostering insightful discussions.”
The event also featured dynamic debates, benefiting scientific and industrial experts and young researchers on clinical updates showing K2’s application for kidney health and migraine relief. According to Prof. Schurgers, the meeting provided an opportunity to share unpublished clinical research data and explore emerging trends in vitamin K2 applications.
Priorities for Vitamin K2
Additionally, discussions addressed marketing considerations, emphasizing the need for a clearer understanding of vitamin K2’s safety and potential contraindications. Two of the K2SAC members shared they were surprised that, despite vitamin K2’s widespread use in clinical trials and as a supplement, there remains a lack of full understanding of its use and safety.
“Although Gnosis was excited about publishing a practitioner-focused article about correcting vitamin K2 confusion and misinformation, more effort is needed to educate the public about the importance and safety of this nutrient,” emphasized Hogne Vik, MD, PhD, MBA, member of the K2SAC and Gnosis Medical and Scientific Advisor, noting this will remain a key area of focus in the New Year. “Vitamin K2 is too important a nutrient to be avoided out of fear of a contraindication or safety. We need to emphasize this with general doctors, but also end consumers.”
Jean Francois Jeanne, Industrial Coordinator of the K2SAC and Manager of the Gnosis Substantiation Team, added, “We are proud to be at the forefront of vitamin K2 research, both basic and clinical, while actively supporting young researchers. Moreover, our involvement in collaborative, non-competitive initiatives, such as ILSI Europe’s new task force on vitamin K2, reflects our commitment to advancing health understanding and economic insights.”