Vitamin K was traditionally known as the coagulation vitamin because of its influence on blood-clotting processes. The group of compounds that make up vitamin K now are recognized to be essential for calcium utilization in the body. Without adequate vitamin K, calcium cannot be used to build healthy, strong bones. Children have the greatest need for K vitamins to fuel their growth into early adulthood. Unfortunately, vitamin K consumption is dropping in Western societies and many are deficient, particularly postmenopausal women and children, according to research at the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands. The best source of natural vitamin K2 is the traditional Japanese food natto, which contains significant amounts of natural vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (Mk-7). Natto consumption has been linked to bone health and the reduction of the risk of fracture. However, natto’s exotic origin, intensive odor and “controversial” taste make it an unlikely candidate for consumption in the West. Natural vitamin K2 as MenaQ7 (menaquinone-7), a new extract of natto, is the most bioactive, bioavailable and longest lasting form of vitamin K, and is available as an oil or powder for food enrichment.
P. L. Thomas & Co.; Morristown, N.J.
973-984-0900; www.plthomas.com