New research presented by Odense University Hospital in Denmark at the European Society of Cardiology Congress revealed a potential link between supplementation with vitamin K2 as MK-7 and vitamin D, and coronary artery calcification development (CAC), but more research needs to be done. 
 
CAC is a strong predictor of acute myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular mortality. The double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial was independently designed and performed by the research group, and Kappa Bioscience’s vitamin K2 MK-7 solution (K2Vital Delta) was the active K2 ingredient tested. The study concluded that the ingredient together with vitamin D3 may help to slow the progression of CAC.
 
CAC is the buildup of calcium in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, and in the present study, known as the Aortic Valve Decalcification Trial (AVADEC) researchers quantified calcium deposits in the aortic valve as well as the coronary arteries in individuals with high CAC risk but no prior identified ischemic heart disease. Participants either took a placebo or a combination of vitamin K2 and D for two years, which the authors concluded slowed the progression of coronary plaque development in the high-risk individuals. Additionally, the number of cardiovascular events (acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and all-cause death), while limited in number, were lower in the group receiving vitamin K2 and D compared to placebo. These outcomes were discussed by Selma Hasific, PhD student, at the European Society of Cardiology Congress, the largest cardiology convention globally.
 
“These findings add to a growing bank of evidence demonstrating the benefits of vitamin K2 MK-7 for heart health, but this is the first clinical trial documenting effects directly on calcium deposits in the coronary arteries,” said Trygve Bergeland, vice president of science and product development, Kappa Bioscience. “We’re thrilled to be at the forefront of such pivotal research in the cardiovascular space and for our K2VITAL solution to be at the center of it all. We’ve been interested in the science behind ‘The Perfect Pair,’ vitamin K2 MK-7 supplementation in combination with vitamin D, for some time now. The positive discoveries from the AVADEC trial signal an exciting advancement in our continued efforts to understand the full benefits of this vitamin combination.”
 
“Emerging science shows that vitamin K2 and D supplementation play an important role in heart health, but there is limited research that delves deeper into the mechanism of action behind this,” said Axel Diederichsen, principal investigator of AVADEC and professor at Odense University Hospital in Denmark. “We were interested in exploring this further, particularly the effects of vitamin K2 deficiency on coronary artery calcifications, which we know is strongly associated with higher risk of heart attack and death. Although this is just the beginning of our research in this specific field, the initial finding from our subgroup analysis are promising and pave the way for future innovation and research in the cardiovascular space. We’ve already started the preparations for our next trial with the objective to confirm our findings of the AVADEC trial.”
 
This news also comes after a recent economic study by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) Foundation estimating the U.S. healthcare cost savings that could be generated between 2022-2030 from targeted use of dietary supplements, including vitamin K2, omega-3s, magnesium, and dietary fiber.
 
The study concluded that if the high-risk population for coronary artery disease were to take these four supplements at a preventive level, it could prevent between 81,236 and 301,539 avoidable medical events. This amounts to yearly net savings of between $13.3 billion and $85.3 billion. Savings of between $12.66 billion and $83.84 billion are estimated to be occurring in the target population already taking these supplements.