New analysis of MenaQ7 K2 supplementation study results finds effect on blood pressure in menopausal women

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In a May 6, 2025, press release, Gnosis by Lesaffre announced results from an analysis of a previously published one-year study¹ on the cardiovascular effects of MenaQ7 Vitamin K2 as MK-7 (menaquinone-7). The study, a randomized placebo-controlled study published in 2020, demonstrated that vitamin K supplementation (180 mcg MK-7capsule daily) in participants with low vitamin K levels resulted in lowered vascular stiffening, particularly with female participants. As noted in this study, low levels of vitamin K can lead to inactive Matrix Gla-Protein (MGP) production (dp-ucMGP) and arterial calcification and stiffness.

The new, post-hoc analysis², published in February 2025 in Nutrients, reexamined the data, focusing on the vascular parameters in the female participants, who were between 40-70 years old. The 165 female participants were split into two groups: 78 pre/peri-menopausal and 87 post-menopausal, and these groups were divided again based low or high vascular stiffness. As this study noted, vascular stiffness contributes to development of cardiovascular disease.

“Estrogen begins to decline in women in their late 30s, and as this continues, there is a concomitant rise in cardiovascular risk that is typically underrepresented in clinical settings,” stated Femke de Vries, PhD student and study author, in the press release.

The analysis found improved vascular flexibility and improved blood pressure most notably in post-menopausal women with high arterial stiffness. In comparison, the placebo group of post-menopausal women with high arterial stiffness demonstrated higher blood pressure.

“The main findings underscore that menopause negatively affects vascular health, yet vitamin K2 as MK-7 supplementation can mitigate these effects,” stated study author and coordinator of the Gnosis Vitamin K2 Scientific Advisory Committee Katarzyna Maresz, PhD. “Additionally, this analysis strongly suggests that supplementation with MenaQ7 Vitamin K2 as MK-7 has potential as a targeted intervention to improve cardiovascular health in post-menopausal women.”

“We are energized by these new findings and implications for cardiovascular health products, particularly those serving women working through menopause, but also for the consideration of those approaching menopause (i.e., women of middle age),” explained Marie Tutein Brenoe, Gnosis Head of Marketing. “These results shine a light on the necessity of personalized interventions, as not all the women benefited the same. Those with elevated arterial stiffness experienced the greatest improvements, including lower blood pressure. Gnosis will continue to drive clinical validation that creates the most effective and trustworthy products on the market.”

References

1. Vermeer, C.; Vik, H. Effect of Menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) on vascular elasticity in healthy subjects: results from a one-year study. Vascular Diseases and Therapeutics. 2020. DOI: 10.15761/VDT.1000179
2. de Vries, F.; Bittner, R.; Maresz, K.; Machuron, F.; Gåserød, O.; Jeanne, J-F.; Schurgers, LJ. Effects of One-Year Menaquinone-7 Supplementation on Vascular Stiffness and Blood Pressure in Post-Menopausal Women. Nutrients. 2025. DOI: 10.3390/nu17050815.