What is Vitamin K2 MK-7?
Vitamin K2 has quietly been studied for the last two decades, showing great promise for bone health and density. How does that relate to beauty, you ask? I'll explain...
There are a number of factors that contribute to sagging skin and wrinkles. The majority of the focus has been on collagen and moisture loss. The third variable that's hardly talked about is bone resorption. Our bones essentially shrink with age leaving less support for the skin and allowing sagging to happen. So we would want to maintain bone density. Wouldn't we?
Vitamin K2 comes in a few variations. But the noteworthy one to look out for is Vitamin K2 MK-7, otherwise known as menaquinone-7. It plays a major role in increasing mineral bone density (MBD), and increasing bone strength by integrating calcium into the bone, preventing it from being deposited in soft tissues.
Just like the rest of our bodies, our bone is constantly regenerating and replacing itself. In fact, we form a completely new skeleton every seven years. So the possibility of regenerating new bone that is dense and strong has been a promising prospect and the subject of many studies.
A study showed that taking MK-7 for 5 months reduced MBD loss and significantly improved bone density in rats. Another study on post-menopausal women showed that vitamin K2 MK-7 played a significant role in maintaining high bone strength.
Where can we find Vitamin K2 MK-7?
Vitamin K2 MK-7 rarely found in foods. Natto, a Japanese breakfast staple, made with fermented soybeans, is the most famous source. It is often associated with the Japanese's stunning bone structure and firm skin, maintained through old age.
Before you start making travel arrangements to Japan, or scouring the internet for Natto, I'm happy to share that there are a few brands that have been able to manufacture a synthesized version, initially created by Nobel prize winner American Biochemist Edward Adelbert Doisy, back in the 1940's.
Small amounts of Vitamin K2 MK-7 can be found in some fermented foods with a specific kind of bacteria called Bacillus Subtilis. It is also found in Brie cheese.
Vitamin K2 -MK-7 definitely captured my attention and I have started taking it in the last week - still very early in the process. I intend to stay very close to the studies and newly launched supplements, keeping a close eye on new technologies and emerging brands.
What are your thought? Please share in the comments if you share my estimation that there is a new ingredient in the anti-aging world that's about to emerge and become the new hot trend :-)
Be well. Be safe. Be beautiful!
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