Leyla Weighs In: Vitamin K2--The Heart’s Unsung Hero

Vitamin K2 (MK-7) and Coronary Artery Calcification: Insights from a 2-Year Trial: Nutritionist Leyla Muedin discusses a two-year randomized clinical trial in JAMA Cardiology from Maastricht University Medical Center reporting that daily vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7, MK-7) at 360 mcg slowed progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in 180 patients with confirmed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and baseline CAC 50–400 Agatston units. Compared with placebo, consistent MK-7 use was associated with 29% lower CAC progression and 42% less arterial calcium mass progression, though CAC still increased in both groups; stenosis increases were numerically lower with MK-7 but not statistically significant. Leyla notes many participants were on statins and were smokers, highlighting that statins can raise CAC by stabilizing soft plaque via calcification. The trial suggests MK-7 may slow calcification in newer plaques, may improve arterial elasticity via matrix GLA protein activation, is inexpensive and safe, but clinical event reduction remains unproven; Leyla suggests considering MK-7 (possibly 360 mcg) with vitamin D, magnesium, and dietary measures.