Vitamin K2 and Heart Health: What the VITAK-CAC Trial Tells Us

In this episode of Supplement Source, CRN’s Jeff Ventura speaks with Dr. Leon Schurgers, professor of biochemistry of vascular calcification at Maastricht University, about new research examining vitamin K2 and cardiovascular health. Dr. Schurgers takes us inside the VITAK-CAC trial, a placebo-controlled, double-blind study examining whether vitamin K2 as MK-7 can influence the progression of coronary artery calcification. He explains why calcification matters, how vitamin K-dependent proteins function in the vessel wall, and what researchers found after two years of supplementation—including a 29% lower increase in calcification in the MK-7 group compared with the control group.  The conversation also explores what the findings do—and do not—tell us about cardiovascular health, important considerations around vitamin K and medications, and the longer-term studies still needed to determine whether slowing calcification ultimately translates into fewer cardiovascular events.About the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)  The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973 and based in Washington, D.C., is the leading trade association representing the dietary supplement and functional food industry. Bringing together manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and service providers, CRN unites its member companies around a shared commitment to science, transparency, and responsible business practices—advancing a strong, credible marketplace that supports consumer health and industry growth.In an increasingly complex regulatory and media environment, CRN serves as the industry’s front line—shaping science-based policy, defending market access, and countering misinformation. Through strategic advocacy, self-regulatory leadership, voluntary guidelines, and evidence-based communications, CRN ensures that responsible companies are recognized, protected, and positioned to innovate and compete. Learn more at crnusa.org and follow @CRN_Supplements on X and LinkedIn.