Natto vitamin K2 superior to vitamin K?

25/03/2004- K2, the vitamin extracted from fermented natto soyfood, has been shown to have greater levels of absorption in the blood than commonly used vitamin K, as well as reducing several risk factors for osteoporosis, suggest new findings.

The supplement used in the study, supplied by CLA developer Norway's Natural, is a proprietary extract of natto that provides the vitamin K2 as menaquinone MK-7. Natural markets the ingredient under its Natto K2 brand.

Dr Cees Vermeer, lead researcher, said: "This study is the first of its kind comparing a vitamin K2 extract in supplement form to ordinary vitamin K supplements for bone health. These findings build on the existing body of evidence supporting vitamin K2 as an important form of vitamin K with benefits that extend beyond K1 alone."

The study, carried out at the University of Maastricht, Netherlands involved participants receiving supplements of vitamin K1 or K2 (as menaquinone-7 from Natto K2)in equivalent doses over a six-week period.