MK-7 Reduces Joint Inflammation of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Article by Don Goldberg

In normal joints, the synovium is a thin, delicate lining that provides nutrients for cartilage. Synovial cells make joint lubricants, collagen, and fibronectin for structural joint support. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), this lining thickens and inflames.

MK-7 is one of the menaquinones, which doctors believe kill RA synovial cells. A recent study found MK-4 beneficial in RA, but MK-7 is more bioavailable, hence this study.
In the study, 84 men and women with RA took 100 mcg of MK-7 per day, or a placebo, while continuing on other medications. After three months, while the placebo group had not changed, those taking MK-7 had measurably lower levels of two types of inflammation, fewer of the proteins that degrade connective tissue in RA, and lower disease activity scores in 28 joints.

Reference: European Journal of Pharmacology; August, 2015, Published Online

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Additional Comments from Don Goldberg

MK-7 is a  bioactive form of vitamin K2 found naturally occurring in Natto. There are three forms of vitamin K: vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), found in plants, vitamin K2 (menaquinone), produced by bacteria (in your intestines and elsewhere), and vitamin K3 (menadione), a synthetic form. MK-7 is ten times better absorbed than vitamin K1 from spinach. Vitamin K is essential to bone health and proper blood clotting.

The K2 form is preferred in supplements because it is better absorbed, has higher activitys and a longer half-life.

MK-7 is the form of vitamin K2 used in supplements. According to Jarrow Formulas, their MK-7 is made via fermentation by Bacillus subtilus natto.  MK-7 (Menaquinone-7) is the bioactive form of vitamin K2 found naturally occurring in Natto.

If you are currently taking blood thinning medications, talk to the pharmacists or nutritionists at Willner Chemists for guidance.
 
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Note: A version of this article appeared in the Summer 2016 Willner Window Newsletter/Product Catalog.