Effects of Dairy on Vitamin K-status

In earlier studies, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis were found to be associated with K2 intake, notably the higher menaquinones, MK-7, MK-8 and MK-9. Of these higher menaquinones, MK-7 was suggested to be the most effective form with respect to intestinal absorption, biologic half-life time, and efficacy on circulating biochemical markers. MK-7 is a natural product that is found in cheese, curd, and the Japanese food natto. Therefore, a nutrient enriched dairy product has been developed containing MK-7. The efficacy of this new product will be investigated on vitamin K status and on general health markers.

Inclusion criteria

• Apparently healthy men and postmenopausal women between 45 and 65 years old
• Subjects of body weight and height according to BMI between 23 and 30 kg/m2
• Subjects of Caucasian race
• Subject has given written consent to take part in the study
• Low vitamin K-status

Exclusion criteria

• Subjects with hypertension
• Subjects with hypercholesterolemia
• Subjects with (a history of) metabolic or gastrointestinal disease
• Subjects presenting chronic degenerative and/or inflammatory disease
• Subjects with (a history) of diabetes mellitus
• Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
• Subjects receiving corticosteroϊd treatment
• Subjects using oral anticoagulants and subjects with clotting disorders
• Subjects using blood pressure lowering medication
• Subjects using cholesterol-lowering medication
• Subjects using multivitamins or vitamin K supplements
• Subjects consuming high amounts of vitamin K-containing food products
• Subjects with cow's milk allergy and lactose intolerance