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Vitamin K2
For Use in
Cosmeceuticals Applications
Vitamin K
plays an important role in skin health and vascular health
by promoting a vitamin-K dependent protein called matrix-GLA
protein (MGP). MGP is the most potent inhibitor of soft
tissue calcification known, and adequate amounts of K are
necessary for it to function. This results in protection of
elastin in the skin, may help inhibit the incidence and
severity of varicose veins, and protect the vasculature,
including capillaries in the skin.
Elastin is
a protein that makes up the elastic fibers in tissues which
provide the “mechanical elasticity” in arteries and skin.
Think of your pulse, expanding and contracting!
During
aging elastin can break down, resulting in loss of
elasticity – potentially leading to vascular stiffening and
increased blood pressure.
The
negative effects of skin elasticity are more apparent,
including skin aging, wrinkle formation and lining. Thus,
preservation of elastin has both health effects and cosmetic
benefits.
There are
several factors playing a role in
elastin degradation, but a consistent feature is that the
elastic fibers are prone to calcification;
- The
presence of calcium salt crystals induce mechanical shear
during movement (stretching) which will accelerate the
deterioration of the fibers
- The
vitamin K-dependent protein matrix Gla-protein (MGP) is
the most potent inhibitor of soft tissue calcification
presently known
- MGP’s
calcification inhibitory activity can be modulated by diet
or dietary Supplements and topical lotions
Potential
applications of vitamin K-containing products NutraCos
September-October 2003
MPE Fluorescence Microscopy
Source
– Cornell University
Another local effect of
vitamin K may be the preservation of micro-vessels
and
capillaries in the skin.
Relatively high amounts of MGP
are invariably found in small peripheral arteries
where
the ratio between endothelial surface
and blood volume is low.
This will result in poor
vitamin K supply, which is a risk factor for
vascular stiffening and
rupture (bruises).
Transdermal uptake of vitamin K in the circulation
"Potential applications of vitamin K-containing
products", NutraCos September-October
2003
Varicose veins have an estimated prevalence of
between 5% to 30% in the adult population, with a female to male predominance of 3 to 1.
The exact
mechanisms by which varicose vein develop are
still unclear, although several risk factors are
known to be involved, including genetic
predispositions,
age,
obesity, physical activity, standing
occupations, multiple pregnancies and connective
tissue abnormalities. The
vitamin K-dependent protein (MGP)
is necessary to inhibit
increased mineralization of the smooth
muscle cells in the vein wall, which may
contribute to
the development of varicose veins.
In a recent study researchers found that in
varicose veins the local vascular vitamin K
status was insufficient to activate all MGP, and
that supplementation could restore the activity
of MGP. Active MGP could inhibit both
proliferation and mineralization of veins,
thereby helping inhibit the development of
varicosis.
Cario-Toumaniantz C, Boularan C, Schurgers LJ,
Heymann M-F, Le Cunff M, Léger
J, Loirand G, Pacaud P:
Identification of Differentially Expressed
Genes in Human Varicose Veins: Involvement of
Matrix Gla Protein in Extracellular Matrix
Remodeling.
J Vasc Res 2007;44:444-459 (DOI:
10.1159/000106189)
Mineralization deposits can be seen throughout the media of
varicose vein. Black arrows show the
localization of the enlarged areas displayed on the right.
Now an extract
from the Japanese fermented soyfood called natto is
available providing natural vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7
(Mk-7). This is the only clinically supported natural
vitamin K2 product available today, and Mk-7 is the most
bioavailable, longest-lasting and most bioactive form of
vitamin K.
click here for more information
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug
Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure
or prevent any disease. |
