Growing Demand for Vitamin K2 K-7 in West Europe
Frutarom Health, Switzerland, announces increasing market share of its natural, highly purified uniK2TM Vitamin K2 K-7 product in West Europe. Growth was especially strong in France and Germany
“We anticipate continued burgeoning demand for Vitamin K2 K-7 overall, and for the uniK2 brand in particular,” states Maider Gutierrez, Segment Manager Dietary Supplementsat Frutarom Health. “There is a growing increase in consumer awareness of vitamin K2 K-7, and better understanding of its health benefits in comparison to other vitamins K, such as K1 or K2-MK-4. The main supplements utilizing vitamin K2 K-7 in their formulas target bone health, as supported by science and backed by approved health claims, but an increasing number of supplement manufacturers are starting to use it for cardiovascular health as well.”
By activating a protein called osteocalcin and producing optimal binding of calcium in the bones, and by improving the collagen status in bone, uniK2 is effective in improving bone quality and strength.
The ingredient is derived from natto, one of the richest natural sources of vitamin K2, which has been traditionally consumed in Japan for centuries. Produced in a GMP certified Japanese factory following ecological principles by recycling near 100% of the waste to produce other materials or reused to generate thermal energy, uniK2 just received kosher certification, opening vast new markets for uniK2.
“There is an increase in the number of bone health and multivitamin dietary supplement manufacturers reformulating their products to include vitamin K2 MK-7,” adds Gutierrez. “We also receive inquiries from food processors requesting help in incorporating uniK2into food applications, such as dairy foods and confectionery. Upcoming research on new health benefits related to vitamin K2 K-7, including its support of skin and brain health, is anticipated to strengthen the importance of this ingredient to human health.”
The recommended daily dosage of Vitamin K2 is 45µg/day, making it a highly cost-effective and appealing ingredient for the supplement and functional-food markets. For manufacturers, uniK2 is available in two levels of concentration as uniK2 MK-7 Powder 0.2% and uniK2 MK-7 Oil 0.15%. This allows multiple use options for functional-food applications.
