Vitamin K2 and vitamin D supplements fail to slow aortic valve calcification in elderly

Denmark: Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), also known as vitamin K2, plus vitamin D supplementation for 2 years did not influence progression of aortic valve calcification (AVC) in elderly men with an AVC score >300 AU, a recent study has found. Results from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial appear in the American Heart Association journal Circulation. 

Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) is a cofactor for the carboxylation of proteins involved in the inhibition of arterial calcification and in previous studies has been suggested to reduce the progression rate of AVC in patients with aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the valve that controls blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. 

The trial included men from the community with an AVC score >300 arbitrary units (AU) on cardiac noncontrast computer tomography. 365 men were randomized to daily treatment with tablet 720 μg MK-7 plus 25 μg vitamin D or matching placebo for 24 months. Mean age was 71.0 years. 

The change in the AVC score was the primary outcome. change in aortic valve area and peak aortic jet velocity on echocardiography, heart valve surgery, change in aortic and coronary artery calcification, and change in dp-ucMGP (dephosphorylated-undercarboxylated matrix Gla-protein) were the secondary outcomes.