Arterial calcification prevention

A marketing claim widely used for vitamin K2 supplements. Idea: K2 activates matrix Gla-protein (MGP), which binds calcium in the vessel wall and prevents plaque formation. The hypothesis stems from the observational Rotterdam Study (2004). There is no direct clinical evidence that K2 reduces cardiovascular events in people without confirmed K deficiency.

1 drug

Also known as: Vascular calcification prevention, Arterial stiffness prevention

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

DMenaquinone-7Not recommended · Fat-soluble vitamin K2 (MK-7 form)MK-7 is marketed as protection against arterial calcification. The idea comes from the Rotterdam Study (J Nutr 2004), an observational analysis of 4807 people showing higher dietary K2 intake associated with less aortic calcification. That is a correlation, not proof. The 2024 Cochrane review could not assess direct cardiovascular endpoints because of the lack of well-powered RCTs. Proven cardiovascular prevention rests on blood pressure control, statins, smoking cessation and physical activity. If MK-7 was offered as a substitute for those measures, consider seeking a second opinion. Important: vitamin K reduces the effect of warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists; patients on these anticoagulants, including those with a mechanical heart valve, must not take vitamin K supplements without medical agreement.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit