Life Extension Super K contains K1 and two forms of K2 in a once-daily vitamin K supplement, beneficial for bone growth, the maintenance of bones, helps to combat bone loss, and the healing of bones (1). Vitamin K2 contributes to normal blood clotting & the maintenance of normal bones.
Formerly called Super K with Advanced K2 Complex, Super K contains Vitamin K1 which is obtained in the diet primarily from dark leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach, and broccoli). Unfortunately, Vitamin K1 is tightly bound to the chlorophyll in green plants, thus, aging humans are not always able to benefit from ingested K1-containing plants. While vitamin K1 is not absorbed particularly well from food, it is absorbed from supplements, provided that the supplements are taken with meals. (10)
Vitamin K2 is found in only small quantities in the diet, primarily in dairy products. Human studies show that vitamin K2 is absorbed up to ten times more than K1. Vitamin K2 remains biologically active in the body far longer than K1. For instance, K1 is rapidly cleared by the liver within 8 hours, whereas measurable levels of K2 have been detected 72 hours after ingestion.
Super K provides vitamin K1 and a new biologically active form of vitamin K2 known as menaquinone-7. The menaquinone-7 form of vitamin K is not metabolized quickly by the liver, thereby making it available to provide a more consistent supply of vitamin K to the body.
Growing evidence points to the importance of Vitamins K1 and K2 in the prevention of bone degeneration, memory loss and cardiovascular concerns. The Rotterdam Heart Study is a large-scale clinical study. One report from this study involved 4,800 subjects tracked for at least seven years. It revealed that people who consume more dietary K2 have healthier cardiovascular systems compared with people who consume lower amounts.(4). There is a body of clinical evdience reinforcing the interplay between vitamins D and K in bone and heart health (5-8). These vital nutrients optimize bone mineralisation and prevent calcium deposits in vascular tissues. Low vitamin D status is linked to arterial disease and bone loss while vitamin K stimulates bone formation and helps protect against calcium deposition onto the arteries and other soft tissues of the body.
Our in-house pharmacist, Shabir Daya has written two articles about Super K:
Dosage: As a food supplement, take one Super K softgel daily with food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner. Just one daily softgel of Super K provides 100 mcg of vitamin K2 (MK-7); 1,000 mcg of vitamin K2 (MK-4); and 1,500 mcg of vitamin K1. Do not take with a high fibre meal.
This product contains NO milk, egg, fish, peanuts, crustacean shellfish (lobster, crab, shrimp), soybeans, tree nuts, wheat, yeast, gluten, corn, or rice. Contains NO sugar, and no artificial sweeteners, flavours, colours, or preservatives.
If you are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, or have a bleeding disorder, consult with your healthcare provider before taking this product. If you are taking a vitamin K antagonist (e.g. warfarin) consult your healthcare practitioner before taking this product. People with a rare metabolic condition called Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should avoid vitamin K. People who are receiving dialysis for kidney diseases can have harmful effects from too much vitamin K.
Serving Size 1 softgel. Amount Per Serving. Vitamin C (as Ascorbyl palmitate) 10 mg, Vitamin K activity 2600 mcg From: Vitamin K1 (as phytonadione) 1500 mcg, Vitamin K2 (as menaquinone-4) 1000 mcg, Vitamin K2 (as all-trans menaquinone-7) 100 mcg. Other ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, gelatin, glycerin, beeswax, purified water, carob colour, microcrystaline cellulose, maltodextrin.
What is the source of gelatin and glycerin in Life Extention Super K?
The gelatin is derived from bovine and the glycerin is derived from palm oil. The olive oil in this product is not cut with any other oils. LE have a CoA from the supplier that states "This product is 100% natural Olive Oil. It does not contain any additives, preservatives or hazardous substances and it is unadulterated with any other oil or foreign matter."
Can someone take this if they are on baby aspirin?
Based on the review of the scientific literature concerning potential interactions, there is no indication that this formula would negatively interact with aspirin. However, if you take a prescription medication, like coumadin/warfarin, and are interested in taking this supplement, we suggest discussing this decision with your healthcare professional.
Should this food supplement be taken with food?
It is suggested to take the product with food to enhance the absorption of vitamin K and mitigate any gastrointestinal distress.
Is the Super K gluten-free?
This product does not contain any gluten.
The ingredients list for Super K includes maltodextrin. What is the purpose of maltodextrin in a Vitamin K supplement?
The maltodextrin is a carrier in the menaquinone-7. It is added to allow for the efficient flow during the manufacturing process.
Is Super K yellow and where is your source from?
The color of the softgel is dark amber. The starting materials for vitamin K1 are menadione and natural phytol. The starting materials for MK-4 are Methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone and Geraniol. MK-7 is derived from Bacillus subtilis spp natto.
- Linus Pauling Institute. Vitamin K. Accessed 05/14/2019. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-K
- Adv Nutr. 2012;3(2):158-65.
- Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2008;3(5):1504-10.
- J Nutr. 2004;134(11):3100-5.
- Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;89(6):1799-807.
- Circulation. 2017;135(21):2081-2083.
- Thromb Haemost. 2015;113(5):1135-44.
- Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2009;19(7):504-10.
- J Nutr Metab. 2017;2017:6254836.
- Adv Nutr. 2012;3(2):182-195.
- Blood. 2007;109(8):3279-83.
- Nutr J. 2012;11(1):93-7.
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