New Probiotic Strain Increases Vitamin K Production

A new proprietary probiotic strain of Lactobacillus lactis helps the body naturally produce a higher level of vitamin K2. Chr. Hansen (Hoersholm, Denmark) recently introduced the new Nu-trish Pro-K cultures to the fermented dairy market.

The company underlines the importance of the role of vitamin K2 in bone health. “It is well known that calcium is vital for building bones, and vitamin D helps to absorb the calcium in the bloodstream. However, we also need to bind the calcium to the bones, and vitamin K is needed for this very important task. In fact, vitamin K is very often referred to as the missing link, as it is responsible for incorporating calcium into the bone,” says company global marketing manager Sarita Bairoliya.

The company has introduced two new, “ready to go” product concepts incorporating Nu-trish Pro-K: a dairy drink and a spoonable product. The company says the ingredient is an ideal way to differentiate dairy products, which consumers already associate with bone health.