Water-Soluble Vitamin K2 MK-7 Ingredient Eases Formulation

A novel, new water-soluble vitamin K2 MK-7 ingredient makes inclusion in aqueous products easier, without requiring extra processing steps such as microencapsulation or emulsification. The powder ingredient is also flavorless and odorless.

MenaquinGold WS is the new water-soluble version of existing, branded natural vitamin K2 MK-7 ingredient MenaquinGold. Nu Science Trading LLC (Phoenix) exclusively distributes both ingredients in North America on behalf of India-based manufacturer Viridis BioPharma. MenaquinGold WS is “the first truly soluble form of vitamin K2-7 bulk powder that has virtually no organoleptic impact and is odorless,” the companies say. The ingredient is soluble and remains stable in both cold and hot water. It can be included in aqueous or semi-aqueous products.

Like many oil-based vitamins, including vitamins A, D, and E, vitamin K2 is highly lipophilic and hydrophobic, meaning it dissolves in oil-based, not water-based, environments. As such, vitamin K2’s applications are usually limited to fat-based systems and capsules and tablets and not products such as functional beverages, sachets, powdered drinks, and other food and supplement systems containing higher amounts of moisture.

Current solutions for incorporating fat-soluble vitamins in aqueous formats include use of hydrocolloid and emulsifier systems, which can help to disperse and suspend fat-soluble vitamins in an aqueous environment; however, these systems have limits and require extra ingredients as part of the hydrocolloid and emulsifier systems, such as gums and oils, adding ingredients and calories. Another option is microencapsulation to suspend fat-soluble vitamins in liquid, or nanotechnology; however, these solutions may add significant costs to formulation. By contrast, the companies say, MenaquinGold WS can be added directly to aqueous products.

Vitamin K2 MK-7 has gained more awareness in the past five years for its role in bone and heart health. Western diets are usually deficient in vitamin K2, which is when supplementation may help.