Abstract: A method for rapidly improving cardiovascular function, reducing arterial stiffness and reversing calcification of a blood vessel in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of vitamin K for a period of less than 6 months. Also a method for increasing endothelial nitric oxide production in mammals comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of vitamin K for a period of less than 6 months. The vitamin K can be administered together with additional substances such as vitamin D.

Abstract: Process for preparation of MK-7 type of vitamin K2 is characterized by attaching hexaprenyl chain of “all-trans” configuration to monoprenyl derivative of menadiol following “1+6” synthetic strategy. According to the invention, a-sulfonyl carbanion generated in situ from the protected monoprenyl menadiol of the formula (II), wherein R1 represents C1-3-alkyl group, is reacted with hexaprenyl halide of the formula (VII), wherein X represents halogen atom, preferably bromine, both Z? and Z? represent H or one of Z? and Z? represents H and the other represents phenylsulfonyl group —SO2Ph in the alkylation reaction. The hexaprenyl halide of formula (VII) is obtained by coupling two triprenyl units in alkylation reaction, with or without separation of the intermediates.

Abstract: Vitamin K is effective in counteracting cardiovascular disorders such as the reduction in arterial elasticity normally associated with the aging process. A pharmaceutical composition or nutritional formulation comprising vitamin K can be used to combat age-related stiffening of the arteries, and the consequences thereof, namely pulmonary congestion, hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, congestive (right sided) heart failure, left sided or left ventricular failure, chronic cardiac failure, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, Mönckeberg's sclerosis and stroke. In various embodiments, vitamin K can also be used to reduce or reverse calcification of a blood vessel in pre-existing cardiovascular disorders such as arteriosclerosis.

Abstract: Vitamin K is effective in counteracting cardiovascular disorders such as the reduction in arterial elasticity normally associated with the aging process. A pharmaceutical composition or nutritional formulation comprising vitamin K can be used to combat age-related stiffening of the arteries, and the consequences thereof, namely pulmonary congestion, hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, congestive (right sided) heart failure, left sided or left ventricular failure, chronic cardiac failure, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, Mönckeberg's sclerosis and stroke. In various embodiments, vitamin K can also be used to reduce or reverse calcification of a blood vessel in pre-existing cardiovascular disorders such as arteriosclerosis.

Abstract: Process for preparation of MK-7 type of vitamin K2 is characterized by attaching hexaprenyl chain of “all-trans” configuration to monoprenyl derivative of menadiol following “1+6” synthetic strategy. According to the invention, a-sulfonyl carbanion generated in situ from the protected monoprenyl menadiol of the formula (II), wherein R1 represents C1-3-alkyl group, is reacted with hexaprenyl halide of the formula (VII), wherein X represents halogen atom, preferably bromine, both Z? and Z? represent H or one of Z? and Z? represents H and the other represents phenylsulfonyl group —SO2Ph in the alkylation reaction. The hexaprenyl halide of formula (VII) is obtained by coupling two triprenyl units in alkylation reaction, with or without separation of the intermediates.

Abstract: A method for maintaining, optimizing, strengthening or promoting cardiovascular health of an individual, wherein an amount of menaquinone has been added to a food product such that the level of menaquinone is 5 to 5000 ?g per 100 g of food product.

Abstract: A food product comprising menaquinone at a level of 50 to 5,000 ?g per 100 g of product.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical and nutraceutical product is provided comprising vitamin K2 or a compound within the vitamin K2 class of compounds, optionally and preferably in combination with one or more polyunsaturated fatty acids, either in purified form or as a marine oil (i.e. fish and/or krill oil). Also provided is the use of vitamin K2 or a compound within the vitamin K2 class of compounds, preferably in combination with one or more polyunsaturated fatty acids, either in purified form or as a marine oil, in the treatment or prophylaxis of disorders related to bone, cartilage and the cardiovascular system. Preferred compounds within the vitamin K2 class of compounds are MK-7, MK-8, MK-9 and MK-10, in particular MK-7 or MK-9. The marine oil is preferably krill oil or fish oil.