As the awareness of the health benefits of vitamin K2 MK-7 continues to grow, the demand for supplements containing this essential nutrient is on the rise. In fact, the global market for vitamin K2 is expected to see significant growth, with an annual increase of 14.6% from 2023 to 2030. However, developing stable, high-quality vitamin K2 supplements is not without its challenges. Vitamin K2, particularly in its MK-7 form, is known to be highly sensitive to various environmental factors, and maintaining its potency in finished products is critical to ensuring consumers get the health benefits promised on the label.
The Stability Challenge Uncovered
Kappa Bioscience, a leader in the vitamin K2 space, first shed light on the stability issues surrounding vitamin K2 in 2016. In their market study, the company tested nearly 100 products to assess whether vitamin K2 stability was a real problem. The findings were alarming: many of the products tested did not contain the amount of vitamin K2 claimed on their labels. In fact, only 16% of the products examined met their label claims, with 40% containing no vitamin K2 at all.
The stability of vitamin K2 is especially problematic when it is combined with other ingredients like calcium, magnesium, or certain oils. For example, studies showed that when K2 was combined with magnesium oxide or calcium carbonate, significant degradation occurred, leaving only small percentages of the original vitamin K2 content after a year. However, formulations using a protective, microencapsulated form of K2, such as K2VITAL® DELTA, showed much better stability, with 86% of the vitamin K2 remaining after storage under unfavorable conditions.
Why Vitamin K2 is Vulnerable
Vitamin K2 MK-7 is a fat-soluble vitamin, making it susceptible to degradation when exposed to light, high heat, or reactive ingredients like alkali compounds. This vulnerability becomes a particular issue when K2 is blended with minerals commonly found in supplements for bone health, such as calcium and magnesium. Since these minerals are often included in formulations targeting health categories like bone support and heart health, the instability of K2 in these combinations limits its usage in many supplement categories.
Manufacturers looking to create innovative new products, such as functional foods or K2-infused drinks, also face challenges. Without proper protection, the vitamin’s effectiveness can be compromised, limiting the types of products brands can create using K2.
A Solution for Stability: Microencapsulation
To overcome these stability issues, ingredient manufacturers have developed various solutions, but one of the most promising is microencapsulation. K2VITAL® DELTA, a patented microencapsulated form of vitamin K2 MK-7, offers exceptional stability, even when combined with minerals like calcium and magnesium. This technology uses a double-coated beadlet design that protects the vitamin from degradation, ensuring it remains effective throughout the entire shelf life of a product.
This double-coating technology is a breakthrough, offering superior stability in many types of formulations, from powders and tablets to liquids. The microencapsulation also makes it easier for manufacturers to work with the ingredient, as it has excellent handling properties and can be effectively dispersed in water-based products.
Opening Doors for Innovation
With K2VITAL® DELTA, the possibilities for innovation in the vitamin K2 space are endless. Manufacturers can now create products in a variety of formats, including plant-based milks, fortified dairy powders, gummies, and even cereal bars, all featuring stable vitamin K2. This opens up new opportunities for combining K2 with other beneficial ingredients like calcium, magnesium, and immune-boosting compounds, without worrying about the vitamin’s stability.
Moreover, the stability of K2VITAL® DELTA allows for the development of multi-mineral formulations, something that was previously difficult to achieve with unprotected K2. Recent research shows that K2VITAL® DELTA performs far better than unprotected K2 when combined with minerals. In fact, after three months, 100% of K2VITAL® DELTA products met or exceeded the label claims, compared to only 8% of unprotected K2-plus-mineral combinations.
Increasing Transparency in the K2 Industry
Kappa Bioscience is committed to improving the transparency of the vitamin K2 market. The company is working closely with third-party labs to test products and uncover any discrepancies in label claims. As part of their ongoing efforts, Kappa plans to launch a campaign later this year to raise awareness about the importance of vitamin K2 quality and the need for greater transparency in the supplement industry.
As the demand for vitamin K2 continues to rise, innovations like K2VITAL® DELTA offer a path forward for creating high-quality, stable products that deliver on their promises. With advancements in microencapsulation technology ensuring superior stability, the future of vitamin K2 is brighter than ever, bringing new opportunities for manufacturers and consumers alike.
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