France-based Gnosis by Lesaffre has two ingredients, MenaQ7 Vitamin K2 as MK-7 and MyCondro, which are designed to support bone and joint health.

According to Emily Harris, associate director of marketing, Americas at Gnosis, MyCondro is the first animal-free chondroitin sulfate developed through a proprietary precision fermentation process and has human studies showing efficacy as the lowest, consumer-friendly doses.

Participants with moderate knee osteoarthritis who consumed MyCondro or a placebo for three months has significantly reduced WOMAC scores by 19 percent to compared to an increase of 8 percent in the placebo group. There was also a 14 percent increase in TLKS score compared to a 2 percent reduced score in placebo. Measurements of pro-inflammatory markers CRP and ESR were significantly reduced in the supplement group.1

These results were confirmed in a subsequent study where obese adults with moderate knee osteoarthritis reported improvements in knee function, comfort and reduced inflammation in only two months. Results were based on decreased WOMAC score and reduced CRP plasma levels.2

“These two clinical studies demonstrate MyCondro’s efficacy at only 600 mg/day—compared to the standard 800 to1,200 mg/day for animal-derived chondroitin,” Harris said.

MenaQ7 is a critical nutrient to protect bone structure through activating vitamin K-dependent proteins osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein (MGP) both of which ensure the body properly utilizes calcium. Once activated, osteocalcin binds calcium to the bone mineral matrix, leading to stronger and denser bones.

• A 2013 study published Gnosis’ three-year bone study results in healthy post-menopausal women. Taking a 180 mcg daily of MenaQ7 improved mineral content, density and bone strength.3

• A 2009 study of healthy children aged 6-10 years old showed 45 mcg of MenaQ7 daily resulted in more active osteocalcin.4

• A 2013 study on of children and teens were given 50 mcg of MenaQ7 and 5 mcg of vitamin D (calcitriol) daily and showed improvements in bone mineral density.5

“The positive impact on bone health has been studied in both child and adult populations, demonstrating that starting at any time, but particularly in childhood, K2 supplementation as MenaQ7 can positively impact bone health throughout life,” Harris said.

References:

1. Rondanelli M et al. Effectiveness of non-animal chondroitin sulfate supplementation in the treatment of moderate knee osteoarthritis in a group of overweight subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Nutrients. 2019 Aug 29;11(9):2027.

2. Rondanelli M et al. Short- and Long-Term Effectiveness of Supplementation with Non-Animal Chondroitin Sulphate on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Functional Status in Obese Subjects with Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis before and after Physical Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020 Dec 7;9(12):1241.

3. Knapen MHJ, et al. Three-Year Low-Dose Menaquinone-7 Supplementation Helps Decrease Bone Loss in Healthy Postmenopausal Women. Osteoporosis Int. 2013 Sep;24(9):2499-507.

4. van Summeren et al. The effect of menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) supplementation on osteocalcin carboxylation in healthy prepubertal children. Br J Nutr 2009 Oct;102(8):1171-8.

5. Ozdemir MA, et al. The Efficacy of Vitamin K2 and Calcitriol Combination on Thalassemic Osteopathy. J. Pediatr. Hematol. Oncol. 2013 Nov;35(8):623-7.

For more information, visit www.gnosisbylesaffre.com.

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