The collaboration will see K2VITAL—a 99.7% all-trans vitamin K2 MK-7—become an official partner of the women’s soccer team.
Benefits of vitamin K2
Found in fermented foods, organ meats and hard cheeses, vitamin K2 is an essential nutrient which directs calcium away from the arteries and deposits it into the bone.
The vitamin supports strong bones and a healthy heart and is also thought to play a role in reducing inflammation.
However, the Western diet typically lacks foods rich in vitamin K2. This has caused a surge in demand for vitamin K2 supplements, with the European market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 12% between 2024 and 2030.
But according to Dominik Mattern, vice president of science, business development and marketing at Balchem, not all vitamin K2 supplements are the same. As well as having several subtypes (or menaquinones), there are also issues with quality disparity.
“Findings from a recent research project we carried out with the product testing laboratory, Alkemist Labs, revealed that over two-thirds of vitamin K2 supplements purchased on one of the biggest e-commerce platforms in the United States fail to meet label claims due to low quality or purity,” he told NutraIngredients.
“The notable disparity in quality compromises consumer well-being, diminishes trust and detracts from the credibility of the dietary supplements industry, revealing that consumers aren’t receiving the value they expect for their purchases.”
How is K2VITAL unique from other vitamin K2 formulations?
In a bid to stand out from its competitors, Balchem launched K2VITAL—a patented vitamin K2 MK-7 formulation, selected for its stability and bioavailability.
“Studies have shown that due to high bioavailability and long half-life, the right vitamin K2 is menaquinone-7,” Matter said. “MK-7 remains biologically active in the body—longer than any other form of vitamin K.
“[K2VITAL] is pure and stable, identical to the K2 molecule found in nature and fully bioactive. Plus, it’s backed by multiple clinical trials.”
Among these trials is the AVADEC (Aortic Valve Decalcification Trial) study, a clinical trial investigating the impact of daily vitamin K2 and D supplementation on coronary artery calcification (CAC) progression.
The research found that two years of K2VITAL DELTA and vitamin D supplementation significantly slowed down the progression of the CAC score in high-risk patients, indicating the supplement’s cardioprotective benefits.
Vitamin K2 for athletic performance
Looking to broaden its horizons further, Balchem is now conducting clinical trials to assess how K2VITAL may support athletic performance.
“Vitamin K2 represents a promising opportunity for sports nutrition and athletic performance,” Mattern explained. “While its benefits on cardiovascular and bone health are well-established, recent studies into vitamin K2 have also revealed that its advantages extend beyond these health categories.”
Balchem is currently conducting three randomized controlled trials to demonstrate these benefits. The first is a partnership with the University of Glasgow to determine whether supplementation with K2VITAL could improve muscle recovery and reduce inflammation.
The second, in collaboration with the Lithuanian Sports University, is examining how the supplement affects muscle recovery, growth and inflammation in individuals suffering from muscle injury, while the third is investigating whether K2VITAL can enhance muscle mass and function in people with sarcopenia.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the results and how they can open up new opportunities in the sports nutrition market,” Mattern said.
Bridging the gap
Women’s soccer is the fastest-growing sport globally, and the partnership sees Balchem become the only bioscience partner for FC Bayern Women, marking a key milestone in the manufacturer’s long-term strategy to bridge the gap between businesses and consumers.
FC Bayern Munich says the collaboration aims to educate consumers and inspire healthy habits.
“As a pioneer in the health sector, Balchem aligns perfectly with our club’s dedication to always lead the way by supporting innovation and excellence,” said Michael Diederich, executive vice chairman of FC Bayern. “Together, we wish to further raise people’s awareness of the importance of a healthier lifestyle.”