Australia and New Zealand Propose Allowing Vitamin K2 as a Permitted Form of Vitamin K in Special Purpose Foods

Australia and New Zealand's food regulatory body, FSANZ, has announced a proposal to allow the use of vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7) as a permitted form of vitamin K in special purpose foods.

According to the FSANZ notice issued on May 24, 2024, an application (A1300) has been submitted to approve the use of vitamin K2 in special purpose medical foods. This follows the growing recognition of the potential health benefits of vitamin K2, which is distinct from the more commonly known vitamin K1.

Vitamin K2 has been shown to play a crucial role in bone and cardiovascular health. Unlike vitamin K1, which is primarily obtained from green leafy vegetables, vitamin K2 is produced by certain bacteria and can be found in fermented foods such as cheese, natto, and certain types of meat. The proposed regulatory change would allow manufacturers to incorporate this form of vitamin K into specialized medical foods, potentially benefiting patients with conditions that require targeted nutritional support.

The FSANZ notice indicates that the application is currently under review, and public consultation will be conducted as part of the evaluation process. This move aligns with the ongoing efforts of regulatory bodies to keep pace with the evolving scientific understanding of nutrient requirements and to provide more options for tailored nutritional solutions in the healthcare sector.

The approval of vitamin K2 as a permitted form of vitamin K in special purpose foods in Australia and New Zealand could have broader implications, as it may pave the way for similar regulatory changes in other jurisdictions. As the global food industry continues to adapt to the changing landscape of consumer preferences and scientific advancements, this development reflects the ongoing efforts to enhance the nutritional quality and versatility of specialized food products.