Abstract
Vitamin E is the most important and fat-soluble natural anti-oxidant. Since negative correlations between cardiovascular mortality rate and vitamin E intake have been reported, vitamin E supplement continues to be advocated. Although αa-tocopherol has been used as vitamin E, recent studies have demonstrated that γ-tocopherol and tocotrienols, the major homologues of vitamin E of the food origin, have unique health benefits. Thus, usage of γ-tocopherol, tocotrienols, or a combination of natural vitamin E homologue is emphasized, although the effects should be confirmed by large scale clinical tests. Accumulated evidence implicates vitamin K, which was originally recognized as cofactor for blood coagulation, protects against osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. Vitamin K is essential for the optimal action of the calcium-binding-proteins called osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein (MGP). Osteocalcin is essential for bone metabolism, and MGP is known to inhibit calcification in the arteries. Menaquinone-7, a major vitamin K homologue in natto, has the highest nutritional effect.
