LYSAKER, NORWAY — Danisco and NattoPharma will partner to market the natural vitamin K2 product MenaQ7 to the global food industry, including North America, under supply, marketing and licensing agreements, the companies said Feb. 10.

"Danisco is one of the world’s leading suppliers of food ingredients, and our partnership will allow for high-volume production and supply of our unique product MenaQ7 to the fast-growing food fortification industry," said Thomas Christensen, president and chief executive officer of NattoPharma, based in Norway and a supplier of MenaQ7.

MenaQ7 contains menaquinone-7, a bioavailable form of vitamin K2. Studies have shown menaquinone-7 enhances the binding of calcium in bones and also removes calcium from the arterial vessel wall to fight atherosclerosis, a form of cardiovascular disease.

"MenaQ7 complements our portfolio of health ingredients and fits well with our strategic focus on health and nutrition," said Fabienne Saadane-Oaks, president of Danisco Bio Actives.

The agreement does not cover distribution in Norway, where NattoPharma will market MenaQ7 directly to food manufacturers. NattoPharma also has a distribution agreement with P.L. Thomas, Morristown, N.J., regarding the marketing and selling of MenaQ7 in North America.