GcMAF Essential

Activated 7-Dehydrocholesterol has long been known to support the calcium absorption in the guts to promote the normal mineralization of bone to prevent rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. It also resembles a hormone that acts as a chemical messenger which interacts with cell receptors to prompt a specific biological response.

Activated 7-Dehydrocholesterol also possesses a protective effect against oxidative stress by improving the production of glutathione in the neuronal cells. Ample studies have demonstrated the roles of Vitamin D in the modulation of the immune system and reduction of inflammation through the nuclear Activated 7-Dehydrocholesterol receptor which is expressed by most cells of the immune system.

Vitamin D comes in two main forms, Ergocalciferol and Activated 7-Dehydrocholesterol. These vitamins are not equal when it comes to increasing the 25(OH)D serum in the body. 25(OH)D is a main circulating form of Vitamin D and is the best indicator of the status. Research findings showed that Activated 7-Dehydrocholesterol is significantly more effective in raising the biological marker of Vitamin D status.

Menaquinone on the other hand is essential for the proper utilization of calcium. Through the activation of the protein osteocalcin, menaquinone helps to bind newly absorbed calcium to the mineral matrix in bone. In addition to its role in the proper use and metabolism of calcium by the body, Menaquinone associated with the inhibition of circulatory calcification and arterial stiffening due to its ability to activate matrix GLA protein (MGP), that inhibits the deposition of calcium in the circulatory walls.

Similarly, to Vitamin D, there are two main forms of Vitamin K; Phytonadione and Menaquinone, Menaquinone can be further divided into two most important subtypes, MK4 and MK7. Menaquinone in MK7 form is absorbed most efficiently and exhibits the highest bioavailability and biodistribution. When compared to Phytonadione, Menaquinone has a longer half-life in the circulation. It is not retained in the liver. It will be redistributed to the circulation and hepatic tissues, such as bone and vasculature, and involved in multiple cellular processes.

Studies have shown the synergistic relationship between Menaquinone-7 and Activated 7-Dehydrocholesterol. for bone and arterial health. Vitamin D helps to metabolize calcium in the gut to maintain the healthy bones. However, Activated 7-Dehydrocholesterol is unable to control the distribution of calcium, hence Menaquinone-7 is required to regulate the calcium uptake in the body.

If calcium is not well regulated and distributed, the excessive calcium uptake may cause metastatic calcium which will interfere with the normal functioning of cardiac and renal systems. Menaquinone-7 is capable of activating MGP which will prevent the deposition of calcium in the artery. It also encourages the calcification of bone and teeth by activation of osteocalcin. The synergy effect of Activated 7-Dehydrocholesterol and Menaquinone in modulation of the immune system is through the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of both vitamins.

Thus, Menaquinone-7 and Activated 7-Dehydrocholesterol not only share similar qualities, but they also act synergistically within the body. Separately, Menaquinone-7 regulates normal blood clotting, whilst Activated 7-Dehydrocholesterol supports a healthy immune system and muscle function.

GcMAF Essential supplement contains 50001U (125mg) Activated 7-Dehydrocholesterol and 100mcg Menaquinone-7 per capsule for optimal absorption and use by the body.

Roles of Activated 7-Dehydrocholesterol in Immune System:

Activated 7-Dehydrocholesterol metabolizing enzymes and the receptors are present in many cell types including various immune cells such as antigen-presenting-cells, T cells, B cells and monocytes. Activated 7-Dehydrocholesterol levels have been shown to depend on season, this factor should be considered when interpreting an individual’s Vitamin D status. Individual Vitamin D levels reach their lowest levels after winter and their maximum at the end of summer. Interestingly, this seasonal variation resembles the described seasonal variation of some infectious diseases.

Activated 7-Dehydrocholesterol enhances the antimicrobial effects of macrophages and monocytes, which are important effector cells, fighting against pathogens. Low Vitamin D concentration is linked to upper respiratory tract infection including influenza, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and allergy asthma.