HEIGHT+ / THE SCIENCE OF BONE NUTRITION
The science behind HEIGHT+: BonePep® and K2VITAL®
From the remarkable 21-day journey of a developing chick to modern research on BonePep® and K2VITAL®, discover the science and thoughtful nutrition behind HEIGHT+—created to support healthy growing bones.
01 / BONEPEP® · 100 MG PER TABLET
Why was BonePep® developed?
Developed by Japan’s Pharma Foods International, BonePep® was inspired by chick development: a chick develops its skeleton during roughly 21 days of incubation. Researchers then investigated egg-yolk proteins and derived peptides in bone-related biology.
The egg-yolk story is about specialized extraction
BonePep® starts with egg yolk, then undergoes specialized processing and hydrolysis to create a distinct peptide ingredient—not simply powdered egg yolk. Each HEIGHT+ tablet contains 100 mg BonePep®. The value comes from its specialized peptide processing, not a claim of being nutritionally identical to multiple egg yolks.
Food sources: what does 30 mcg of MK-7 mean?
By microgram weight of K2, this is approximately the amount found in 30 cups of milk. MK-4 and MK-7 are different forms; it does not imply equal absorption or effect. Natto is a rich natural source of MK-7; some fermented cheeses contain variable amounts.
A human comparison study still detected MK-7 48 hours after intake, whereas circulating exposure to MK-4 was lower under the study conditions. Detection time does not establish duration of effect.
NIH / Vitamin K food sources ↗ · Sato et al. / MK-4 vs MK-7 ↗
Why not simply eat eggs?
Eggs are nutritious everyday foods, supplying protein and other nutrients. BonePep® starts with egg-yolk protein but is made through specialized hydrolysis into a defined peptide ingredient with its own bone-health research. Eating eggs and choosing a precisely labeled 100 mg serving of BonePep® are different nutritional choices, each with a place.
What makes 100 mg BonePep® special?
From osteoblast activity and growing-animal skeletal research to bone-turnover and density measures in adult women, studies have explored the potential of egg-yolk-derived peptides. HEIGHT+ provides a clearly labeled 100 mg of branded BonePep® per tablet.
Cell research: bone formation and resorption
Studies in cultured bone cells reported changes in osteoblast-related activity, ALP, mineralization markers and osteoclast formation. These findings help researchers explore pathways involved in bone formation and renewal.
2014 research ↗Young mice: longitudinal bone growth
The manufacturer describes a short four-day study in growing mice reporting changes in tibial longitudinal growth. These findings offer a promising direction for understanding skeletal development.
Manufacturer research overview ↗65 women: six-month bone study
A six-month study involving 65 middle-aged women examined egg-yolk-derived material and bone density/metabolism markers, with positive results on selected measures. The results contribute human clinical data on egg-yolk-derived ingredients and adult bone health.
Human study ↗BonePep® research spans cell mechanisms, growing-animal models, and adult bone-health outcomes—each adding a different perspective on skeletal biology.
2025 CHILDHOOD HEIGHT RESEARCH / VITAMIN K2
New research links vitamin K2 status with children's height
Growing bones need more than calcium. Two observational studies published in 2025, involving 730 and 689 children respectively, found a statistical association between low vitamin K2 status and short stature—highlighting K2 as a nutrient worth understanding during the growing years.
Both studies were cross-sectional: they found an association, not proof that low K2 causes short stature or that supplementation increases height. They assessed vitamin K2 status, not HEIGHT+ itself.
02 / K2VITAL® · MK-7 · 30 MCG PER TABLET
K2VITAL®: beyond calcium absorption
K2VITAL® is a branded MK-7 vitamin K2 ingredient developed by Kappa Bioscience for a consistent and traceable source. Vitamin D aids intestinal calcium absorption; vitamin K supports osteocalcin carboxylation, which helps osteocalcin bind calcium in bone mineralization. Together, these mechanisms explain the complementary roles of calcium, vitamin D3, and K2 in bone nutrition.
Why learn about MK-7 even if you eat eggs and drink milk?
Natto is a notable natural source of MK-7, while some aged cheeses contain vitamin K2 in varying forms and amounts. Milk and eggs offer valuable nutrients but are not major MK-7 sources. For families who rarely eat natto, each HEIGHT+ tablet provides a clearly stated 30 mcg of K2VITAL® MK-7.
Absorption and use: different roles
Calcium is a key bone mineral; vitamin D3 supports calcium absorption; K2 participates in normal osteocalcin activation and bone mineralization. HEIGHT+ brings these nutrients together with BonePep® as a thoughtful bone-nutrition option for growing years.
Human bioavailability and vitamin-K activity
Randomized studies compared synthetic and fermentation-derived MK-7 and reported comparable exposure, with osteocalcin marker changes at studied doses. HEIGHT+ provides a clearly labeled 30 mcg of K2VITAL® MK-7 per tablet.
Møller et al. (2017) ↗55 healthy children: osteocalcin trial
A randomized placebo-controlled study of 55 healthy prepubertal children used 45 mcg MK-7 daily for eight weeks and found improved osteocalcin carboxylation markers. The findings help explain the role of MK-7 in osteocalcin activation during childhood.
Van Summeren et al. (2009) ↗Pediatric bone density: special clinical population
Another study evaluated MK-7 with vitamin D in children receiving leukemia treatment. This study adds another clinical perspective on vitamin K2 and bone-related measures in children.
Solmaz et al. (2021) ↗Research focus: MK-7 supports osteocalcin activation, an important process in bone metabolism. Each HEIGHT+ tablet contains 30 mcg K2VITAL® MK-7.
03 / FULL INGREDIENT PROFILE
Explore the complete formula
Discover our two featured branded ingredients first, followed by the other nutrients in the formula. Amounts are presented per tablet.
Bonepep®
100 mg / tabletA patented egg-yolk peptide developed by Pharma Foods International; research spans cells, animals and adult bone-health outcomes.
K2VITAL®
30 mcg / tabletVitamin K2 as MK-7 participates in osteocalcin activation and normal bone mineralization; supporting the normal use of calcium in bones.
CBP
25 mg / tabletColostrum basic protein (CBP), studied for its relationship with bone metabolism and included as part of our broader bone-nutrition approach.
Calcium citrate
75 mg / tabletA source of calcium. Calcium citrate ingredient weight is not the same as elemental calcium amount.
Collagen peptide
80 mg / tabletCollagen-derived peptides add a protein-based component; collagen is also a natural structural constituent of bone and connective tissue.
L-Arginine
40 mg / tabletAn amino acid involved in normal protein metabolism; part of everyday nutrition and normal protein metabolism.
L-Lysine
40 mg / tabletAn essential amino acid for normal protein synthesis; adequate overall diet remains fundamental.
L-Ornithine
20 mg / tabletOrnithine participates in normal amino-acid metabolism and complements the formula’s amino-acid profile.
Zinc
5 mg / tabletSupports normal growth, cell division and immune function; an essential trace mineral during growth.
Boron
1 mg / tabletBoron is a naturally occurring dietary trace element studied alongside mineral nutrition.
Vitamin D3
12.5 mcg (500 IU) / tabletHelps intestinal calcium absorption and supports normal bone development.
04 / REFERENCES
Published studies and primary sources
- Pharma Foods International — BonePep® ↗
- Egg-yolk peptide bone-cell paper (2014) ↗
- Adult egg-yolk peptide clinical research (2014) ↗
- Møller et al. — Synthetic vs fermented MK-7 (2017) ↗
- Shen et al. — Vitamin K2 deficiency and short stature in 730 children (BMC Pediatrics, 2025) ↗
- Chen et al. — Vitamin K2 deficiency and short stature in 689 children (Nutrition, 2025) ↗
- Van Summeren et al. — MK-7 in healthy children (2009) ↗
- Solmaz et al. — Pediatric clinical population (2021) ↗
- NIH — Vitamin K ↗
- NIH — Vitamin D ↗
- NIH — Zinc ↗