Typical dose
45-180 mcg daily
Rating
0.0/5
Oral
Oral safety: very low
About this supplement
Vitamin K2 (MK-7) is a specific, long-chain menaquinone form of vitamin K, primarily known as menaquinone-7. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in calcium metabolism by activating vitamin K-dependent proteins, notably osteocalcin (for bone mineralization) and matrix Gla-protein (MGP, for inhibiting vascular calcification). Unlike vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), which is primarily involved in blood clotting, MK-7 has a longer half-life and greater bioavailability, making it more effective for supporting bone and cardiovascular health over time. It is essential for directing calcium to bones and teeth while preventing its deposition in soft tissues like arteries and kidneys.
How much to take
- Typical amount
- 45-180 mcg daily
- Suggested range
- 45-200 mcg daily
Potential benefits
Benefits linked to this supplement form:
Things to watch for
Possible side effects linked to this form:
Health goals
Needs and goals this form may help with:
Other forms of Vitamin K
Compare absorption and active amounts with sibling forms:
Technical details â–¼
Chemical ID (CAS)
2124-57-4
Formula
C46H64O2
Physical properties
Yellow to orange crystalline powder. Fat-soluble, insoluble in water. Sensitive to light and oxidation. Typically stable in oil-based formulations.
How it’s made
Natural MK-7 is produced via bacterial fermentation, primarily using Bacillus subtilis natto grown on soybeans (traditional natto food). Synthetic MK-7 is produced via chemical synthesis, often involving condensation of menadione with an isoprenoid side chain. The fermentation-derived form is the most common in supplements.