Vitamin K2 MK7 latest study

Vitamin K2 MK7 (Menaquinone-7) is a crucial and bioactive form of Vitamin K2, gaining significant attention for its vital roles in cardiovascular and bone health. Here’s a detailed breakdown.

· Chemical Identity: Vitamin K2 is part of the menaquinone (MK) family, characterized by a side chain of repeating prenyl units. MK7 specifically has 7 of these isoprenoid units (“MK” stands for Menaquinone, “7″ denotes the chain length).

· Natural Sources:

· Fermented Foods: The richest dietary source is natto (a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans). Other fermented foods like certain cheeses (e.g., Gouda, Brie) and sauerkraut contain smaller, variable amounts.

· Animal Sources: Found in modest amounts in egg yolks, liver, and fatty meats from grass-fed animals.

· Supplements: Widely available as a dietary supplement, often derived from natto fermentation or produced synthetically. Often combined with Vitamin D3 and calcium for synergistic effects.

This is the core concept that distinguishes Vitamin K2 (especially MK7):

· Activates Matrix Gla Protein (MGP): MGP is a potent inhibitor of vascular calcification. It binds to calcium ions in the blood vessel walls and prevents them from depositing into soft tissues (arteries, kidneys). MK7 activates MGP. Without sufficient K2, MGP remains inactive, increasing the risk of arterial stiffening and cardiovascular disease.

· Activates Osteocalcin: Osteocalcin is a protein produced by osteoblasts (bone-building cells). Its function is to bind calcium and incorporate it into the bone matrix, strengthening bone. MK7 activates osteocalcin.

· “Calcium Director” Metaphor: Think of Vitamin D as the “gatekeeper” that ensures adequate calcium is absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream. Vitamin K2 (MK7) acts as the “traffic director” or “shuttle,” ensuring that calcium is deposited into bones (via osteocalcin) and kept out of arteries (via MGP).

1. Cardiovascular Health:

· Reduces Arterial Stiffness & Calcification: Multiple observational and intervention studies link higher K2 (MK7) intake with reduced risk of coronary heart disease, vascular calcification, and mortality. The ROTTERDAM Study is a famous cohort study showing this benefit.

· Improves Elasticity: Supplementation (e.g., 180-360 µg/day for several years) has been shown to improve arterial flexibility.

2. Bone Health:

· Reduces Fracture Risk: Especially postmenopausal women. K2 works synergistically with Vitamin D and calcium to improve bone mineral density (BMD) and reduce fracture incidence (vertebral and hip).

 · Prevents Osteoporosis: By fully activating osteocalcin, it supports the bone remodeling process, favoring bone formation over resorption.

3. Other Potential Applications (Emerging Research):

· Insulin Sensitivity & Diabetes: Osteocalcin, when activated by K2, may play a role in improving insulin sensitivity.

· Kidney Health: May help prevent vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), though use in CKD requires medical supervision due to potential complications.

· Dental Health: Similar to bone, may support tooth mineralization via osteocalcin.

· Cognitive Health: Some preliminary research links vascular health (supported by K2) with reduced risk of cognitive decline.

Feature Vitamin K2 MK7 Vitamin K2 MK4

Source Primarily from bacterial fermentation (natto). Found in animal products; most supplements are synthetic.

Half-Life Long (~72 hours). Provides stable, sustained blood levels from a single dose. Short (~1-2 hours). Requires frequent dosing (often several times per day).

Bioavailability Excellent; its long half-life leads to higher and more stable serum levels. Good but rapid clearance limits tissue accumulation.

Typical Dose 90-360 µg/day is common for supplementation. Often used in pharmacological doses (1.5-45 mg/day) in clinical studies.

Primary Use Long-term preventive health for bones & arteries (dietary supplement). Prescription drug (in Japan) for osteoporosis and steroid-induced bone loss.

Evidence Strong epidemiological and growing clinical trial data for cardiovascular benefits. Strong clinical trial data for bone benefits at high, pharmacological doses.

Conclusion: MK7 is generally preferred for daily supplementation due to its superior pharmacokinetics (long half-life), allowing for once-daily dosing and consistent activation of K-dependent proteins.

· Typical Supplemental Dose: Ranges from 90 micrograms (µg) to 360 µg per day. Most studies on cardiovascular benefits use around 180-200 µg/day.

· Safety: Extremely safe at recommended doses for the general population. No known toxicity level has been established.

· Crucial Interaction – Anticoagulants (Warfarin/Coumadin):

· Vitamin K antagonizes the effect of Warfarin. Patients on Warfarin must maintain a consistent intake of Vitamin K (from diet and supplements) to keep their medication dose stable.

· They should NOT start or stop K2 supplements without close medical supervision and frequent INR monitoring. Newer anticoagulants (DOACs like apixaban, rivaroxaban) do not interact with Vitamin K.

· Synergy: Always take with Vitamin D3. They are a powerful synergistic pair. Calcium and magnesium are also important co-nutrients.

· Form: Softgels or capsules with an oil-based carrier (e.g., olive oil, MCT oil) are ideal, as Vitamin K2 is fat-soluble.

· Combination Formulas: Look for products combining K2 (MK7) + D3. Adding a small amount of Vitamin K1 can also be beneficial for comprehensive K-status.

· Quality: Choose brands that use all-trans MK7 (the bioactive form; some synthetic products may contain the less active cis isomer).

· Storage: Keep in a cool, dark place. Stable in supplements if protected from light and heat.

In summary, Vitamin K2 MK7 is a critical nutrient that directs calcium to the skeleton while protecting the arteries and soft tissues from calcification. Its long half-life and strong evidence base make it an essential component of a preventive health regimen, particularly for cardiovascular and bone health, when used in conjunction with Vitamin D3.