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Vitamin

Vitamin K2

Also known as: Menaquinone-7, MK-7, Vitamin K2 (MK-7), natto-derived K2

A
Evidence

Vitamin K2 (MK-7) is a long-chain menaquinone that activates bone and vascular proteins involved in calcium regulation, supporting bone mineralization and cardiovascular health. MK-7 from plant sources like chickpea offers improved bioavailability and longer tissue half-life compared to K1.

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Daily target & upper limit

120 mcg / day

Vitamin K2 has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:

Vitamin K2 dosage reference →

Primary uses

  • Bone density
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Calcium metabolism
  • Dental health
  • Bone health
  • Brain health
  • Hormone support
  • Bone health and mineralization
  • Arterial calcification prevention
  • Osteocalcin activation
  • Vascular calcification prevention
  • Arterial elasticity support

How it works

  • Activates osteocalcin (bone mineralization protein)
  • Activates matrix Gla protein (vascular health)
  • γ-carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent proteins
  • Directs calcium to bone, away from soft tissues

Dosage

Typical range
45–180 mcg daily
Timing
With meals containing dietary fat
With food
Essential—fat-soluble vitamin; absorption enhanced with dietary lipids
Duration
Bone mineralization benefits may require 6–12 months of consistent use; vascular benefits similarly require long-term intake
Special populations
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should maintain adequate K2 intake (safe at typical supplemental doses). Caution in those on warfarin or other vitamin K antagonists—consult physician before supplementing.

Forms

  • Softgel
  • Combined D3+K2
  • Capsule
  • Menaquinone-7 (MK-7)· 70/100
  • Natto-derived K2· 70/100
  • Menaquinone-7 (chickpea-derived fermentation)· 70/100
  • Oil-based suspension· 70/100
  • MK-4 (menaquinone-4)· 70/100
  • Menatetrenone· 70/100

Safety

Contraindications

  • Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists—high-dose supplementation may reduce drug efficacy; consistent intake is preferred over variable intake

Products containing Vitamin K2

Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Vitamin K2 on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.

Transparent Labs
Vitamin D3 K2
98
Thorne
Vitamin K2
97
Thorne
Advanced Nutrients
92
Complement
Essential
91
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Known interactions

Evidence notes

Strong RCT and observational evidence, particularly for bone density and fracture risk reduction; good evidence for vascular calcification prevention. MK-7 form shows superior bioavailability and half-life (2.5 days) compared to MK-4 or vitamin K1. EPIC-Norfolk and other large cohort studies support cardiovascular benefits.

Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.

Cited research for Vitamin K2

Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention vitamin k2. Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.

Related in Vitamin

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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider.