Why Do We Use Vitamin K2 as Menaquinone-7 (MK-7)?

Short Answer:
👉 Because MK-7 is the most effective and long-lasting form of vitamin K2 for supporting bone and heart health. It stays in your bloodstream longer, works at lower doses, and is better at activating the proteins that direct calcium to your bones and away from your arteries.

🔬 What Is MK-7?

Vitamin K2 isn’t just one compound — it’s a family of molecules called menaquinones, labeled MK-1 to MK-13, based on the length of their side chain.

Of these, MK-7 stands out for several key reasons:

✅ Why MK-7 Is Superior: 4 Key Reasons

1. Longer Half-Life = Better Daily Protection

• MK-4 (found in animal foods like butter and egg yolks):
  Lasts only 1–2 hours in the blood → requires high, frequent doses (often 3x/day)
• MK-7 (from fermented soy/natto or biotech fermentation):
  Stays active in the blood for up to 72 hours
  → Just one small daily dose (100–200 mcg) keeps levels stable

💡 Think of MK-4 like a flashlight that dies quickly.
MK-7 is like a rechargeable lantern that lasts all night.

2. More Effective at Activating Key Proteins

MK-7 is especially good at turning on two critical proteins:

• Osteocalcin → Binds calcium into bones and teeth
• Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) → Prevents calcium buildup in arteries and soft tissues

🔬 Studies show MK-7 raises active osteocalcin and MGP levels more effectively than MK-4 — even at much lower doses.

3. Stronger Evidence for Heart & Bone Health

• The famous Rotterdam Study found people with the highest MK-7 intake had:
  • 50% lower risk of arterial calcification
  • 50% lower risk of heart disease death
• Other trials show MK-7 supplementation improves bone mineral density and reduces fracture risk in older adults.

📌 MK-4 has some benefits, but MK-7 has stronger, longer-term human research behind it.

4. Better Absorption & Dosing

• MK-7 is fat-soluble, so it’s best absorbed with food.
• Because it’s so potent and long-acting, you only need 100–200 mcg per day.
• Many high-quality supplements now use all-trans MK-7, the natural, bioactive form.

🌱 Where Does MK-7 Come From?

• Natto – A traditional Japanese fermented soybean dish — the richest natural source of MK-7
• Fermented dairy (in smaller amounts)
• Modern supplements use clean fermentation technology (often non-soy, allergen-free) to produce pure MK-7

💡 Fun Fact: The Japanese city of Nagano, where natto is a staple, has some of the lowest rates of hip fractures and heart disease in the world — scientists believe MK-7 plays a role.

🚫 Why Not Just Use MK-4?

MK-4 is found in animal foods and is used in some supplements, but:

• It’s rapidly cleared from the blood
• Requires very high doses (often 45 mg/day) to have an effect — far above normal dietary intake
• Less effective at activating MGP (the artery-protecting protein)

So while MK-4 has a role, MK-7 is more practical, effective, and evidence-based for daily long-term use.