Overview
Long-half-life K2 — directs calcium to bone and away from arteries.
- Whole-food sources (animal products for fat-soluble and B-complex vitamins; produce for water-soluble vitamins)
- Fortified foods (cereals, dairy, plant milks, nutritional yeast)
- Multivitamins or stand-alone supplements in synthetic or food-derived form
- Capsule or softgel
- Sublingual tablet or liquid
- Methylated active form for sensitive individuals
- Multivitamin matrix
Forms & variants of Vitamin K2 (MK-7)
Different chemical forms of Vitamin K2 (MK-7) behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.
Mechanism of action
Cofactor for γ-glutamyl carboxylase — activates osteocalcin (bone) and MGP (artery protection).
- · Osteocalcin carboxylation
- · Matrix Gla Protein activation
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Vitamin K2 (MK-7) contributes to bone mineralization, osteoblast activity, or calcium-phosphate homeostasis.
Vitamin K2 (MK-7) supports endothelial function, lipid profile, or blood-pressure regulation in cardiovascular trials.
Vitamin K2 (MK-7) acts on hallmarks of aging including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and senescence signaling.
Evidence-based benefits
Reduces arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women
Moderate evidenceImproves bone mineral density (with D3)
Moderate evidencePotential side effects
- · Vitamin K2 (MK-7) is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
- · Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
- · Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users
- · Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction (rash, itching, swelling)
- · Sleep disturbance if taken late in the day
- · Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing
Drug interactions
Supplement interactions
- Vitamin D3Directs the calcium D3 absorbs into bone.
No specific avoidances listed.
Dosing & bioavailability
Where to buy
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Third-party testedIndependently verified Vitamin K2 (MK-7) — look for USP, NSF, or Informed Sport seals on the label for purity and dose accuracy.Vitamin K2 (MK-7) third party tested NSF
CapsulesPre-measured Vitamin K2 (MK-7) capsules — easiest for travel and consistent daily dosing without scoops or scales.Vitamin K2 (MK-7) capsules
PowderBulk unflavored Vitamin K2 (MK-7) powder — best cost-per-gram and flexible dosing for stacking or mixing into drinks.Vitamin K2 (MK-7) powder unflavored
Best sellersMost-purchased Vitamin K2 (MK-7) products on Amazon — a quick way to see what's reviewed widely before you commit.Vitamin K2 (MK-7) best sellerScientific evidence9Show studiesHide studies
MK-7 on bone and vascular health in postmenopausal women
Knapen MHJ, et al.
3-year RCT of MK-7 180 µg/d.
Reduced bone loss and vascular stiffness.
PubMed: Vitamin K2 (MK-7) — Reduces arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women
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PubMed: Vitamin K2 (MK-7) — Improves bone mineral density
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PubMed: Vitamin K2 (MK-7) — randomized controlled trial
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PubMed: Vitamin K2 (MK-7) — meta-analysis
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PubMed: Vitamin K2 (MK-7) — pharmacokinetics
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PubMed: Vitamin K2 (MK-7) — dose response
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Google Scholar: Vitamin K2 (MK-7) — clinical evidence
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Cross-database citation index for Vitamin K2 (MK-7) as it relates to "clinical evidence".
Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.