Vitamin K2 is made up of thirteen forms or isomers known as menaquinones designated MK-1, Mk-2, etc. Published research indicates that menaquinone-7 (MK-7) helps shuttle calcium out of the blood and also arteries and into bone. In fact, many population (epidemiological) studies have shown that when K2 levels are high, osteoporosis and hardening of the arteries is lower as compared to people with lower levels of K2. This makes sense when you consider the fact that vitamin K2 plays a role in the production of two proteins — osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein (MGP) — that are crucial players in the creation of dense bone and maintenance of its structural integrity. MGP has also been shown to inhibit calcification of arteries.

Despite what is known about K2, many companies continue to offer multi-vitamin formulas and vitamin K tablets and softgels that contain vitamin K1. Should consumers buy these products? Consider:

During 2007 a study was carried out by researchers at the “VitaK & Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht” at the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands. World-renown vitamin K expert Dr. Cees Vermeer participated in this project and was one of the coauthors of the resulting paper titled, “Vitamin K-containing dietary supplements: comparison of synthetic vitamin K1 and natto-derived menaquinone-7” that appeared in the journal Blood (2007 Apr 15;109(8):3279-83).

The Dutch scientists compared the absorption and efficacy of K(1) and MK-7 in healthy volunteers. They found that both K1 and MK-7 were well absorbed, resulting in peak serum concentrations four (4) hours after being taken. However, MK-7 had a very long half-life compared to vitamin K1 which resulted in much more stable serum levels. In addition, MK-7 accumulated to higher levels (7- to 8-fold) than vitamin K1 with prolonged use. As a result, MK-7 induced “more complete carboxylation of osteocalcin,” which means that MK-7 got this major player in the genesis and maintenance of dense, healthy bone properly situated to perform maximal ly.

When it comes to vitamin K supplementation, the existing studies point to MK-7 as providing “more bang for your buck.”  

Readers interested in learning more about the health benefits of MK-7 are encouraged to visit NutraCAM’s Vitamin K2 website or BONEGENESIS.

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