Vitamin K2

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evidence score

vitamin mineral

menaquinoneMK-4MK-7+2 more

Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is the tissue-directing form of vitamin K, distinct from K1 (dietary clotting factor). Its primary role is activating matrix Gla protein (MGP) and osteocalcin — proteins that direct calcium into bone and prevent arterial calcification. K2 deficiency is common (especially with high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation) and correlates with aortic and coronary artery calcification. MK-7 (fermented soy/natto) has a longer half-life and higher bioactivity than MK-4. The Rotterdam Study showed 50μg MK-7/day associated with 57% reduction in aortic calcification progression and 52% reduction in cardiovascular death. Essential companion to vitamin D3.

Evidence

No score yet

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

No formal phase listed

Research Sync

Not synced yet

Dosing

Typical

200 mcg

100 mcgRange400 mcg

Frequencydaily

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Pharmacology

Half-lifeMK-4: ~1-2 hours; MK-7: ~72 hours

OnsetCarboxylation markers improve 4-12 weeks; cardiovascular calcification is very long-term

DurationDaily dosing required to maintain tissue saturation

Routes

oral

Evidence Score

—

0 studies indexed

Scoring Factors

Volume(40%)—

Quality(30%)—

Sample Size(10%)—

Consistency(10%)—

Replication(5%)—

Recency(5%)—

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Vitamin K2 is currently categorized as a vitamin mineral compound.

Evidence scoring has not been fully computed yet, so interpret this profile as preliminary.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

Cofactor for gamma-glutamyl carboxylase; activates MGP (prevents arterial calcification) and osteocalcin (bone mineralization, glucose metabolism)

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

No indexed study summaries yet.

Elevated caution signals

1 severe/high side effect flag