Vitamin K2 MK-7
The "calcium traffic director" - activates osteocalcin to bind calcium into bone matrix and Matrix Gla Protein to prevent calcium from depositing in arteries. MK-7 has a half-life of 72 hours vs 6 hours for MK-4. Pairs critically with D3.
Mechanism
Vitamin K2 activates two critical calcium-regulating proteins via carboxylation: osteocalcin (which binds calcium into the bone matrix, supporting bone mineral density) and Matrix Gla Protein or MGP (which inhibits calcium deposition in arterial walls, preventing vascular calcification). Without adequate K2, D3-driven increases in calcium absorption can accelerate calcification rather than direct calcium to bone.
MK-7 (menaquinone-7) is the preferred form: its long side chain gives it a plasma half-life of 72 hours vs ~6 hours for MK-4, and it accumulates in bone, liver, and arteries at higher concentrations. MK-7 is the most-studied menaquinone form in bone-health research. The Rotterdam study (Geleijnse et al.) is one of several epidemiological datasets examining dietary menaquinone intake.
Key Benefits
- Activates osteocalcin to deposit calcium into bone matrix
- Required cofactor for matrix Gla-protein activation
- MK-7: 72-hour half-life vs 6 hours for MK-4
- Critical partner to Vitamin D3 in this formula
- Vitamin K2 MK-7 is the most bioavailable menaquinone form in published bone-health research
The Research
Peer-reviewed human trials supporting this ingredient at this dose.
Vitamin K2 MK-7
180mcgMenaquinone-7 - fermentation-derived, long-chain form
Take with food containing fat - K2 is fat-soluble. Works synergistically with Vitamin D3 in this formula: D3 increases calcium absorption, K2 directs where it deposits.