Full-Spectrum Vitamin K (K1 + MK-4 + MK-7)

Full-Spectrum Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin supplement combining three primary forms: Phylloquinone (K1), Menaquinone-4 (MK-4), and Menaquinone-7 (MK-7). Typical formulations provide approximately 1,000–2,000 mcg Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone, derived from plant sources such as alfalfa or spinach extract), 1,000–1,500 mcg MK-4 (menaquinone-4, a short-chain menaquinone with rapid absorption but shorter half-life of ~2–4 hours), and 100–200 mcg MK-7 (menaquinone-7, a long-chain menaquinone typically derived from natto/Bacillus subtilis fermentation with a substantially longer half-life of ~72 hours, enabling sustained serum levels). Contains no significant macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fat, or fiber) per serving. Key bioactive compounds include the naphthoquinone ring structure common to all K vitamins, which serves as the essential cofactor for gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, activating vitamin K-dependent proteins (osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein, prothrombin, factors VII, IX, X, and proteins C and S). Bioavailability notes: All forms are fat-soluble and absorption is significantly enhanced (up to 3–8x) when taken with dietary fat (ideally 10–15 g). K1 bioavailability from supplements is approximately 80% (higher than from food sources at ~5–10% from green vegetables). MK-4 is rapidly absorbed but extensively metabolized, leading to a short duration of action. MK-7 has superior bioavailability and bioaccumulation due to its long half-life, achieving steady-state serum concentrations after ~2 weeks of daily dosing, and is more effective at carboxylating extrahepatic proteins (osteocalcin, MGP) at lower doses. MK-7 is approximately 2–3x more bioavailable than K1 on a microgram-per-microgram basis for extrahepatic tissue activation. Some formulations include medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) or olive oil as carrier lipids to further enhance absorption. No significant mineral or additional vitamin content unless specifically fortified. The combination of all three forms provides both rapid hepatic support (K1 for coagulation) and sustained extrahepatic tissue benefits (MK-4 and MK-7 for bone and cardiovascular health).