MenaQ7 (Vitamin K2 MK-7, Natto-Derived)

MenaQ7 is a highly purified, patented form of Vitamin K2 as Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), derived from fermented natto (soybeans fermented with Bacillus subtilis natto). It is not a macronutrient source and contains negligible calories, fat, protein, or carbohydrates in functional doses. Key bioactive compound: Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) — a fat-soluble vitamin belonging to the K2 subclass, typically dosed at 45–180 mcg per serving in supplemental form, with MenaQ7 standardized to ≥99% all-trans MK-7, the biologically active isomeric form. MK-7 has a long side chain (7 isoprene units) that confers exceptional bioavailability and a plasma half-life of approximately 72 hours, significantly longer than Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone, ~1–2 hours) or shorter-chain MK-4 (~6–8 hours). Bioavailability is notably fat-dependent — absorption increases substantially when taken with dietary fat due to its fat-soluble nature, utilizing chylomicron-mediated lymphatic transport. MenaQ7 activates two key carboxylation-dependent proteins: osteocalcin (bone Gla protein, BGP), which binds calcium into the bone matrix, and Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), the most potent known inhibitor of vascular calcification. At 180 mcg/day, studies show near-complete carboxylation of osteocalcin and MGP within 3 months. No significant mineral, fiber, or additional vitamin content is present at functional doses.