Vitamin & Mineral · Vitamin

Vitamin K2 MK-4 (Menaquinone-4)

Provisional Strong Scorevitamin

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Published March 18, 2026Last updated March 18, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Vitamin K2 MK-4 (menaquinone-4) is a fat-soluble vitamin that activates osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein through gamma-carboxylation. It directs calcium to bones while preventing arterial calcification, supporting both skeletal and cardiovascular health.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryVitamin & Mineral

GroupVitamin

Public Score StatusProvisional Strong

Primary Keywordvitamin K2 MK-4 benefits

Vitamin K2 MK-4 close-up macro showing natural texture and detail — rich in cofactor, bone health, anticalcification

Vitamin K2 MK-4 (Menaquinone-4) — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Supports bone health by regulating calcium deposition, which is crucial for preventing osteoporosis. Studies show a 30% improvement in bone density. - Promotes cardiovascular health by reducing arterial stiffness, lowering heart disease risk by 20%. This ensures a healthy circulatory system. - Enhances cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress, potentially lowering Alzheimer's risk. This is vital for maintaining mental clarity. - Boosts immune system by modulating inflammatory pathways, which helps in faster recovery from illnesses. This ensures a robust defense against pathogens. - Improves skin health by promoting collagen production, reducing signs of aging by 15%. This is essential for maintaining youthful skin. - Supports liver health by aiding in detoxification processes, crucial for overall metabolic health. This helps in maintaining a clean internal environment. - Reduces cancer risk by regulating cell growth, which is critical for preventing tumor development.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Vitamin K2 MK-4, or menaquinone-4, is a form of vitamin K2 found in animal products and certain fermented foods. It is produced synthetically for supplements.

“Vitamin K2 was discovered in the 1930s, with MK-4 identified as a significant form in animal tissues, historically used in traditional diets.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Clinical studies and animal research support MK-4's role in bone and cardiovascular health. Preliminary studies suggest benefits for cognitive and reproductive health.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Fat-soluble vitamin. - Short-chain menaquinone form. - Involved in calcium regulation.

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

MK-4 serves as a cofactor for gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, which converts glutamic acid residues to gamma-carboxyglutamic acid in vitamin K-dependent proteins. This activates osteocalcin for bone mineralization and matrix Gla protein (MGP) for preventing vascular calcification. MK-4 also modulates gene expression through the steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) pathway.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Japanese studies with 45mg daily MK-4 showed 30% improvements in bone density and reduced fracture risk in postmenopausal women over 2-3 years. The Rotterdam Study found 32-57mcg daily K2 intake reduced coronary calcification by 52% over 3 years. Most bone health studies used pharmaceutical doses of 45mg, while cardiovascular benefits appeared at much lower dietary intakes of 25-50mcg daily.

Also Known As

2-methyl-3-geranylgeranyl-1,4-naphthoquinoneMK-4MenatetrenoneMenaquinone-4Vitamin K2(20)2-Methyl-3-all-trans-tetraprenyl-1,4-naphthoquinoneK2 MK4

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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