Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
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
Vitamin K2 MK-7 (menaquinone-7) activates vitamin K-dependent proteins like osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein through gamma-carboxylation. This mechanism supports bone mineralization and prevents arterial calcification more effectively than other vitamin K forms.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Vitamin K2 MK-7 is a form of vitamin K2 produced through fermentation of soybeans using Bacillus subtilis natto. It is known for its long half-life and bioavailability.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
RCTs and meta-analyses support the role of MK-7 in improving bone mineral density and reducing arterial stiffness. It is considered more effective than other forms of vitamin K.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Vitamin K2 MK-7 (MenaQ7) is a bioactive form of menaquinone-7, a fat-soluble vitamin with no caloric macronutrient contribution. Active compound: menaquinone-7 (MK-7) at typical supplemental doses of 45–360 mcg per serving, with 100–200 mcg being the most clinically studied range. MenaQ7 is a patented, natural-source MK-7 derived from fermented chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) via Bacillus subtilis natto fermentation. Key bioactive compound: all-trans MK-7 isomer, which is the biologically active configuration; MenaQ7 standardizes for >97% all-trans content, distinguishing it from synthetic K2 sources that may contain inactive cis-isomers. Molecular weight: 649.0 g/mol. No protein, carbohydrate, fiber, or fat content inherent to the isolated ingredient itself. Micronutrient classification: fat-soluble vitamin (K family). Bioavailability notes: MK-7 has significantly superior bioavailability compared to MK-4 and vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) due to its longer side chain (7 isoprene units), resulting in a plasma half-life of approximately 72 hours versus 1–2 hours for K1. Absorption requires dietary fat co-ingestion; peak plasma concentration reached within 4–6 hours post-ingestion. MenaQ7 specifically demonstrates consistent carboxylation of osteocalcin and Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) at doses as low as 90 mcg/day. Serum binding occurs primarily via LDL and HDL lipoproteins. No known interference with warfarin at doses below 50 mcg in most individuals, though caution is advised.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
MK-7 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 calcium binding in bones and matrix Gla protein (MGP) to prevent calcium deposits in arteries. MK-7's longer half-life (72 hours) provides superior bioavailability compared to MK-4 and K1.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
A 3-year randomized controlled trial of 244 postmenopausal women found 180 mcg daily MK-7 reduced bone mineral density loss and improved bone strength by 25%. Cardiovascular studies show MK-7 supplementation (180-360 mcg daily) reduces arterial stiffness by 6-12% over 12 weeks. Meta-analyses indicate moderate evidence for bone benefits but limited long-term cardiovascular data. Most studies use the patented MenaQ7 form with consistent bioavailability.
Also Known As
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