Vitamin K2 (MK-7)

Summary

Vitamin K2 MK-7 (Menaquinone-7) is a subtype of Vitamin K2, known for its presence in fermented foods. Essential for blood clotting and offers extensive benefits for bone, heart, and dental health. More bioavailable and longer-lasting in the body than other Vitamin K forms. Shown to reduce age-related decline in bone mineral density and strength in postmenopausal women.

Stimulates bone formation, potentially preventing bone deterioration with aging. Protects against age-related cognitive and structural decline by modulating certain cellular pathways. High doses reduce cardiovascular calcification, suggesting benefits for heart health. Improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients, indicating potential management benefits for diabetes

What is Vitamin K2 MK-7?

Vitamin K2 MK-7 (Menaquinone-7) is a form of Vitamin K2, one of the several subtypes of vitamin K. MK-7 is a natural form of vitamin K2 found in high amounts in fermented foods, particularly natto, a Japanese fermented soybean dish.

Vitamin K is essential for the body, primarily known for its role in blood clotting. However, Vitamin K2, especially in its MK-7 form, goes beyond clotting and has several other significant health benefits, including bone, heart and dental health (R).

Compared to other forms of Vitamin K, MK-7 is more bioavailable and has a longer half-life, which means it stays in the body longer, providing more extended benefits (R).

Vitamin K2 MK-7 Impact on Aging and Longevity

Vitamin K2 MK-7 supplementation has significantly decreased the age-related decline in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone strength in healthy postmenopausal women, suggesting that low-dose MK-7 supplements may help prevent bone loss (R).

Another study on elderly female rat femoral tissues indicated that MK-7 stimulates bone formation in vitro, which may prevent bone deterioration with aging (R).

MK-7 was found to protect against age-related structural and cognitive deterioration in naturally aged rats by modulating the Nrf2/NLRP3/caspase-1 axis, highlighting its potential as a candidate for halting the progression of structural and cognitive deterioration in the aged population (R).

High-dose MK-7 supplementation has been shown to reduce cardiovascular calcification in a murine model, suggesting a protective effect against vascular calcification and possibly improving cardiovascular health (R).

MK-7 supplementation improved glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes, indicating a potential role in managing diabetes mellitus (R).