The Significance of Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) in Vitamin K for Maintaining Strong Health as You Grow Older

Overview

Vitamin K is a nutrient that is often misunderstood. While some individuals are unaware of its advantages, others mistakenly believe it is solely beneficial for addressing bleeding disorders. Nonetheless, vitamin K plays a vital role in anti-aging and overall health beyond its clotting properties.

In this exploration, we will delve into the importance of vitamin K, its different forms, and why it is crucial for your well-being. We will also examine how the various types of vitamin K impact your health and ways to boost your dietary intake for long-term vitality.

What Is Vitamin K?

Vitamin K comprises a group of fat-soluble vitamins essential for blood clotting, bone health, and cardiovascular function. Its name is derived from the German word "koagulation," as its role in blood clotting was first documented in a German medical journal.

Acting as a cofactor for carboxylation reactions in vitamin K-dependent proteins, vitamin K aids these proteins in carrying out their functions effectively, ensuring proper bodily processes and averting health complications.

Three Types of Vitamin K

Vitamin K is present in three primary forms:

Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone): Present in plant-based foods like green leafy vegetables, vitamin K1 is crucial for blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding.
Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone): Synthesized by bacteria and comprising various compounds, vitamin K2 supports bone and cardiovascular health. Among its variations, MK-7 is renowned for its superior bioavailability and multiple health advantages.
Vitamin K3 (Menadione): A synthetic form of vitamin K, K3 is not recommended for dietary supplementation due to its potential toxicity.

Which Vitamin K is Optimal For Health?

Within the vitamin K2 variants, MK-7 is distinguished by its prolonged half-life and efficient absorption within the body. Its distinctive structure enables it to bolster physiological processes related to blood clotting, bone metabolism, and cardiovascular well-being.

Health Benefits of MK-7

MK-7 provides a spectrum of health advantages, such as:

Enhanced heart and cardiovascular function by thwarting calcium accumulation in arteries and regulating blood clotting.
Increased bone mineral density and decreased fracture risk by promoting bone health.
Anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to overall health and wellness.
Support for brain health and cognitive function through diverse mechanisms.

These benefits underscore the significance of integrating MK-7 into your dietary regimen or supplementation routine to bolster optimal health.

Why You Might Have Insufficient MK-7

Attaining adequate MK-7 intake can be challenging due to factors like dietary choices, gut health, age-related alterations, medications, and underlying health conditions. These factors might impede your ability to absorb ample MK-7, underscoring the necessity for supplementation in many instances.

How to Incorporate MK-7 Supplements

Research suggests supplementing with a minimum of 50mcg of MK-7 daily to reap its health benefits. Opting for a premium supplement like K2VITAL® DELTA Vitamin K2 ensures optimal absorption and utilization in the body, bolstering various facets of your health.

Safety and Recommended Daily Intake

The recommended daily intake of MK-7 is 120mcg for men and 90mcg for women. However, these values are established based on clotting factors, and higher dosages may be required to achieve additional health advantages related to bone and cardiovascular support.

Summary

Vitamin K, particularly MK-7, plays a pivotal role in upholding overall health, offering benefits for bone density, cardiovascular function, inflammation reduction, and brain well-being. While dietary sources like fermented foods supply some MK-7, supplementation may be essential due to various factors impacting absorption. Opting for a reputable supplement containing K2VITAL® DELTA Vitamin K2 can aid in attaining optimal health outcomes.

References

Fadó R, Molins A, Rojas R, Casals N. Feeding the Brain: Effect of Nutrients on Cognition, Synaptic Function, and AMPA Receptors. Nutrients. 2022 Oct 5;14(19):4137. doi: 10.3390/nu14194137. PMID: 36235789; PMCID: PMC9572450.

Zhang R, Zhang M, Wang P. The intricate interplay between dietary habits and cognitive function: insights from the gut-brain axis. Front Nutr. 2025 Jan 29;12:1539355. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1539355. PMID: 39944956; PMCID: PMC11813792.

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Susan Parker

Susan Parker is a 49-year-old Senior Manager at a marketing firm. With two older children becoming more independent, she is now focusing on her own health and wellbeing. She’s passionate about natural and holistic health approaches, and values high-quality, trustworthy products. Susan enjoys yoga, gardening, reading, and cooking, and seeks to stay energetic and sharp while balancing a busy career and personal life.