Vitamin K (MK7)

Vitamin MK-7 For Bone Health

Vitamin K was first discovered in 1929 by Danish biochemist Henrik Dam during research on cholesterol metabolism in chickens. He observed that chickens fed sterol-free and low-fat diets tended to develop subcutaneous and intramuscular hemorrhages. This led to the discovery of an "anti-hemorrhagic factor," and thus, Vitamin K was born, from the word "Koagulationvitamin" or "coagulation" in Danish. Today, vitamin K is well known for the central role it plays in regulating blood coagulation by assisting in the conversion of a range of coagulation factors into their mature forms. There are many forms of Vitamin K, including the popular MK-7 which has potent bone health benefits.

Vitamin K comes either as K1 or K2. Vitamin K1 is found primarily in green, leafy vegetables, whereas K2 is predominantly produced by bacteria in our gut. Vitamin K2 comes in various forms, from MK-4 to MK-13, and is naturally present in dairy, meat, and fermented foods. The role of K1 in coagulation is well established, whereas K2 has been shown to offer other distinct health benefits.

Indeed, researchers have discovered that vitamin K2 is crucial to whole-body calcium metabolism. Studies have demonstrated that an adequate intake of vitamin K2 is essential for normal bone mineralization across the lifespan, the preservation of bone strength, and the prevention of bone loss, osteoporosis, and fractures as we age. Among vitamin K2 supplements, MK-7 (menaquinone-7) and MK-4 (menatetrenone) are the most studied forms. However, the former (MK-7) is considered the bioactive form and, by and large, is thought to be the superior choice because it is much more readily absorbed. Moreover, unlike other forms of vitamin K, MK-7 is transported directly to tissues throughout the body and has a longer half-life than MK-4, meaning it stays active for longer inside the body. This, of course, multiplies the health benefits of vitamin K.

Benefits of Vitamin K MK-7

• Biologically-Active Form Of Vitamin K2
• Helps Prevent Low Bone Mineral Density
• Regulates Whole-Body calcium Metabolism
• Significantly Decreases Bone Fracture Risk
• Used For The Prevention & Treatment Of Osteoporosis

Who Needs MK-7 For Bone Health?

Healthcare practitioners may recommend a quality vitamin K2 supplement in MK-7 form to individuals concerned about their bone health, who are frail, who have had repeated fractures, or anyone with a family history of osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women may especially benefit from MK-7 supplementation to help maintain healthy bone mineral density, stave off osteoporosis, and reduce fracture risk. MK-7 is also frequently used as part of complex protocols for bone loss, alongside other essential bone nutrients like calcium, magnesium, boron, phosphorus, vitamin D3, collagen, and others.

MK-7 Supplements For Bone Health

You can purchase an MK-7 supplement online through your favourite vitamin retailer or pick one up at your neighbourhood health food store. MK-7 supplements come primarily as capsules—vegetable-based or traditional gelatin-based—and in softgels and convenient liquid drop form. They are available in several potencies, but most commonly offer 100 to 120 mcg per dose. In addition, you can purchase your MK-7 as a standalone supplement or in combination blends alongside other bone health essentials; the most common such blends feature vitamin K2 in MK-7 form and vitamin D3.

Final Thoughts

Vitamin K deficiency impairs blood clotting; some of the most common signs of vitamin K deficiency include easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the urine, blood in the stool, tarry black stools, and heavy menstrual periods. If you have one or a few of the above symptoms, speak to your healthcare provider to determine if you may be low on vitamin K.

If you are taking any anticoagulant drugs (such as warfarin, coumadin, or heparin) or other medication, or if you have a diagnosed medical condition, consult your healthcare provider before use.