Vitamin K2 (MK-7)

Common Name

Vitamin K2 | MK-7 | Menaquinone 7

Top Benefits of Vitamin K2 (MK-7)

Supports bone health*

Supports metabolism*

Supports exercise performance*

Supports ATP production*

Support cardiovascular function*

Supports brain function*

Supports antioxidant defenses*

Supports cellular signaling*

What is Vitamin K2 (MK-7)?

Vitamin K is a collective term for a group of structurally related fat-soluble molecules (vitamers) that act as a cofactor for a carboxylase enzyme. This enzyme transforms glutamate residues in proteins to carboxyglutamate residues, which plays an important role in blood clotting and bone health. Dietary vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is obtained from vegetables, whereas dietary vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is obtained from products of animal origin or bacterial fermentation (e.g., cheese, natto). Vitamin K2 can also be produced by gut bacteria from vitamin K1. There are nine related vitamin K2 compounds—MK-1, MK-2 ... MK-9. The M stands for menaquinone, the K stands for vitamin K, and the n represents the number of isoprenoid side chain residues. In general, vitamin K2 is the preferred form for supporting bone and vascular health.*

Qualia Vitamin K2 (MK-7) Sourcing

Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) is a bioavailable vitamin K2, needing much lower doses than MK-4.

Produced from natto and manufactured by Japan Bioscience Labs (JBSL), a leading Japanese natto manufacturer for decades.

A clinically studied form of vitamin K2 which has been used in studies lasting up to three years. 

Non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten Free

Vitamin K2 (MK-7) Dosing Principles and Rationale

The dose of vitamin K needed will depend on the use and the form used. Of the available forms of vitamin K2, in general, shorter chain forms (MK-4, -5, and -6) require much higher doses than the longer-chain MK-7. Depending on the purpose the amount of vitamin K2 supplemented can vary (i.e., a higher dose would be used to optimize bone health, while a lower dose would be used if its an ingredient intended to support mitochondrial function).*

Vitamin K2 (MK-7) Key Mechanisms 

Supports mitochondrial structure and function*

Supports electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation (ATP production) [1–12]

Mitochondrial electron carrier - alternative electron acceptor/donor (complex I-III bypass) [1–3]

Supports complex I-V activity [4–9]

Supplies complex III cofactors/substrates [10–12]

Supports healthy mitochondrial function [3,4,13]

Supports mitochondrial morphology [14]

Supports AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling 24

Supports healthy metabolic function*

Supports healthy insulin sensitivity [15–19]

Supports adiponectin levels 18,24 [18]

Supports uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) [18]

Supports exercise performance*

Supports endurance performance [20]

Supports resistance to muscle cramps [21]

Supports post-exercise recovery [1,2]

Supports healthy skeletal system function*

Promotes the formation of bone [22,23]

Supports healthy cardiovascular function*

Supports healthy blood coagulation [22,23]

Supports healthy vascular structure [22,23]

Supports cardiac output (during exercise) [20]

Supports healthy cardiac cells [4]

Supports cellular signaling*

Supports healthy immune signaling  [13,24,25]

Supports antioxidant defenses*

Counters the generation of reactive oxygen species [8,13,26]

Supports brain function*

Supports neuroprotective functions [8,26]

Supports a healthy gut microbiota*

Supports the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by the gut microbiota [24]

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

REFERENCES

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[25] H. Zhang et al., Oncol. Rep. 25, 159–166 (2011).
[26] J. Li et al., J. Neurosci. 23, 5816–5826 (2003).

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.