MENAQUINONE

MENAQUINONE

BONE HEALTH ⎪ ANTI-CALCIFICATION ⎪ FIRMNESS

Menaquinone, also known as vitamin K2, is a fat-soluble vitamin naturally produced by certain bacteria and found in fermented foods such as natto, aged cheeses, and some animal products. It differs from vitamin K1 (phylloquinone, of plant origin) by its longer side chain, which gives it superior bioavailability and a significantly higher plasma half-life.

The benefits of menaquinone extend far beyond its traditional role in blood clotting. It acts as an essential cofactor in the carboxylation of key proteins involved in bone health, vascular calcification, hormonal regulation, and, more recently documented, skin renewal and firmness.

What is menaquinone? Definition and origin

Menaquinone belongs to the vitamin K family, a group of fat-soluble vitamins sharing a common menadione nucleus. It comes in several forms depending on the length of its isoprenyl side chain: MK-4, MK-7, MK-8, MK-9, up to MK-13, with MK-4 and MK-7 being the most studied.

MK-7 is the most bioavailable and longest-acting form in the body, with a plasma half-life of 72 hours compared to only a few hours for MK-4. It is primarily produced by bacterial fermentation, particularly byBacillus subtilis natto, the bacterium responsible for fermenting soybeans into natto, the richest known food in vitamin K2.

The discovery of menaquinone's role beyond coagulation dates back to the 1990s, with the identification of MGP (Matrix Gla Protein) and osteocalcin as major substrates for its carboxylase activity. These two proteins play a central role in regulating soft tissue calcification and bone mineralization.

In cosmetics, menaquinone has emerged as a promising anti-aging active ingredient due to the identification of specific receptors in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and its role in regulating skin elastin.

Composition and active forms of menaquinone

The menaquinone family comes in several forms with complementary properties:

• MK-4 (menaquinone-4): short-chain form, synthesized in animal tissues by conversion of vitamin K1, with rapid and targeted action on bone and skin tissues
• MK-7 (menaquinone-7): long-chain form resulting from bacterial fermentation, the most bioavailable and longest-acting in circulation
• MK-8 and MK-9: forms found in fermented cheeses, with intermediate action on cardiovascular and bone tissues
• Menadione nucleus: common structure to all forms, responsible for cofactor activity in carboxylation reactions
• Isoprenyl chain: determines the fat solubility, bioavailability, and duration of action of each form

What are the benefits of menaquinone?

Clinical studies show that MK-7 supplementation significantly improves bone density, reduces arterial calcification, and increases levels of active carboxylated proteins in the body. A 2019 meta-analysis of over 6,000 participants confirms the protective effect of vitamin K2 on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

At the skin level, recent studies have highlighted the role of menaquinone in regulating dermal elastin via the carboxylation of cutaneous MGP protein, opening new perspectives for anti-aging formulas targeting firmness and elasticity.

• Bone health: activates osteocalcin to direct calcium to bones and teeth, preventing demineralization and postmenopausal osteoporosis
• Cardiovascular protection: activates MGP protein to prevent calcification of arteries and soft tissues, reducing cardiovascular risk
• Skin firmness and elasticity: regulates the synthesis and maturation of dermal elastin via the carboxylation of cutaneous MGP, for firmer and plumper skin
• Regulation of skin calcification: prevents calcium deposition in elastic fibers of the dermis, a phenomenon associated with skin aging and loss of suppleness
• Hormonal balance: interacts with steroid receptors and supports the synthesis of certain hormones, with particular interest during perimenopause
• Immune support: modulates inflammatory pathways and supports the differentiation of immune cells, contributing to the body's overall resilience

Key points:

• Highly bioavailable vitamin K2, active on bones, blood vessels, and skin
• Regulates dermal elastin via MGP protein carboxylation
• Prevents calcification of elastic fibers associated with skin aging
• Essential synergy with vitamin D3 and calcium for bone health
• Of particular interest for women in perimenopause and menopause

How to use menaquinone

For topical use, menaquinone is incorporated into serums, anti-aging creams, and firming treatments at concentrations generally between 0.1% and 1%. Its fat solubility makes it particularly compatible with formulas rich in vegetable oils and lipophilic active ingredients.

It combines ideally with retinol and vitamin C for overall anti-aging action, or with elastin and chondroitin to maximize effects on skin firmness and elasticity.

For oral supplementation, MK-7 is recommended at doses of 90 to 360 µg per day, preferably with a meal containing fats to optimize its fat-soluble absorption. It is systematically combined with vitamin D3 for optimal synergy on bone health.

⚠️Note: do not exceed 600 µg per day without medical advice. Menaquinone interacts with anticoagulant type antivitamin K (AVK). A medical consultation is essential if you are currently taking medication.

Menaquinone precautions

Menaquinone has an excellent tolerance profile for both topical and oral use, with very low toxicity even at high doses, unlike vitamin K1.

Possible side effects:

• Interaction with AVK anticoagulants: menaquinone can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant treatments such as warfarin or acenocoumarol. This is the most important interaction to monitor and absolutely requires medical consultation.
• Rare skin reactions: slight redness or transient feeling of warmth possible on very sensitive skin during the first topical applications.
• Mild digestive upset: with oral supplementation at high doses, temporary digestive discomfort may occur. Taking it with a fatty meal usually reduces these effects.
• Potential hypercalcemia: in combination with high doses of vitamin D3 and calcium, monitoring of calcium levels is recommended in the long term.
• Drug interactions: caution if taking antibiotics (which reduce bacterial intestinal production of vitamin K2), cholestyramine, or orlistat which decrease its absorption.

⚠️Pregnant and breastfeeding women and individuals taking anticoagulant medication must consult a healthcare professional before any menaquinone supplementation.

Frequently asked questions about menaquinone

What is the difference between vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 (menaquinone)?
Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is of plant origin, mainly concentrated in green vegetables, and primarily acts at the liver level for blood clotting. Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is produced by bacteria and found in fermented foods. It has superior bioavailability, a longer half-life, and an extended systemic action on bones, blood vessels, and skin.

Is menaquinone effective against skin aging?
Yes, recent studies demonstrate its role in regulating dermal elastin and preventing the calcification of elastic fibers, two mechanisms directly involved in the loss of firmness and elasticity associated with skin aging. Its complementary action to that of retinol and vitamin C makes it a promising anti-aging active ingredient.

Which form of menaquinone to choose, MK-4 or MK-7?
MK-7 is generally preferred for oral supplementation due to its 72-hour half-life and superior bioavailability. MK-4 is often used topically for its particular affinity with skin and bone tissues. The two forms are complementary in a holistic approach.

Is menaquinone suitable for vegans?
MK-7 derived from bacterial fermentation (Bacillus subtilis) is available in a vegan version. Check for "MK-7 fermentation" or "vegan" on the label. MK-4 is generally of animal origin.

How long does it take to see the effects of menaquinone?
For topical use, improvements in firmness and elasticity are noticeable after 4 to 6 weeks. Benefits on bone density with oral supplementation require 6 to 12 months of regular supplementation, in accordance with available clinical studies.

Sources: Geleijnse JM. et al. "Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease." Journal of Nutrition, 2004. Knapen MH. et al. "Three-year low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation helps decrease bone loss." Osteoporosis International, 2013. Lander EB. & Well A. "Skin elasticity and vitamin K2." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020.