VITAMIN K2

VITAMIN K2

ORIENTED ⎪ PROTECTS ⎪ STRENGTHENS

Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is a fat-soluble vitamin whose role in bone and cardiovascular health is now recognized as fundamental.
Long unknown and often confused with vitamin K1, it nevertheless represents an essential active ingredient for directing calcium where it is needed in the bones and keeping it away from the arteries.

It acts as a calcium switcher in the body, activating key proteins that regulate its deposition in tissues.
Its benefits extend to bone strength, arterial flexibility and the preservation of cardiovascular capital.

What is vitamin K2 ? Definition and origin

Vitamin K2 belongs to the menaquinone family, the most biologically active forms of which are MK-4 and MK-7.
Its name comes from the German word "Koagulation", in reference to the initial discovered role of the vitamin K family in blood clotting.

Naturally present in certain fermented foods (natto, certain cheeses, sauerkraut) and produced in part by the intestinal microbiota, vitamin K2 nevertheless often remains insufficient in modern Western diets.
Natto, a Japanese food made from fermented soy, is by far the most concentrated food source.

The MK-7 form (menaquinone-7) is today the reference in supplementation: naturally extracted from natto, it benefits from a much longer plasma half-life (72 hours) than MK-4, allowing effectiveness at lower doses and with daily intake.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that MK-7 supplementation significantly improves markers of bone health and reduces arterial stiffness.

The discovery of the role of vitamin K2 in calcium metabolism represented a major turning point in bone and cardiovascular nutrition.
It is today recognized as the “conductor” of calcium in the body, inseparable from effective and risk-free calcium supplementation.

Composition and active ingredients

Vitamin K2 acts via the activation of specific gamma-carboxylated proteins:

• MK-7 (menaquinone-7) long-acting form, from natto, reference in supplementation
• MK-4 (menaquinone-4) fast-acting form, predominant in tissues
• Activation of the protein osteocalcin which binds calcium in the bone matrix
• Activation of MGP (Matrix Gla Protein) protein which inhibits arterial calcification
• Modulatory activity on other Gla-proteins involved in coagulation and cell growth
• Essential synergy with vitamin D3 for optimal regulation of calcium metabolism

What are the benefits of vitamin K2 ?

Vitamin K2 works according to a simple but critically important principle: it activates proteins that “tell” calcium where to deposit.
Without it, absorbed calcium can accumulate in the arteries (promoting their stiffening) rather than in the bones (where it is useful).

This dual mechanism of bone strengthening and cardiovascular protection makes vitamin K2 a particularly strategic active ingredient during menopause, a period of dual vulnerability: increased bone loss and cardiovascular risk.
It is today considered the essential partner of calcium and vitamin D3 in any serious approach to bone health.

• Directs calcium towards the bones by activating osteocalcin
• Reduces the risk of arterial calcification by activating MGP
• Improves bone mineral density and fracture resistance
• Reduces arterial stiffness and supports cardiovascular health
• Works in synergy with vitamin D3 and calcium
• Helps maintain balanced coagulation
• Reduces bone resorption markers (CTX)
• Improves bone formation markers (carboxylated osteocalcin)
• Contributes to kidney health by reducing ectopic calcium deposits

Key points:

• “Calcium switch”: directs calcium towards the bones and out of the arteries
• Form MK-7: reference in supplementation, long half-life (72h)
• Clinically studied on bone density and arterial stiffness
• Essential in combination with calcium and vitamin D3
• Particularly important in women going through menopause

Directions for use

Vitamin K2 in MK-7 form is used at dosages generally between 90 and 200 mcg per day.
Being fat-soluble, it is better absorbed in the presence of dietary fats to be taken during a meal containing lipids.

For optimal use, vitamin K2 must always be combined with vitamin D3 in an overall bone health strategy.
Vitamin D3 stimulates the synthesis of Gla-proteins which K2 then activates: these two vitamins are functionally inseparable.

⚠️ Note: Vitamin K2 (unlike K1) interacts little with anti-vitamin K anticoagulants (AVK/warfarin). However, any vitamin K supplementation should be reported to the doctor in the event of anticoagulant treatment.

Precautions for use

Adverse effects

Vitamin K2 has an excellent tolerance profile, even in the long term.
No significant adverse effects were reported at usual nutritional doses (90-200 µg/day).

⚠️ Report to the doctor in case of treatment with AVK (warfarin, acenocoumarol). Although K2 has less impact on coagulation than K1, an interaction remains theoretically possible at high doses. Not recommended at high doses in cases of active thromboembolic pathology without medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 ?
Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is mainly involved in blood clotting and is mainly found in green vegetables. Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) acts primarily on calcium metabolism, bones and arteries.

Why is the MK-7 shape preferable to the MK-4 ?
MK-7 has a much longer plasma half-life (72 hours compared to a few hours for MK-4), allowing effectiveness at lower doses and with daily intake. It is also of natural origin (natto).

Can you take vitamin K2 if you are on anticoagulants ?
Particular caution is required. Unlike K1, K2 interferes less with AVK treatments, but any vitamin K supplementation must be reported to the doctor and accompanied by INR monitoring.

Can vitamin K2 replace osteoporosis treatment ?
No. It constitutes a valuable complement in a prevention strategy, but does not replace prescribed medical treatment. It is part of a global approach: diet, physical activity, appropriate supplementation.

How do you know if you are deficient in vitamin K2 ?
There is no accessible routine blood test. On the other hand, an indirect marker, undercarboxylated (inactive) osteocalcin, makes it possible to assess K2 status. A diet low in fermented cheese and free of natto is a practical indicator of deficiency risk.

Sources

• Osteoporosis International "Vitamin K2 supplementation and bone health: a systematic review" (2020)
• Thrombosis and Haemostasis "Menaquinone-7 and arterial calcification: the Rotterdam Study" (2004)
• Nutrients "Vitamin D and K2 synergy in calcium metabolism and bone health" (2019)