Home Ingredients K2VITAL® (All-Trans Vitamin K2 MK-7)
Bone HealthCardiovascularLongevity

K2VITAL® (All-Trans Vitamin K2 MK-7)

Evidence Level
Moderate
2 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

K2VITAL® (Kappa Bioscience, Norway) is a synthetically produced vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (MK-7) standardized to >99% all-trans isomer purity. The all-trans configuration is the biologically active form; cis-isomer impurities are inactive and dilute potency. K2VITAL® offers high purity, stable potency across shelf life, and dedicated stabilized formats (K2VITAL® Delta) designed to resist degradation when co-formulated with reactive minerals such as calcium and magnesium. MK-7's long plasma half-life (~3 days) supports once-daily dosing, and the active form supports bone mineralization and vascular health via vitamin-K-dependent carboxylation of osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein.

Studied Dose 90–180 mcg/day MK-7 most commonly used in bone and cardiovascular trials. Bone density and arterial stiffness trials in postmenopausal women used 180 mcg/day for 3 years. Lower doses (45–90 mcg/day) used in maintenance products.
Active Compound Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), >99% all-trans isomer — K2VITAL® by Kappa Bioscience; available as standard and microencapsulated (K2VITAL® Delta) for stability with minerals

Benefits

Support for bone mineral density preservation

Long-term MK-7 supplementation has been associated with preservation of bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and femoral neck in postmenopausal women, with significant differences from placebo emerging across multi-year trials. Effects support MK-7 as an adjunct to calcium and vitamin D rather than a standalone osteoporosis treatment.

Supported by Trial 1

Improvement in arterial stiffness markers

MK-7 supplementation has been associated with improvements in arterial stiffness measures (carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity, stiffness index) in healthy postmenopausal women over multi-year intervention, consistent with the cardiovascular role of vitamin K2 in keeping matrix Gla protein active and inhibiting vascular calcification.

Supported by Trial 2

Activation of vitamin-K-dependent proteins

MK-7 supplementation reliably reduces circulating inactive (uncarboxylated) osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein, indicating improved carboxylation status. These biomarker changes support the proposed bone- and vascular-protective mechanisms underlying K2's observed clinical effects.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Long half-life enables once-daily dosing

Compared with MK-4 (half-life ~1 hour), MK-7 has a plasma half-life of roughly 3 days. This allows once-daily dosing to maintain steady, biologically meaningful circulating levels — practical for both consumer and clinical formulations.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Soy-free, high-purity all-trans format

K2VITAL® is produced via chemical synthesis to deliver >99% all-trans MK-7 with strict control of inactive cis isomers, supporting reliable label-claim potency across the shelf life of finished products and clean-label formulations free from common allergens.

Supported by Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Gamma-carboxylation of Gla-domain proteins

MK-7 is an essential cofactor for the enzyme gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, which converts glutamate residues in Gla-domain proteins (osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein, GAS6, others) to gamma-carboxyglutamate, enabling these proteins to bind calcium and perform their physiological functions.

2

Osteocalcin activation and bone matrix formation

Carboxylated osteocalcin binds hydroxyapatite (bone mineral) and helps incorporate calcium into the bone matrix. Inadequate K2 leaves osteocalcin undercarboxylated and impairs this binding, contributing to age-related bone loss that MK-7 may help mitigate.

3

Matrix Gla protein activation and vascular protection

Carboxylated matrix Gla protein (MGP) is the body's primary inhibitor of vascular calcification, binding calcium ions in vessel walls and limiting calcium phosphate deposition. K2 deficiency leaves MGP inactive and is associated with greater arterial calcification, which MK-7 supplementation may help reduce.

4

Long-chain menaquinone tissue distribution

Compared with shorter menaquinones, MK-7's longer isoprenoid side chain supports more efficient incorporation into circulating lipoproteins and extra-hepatic tissue delivery — explaining its disproportionate effect on extra-hepatic Gla proteins like osteocalcin and MGP relative to MK-4.

Clinical trials

1
MK-7 (180 mcg/day) for Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women — 3-Year RCT

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of MK-7 (180 mcg/day) vs placebo in 244 healthy postmenopausal women over 3 years. Outcomes: bone mineral density at lumbar spine and femoral neck, osteocalcin carboxylation status. Published in Osteoporosis International.

244 healthy postmenopausal women; 3-year intervention.

MK-7 supplementation significantly improved carboxylation of osteocalcin and reduced age-related decline in bone mineral content and bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and femoral neck versus placebo. Effects were modest in magnitude compared with pharmaceutical osteoporosis therapy but reached statistical significance over the 3-year window.

2
MK-7 (180 mcg/day) and Arterial Stiffness — 3-Year RCT

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of MK-7 (180 µg MenaQ7/day) vs placebo in 244 healthy postmenopausal women over 3 years. Outcomes: carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, stiffness index, circulating inactive MGP. Published in Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

244 healthy postmenopausal women; 3-year intervention.

Three-year MK-7 supplementation was associated with improvements in carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity and stiffness index versus placebo, alongside significant reductions in inactive (uncarboxylated) matrix Gla protein, supporting MK-7's vascular health rationale.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Excellent safety profile at typical doses (45–180 mcg/day).
No clinically significant adverse events reported in multi-year RCTs of MK-7.
No upper tolerable intake limit established by most regulatory authorities.
Mild GI discomfort possible with very high doses or in sensitive individuals.
Not extensively studied in pregnancy; consult clinician for use beyond dietary intake levels.

Important Drug interactions

Warfarin (and other vitamin K antagonists) — MK-7 directly opposes the drug's mechanism; coordinate carefully with anticoagulation clinic.
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) — limited interaction data, but maintain consistent vitamin K intake.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics — may reduce intestinal K2 production; supplemental K2 may be more important.
Bile acid sequestrants and orlistat — may reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins including K2.

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Frequently asked questions about K2VITAL® (All-Trans Vitamin K2 MK-7)

What is the recommended dosage of K2VITAL® (All-Trans Vitamin K2 MK-7)?

The clinically studied dose for K2VITAL® (All-Trans Vitamin K2 MK-7) is 90–180 mcg/day MK-7 most commonly used in bone and cardiovascular trials. Bone density and arterial stiffness trials in postmenopausal women used 180 mcg/day for 3 years. Lower doses (45–90 mcg/day) used in maintenance products.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is K2VITAL® (All-Trans Vitamin K2 MK-7) used for?

K2VITAL® (All-Trans Vitamin K2 MK-7) is studied for support for bone mineral density preservation, improvement in arterial stiffness markers, activation of vitamin-k-dependent proteins. Long-term MK-7 supplementation has been associated with preservation of bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and femoral neck in postmenopausal women, with significant differences from placebo emerging across multi-year trials.

Are there side effects from taking K2VITAL® (All-Trans Vitamin K2 MK-7)?

Reported potential side effects may include: Excellent safety profile at typical doses (45–180 mcg/day). No clinically significant adverse events reported in multi-year RCTs of MK-7. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Does K2VITAL® (All-Trans Vitamin K2 MK-7) interact with medications?

Known drug interactions may include: Warfarin (and other vitamin K antagonists) — MK-7 directly opposes the drug's mechanism; coordinate carefully with anticoagulation clinic. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) — limited interaction data, but maintain consistent vitamin K intake. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you take prescription medications.

Is K2VITAL® (All-Trans Vitamin K2 MK-7) good for bone health?

Yes, K2VITAL® (All-Trans Vitamin K2 MK-7) is researched for Bone Health support. Long-term MK-7 supplementation has been associated with preservation of bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and femoral neck in postmenopausal women, with significant differences from placebo emerging across multi-year trials.

References(2 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Knapen MH, Drummen NE, Smit E, Vermeer C, Theuwissen E. Three-year low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation helps decrease bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women. Osteoporos Int. 2013;24(9):2499-507. doi: 10.1007/s00198-013-2325-6.PubMedUsed to support: 3-year RCT in 244 healthy postmenopausal women — MK-7 (180 mcg/day) significantly improved vitamin K status and decreased age-related decline in bone mineral content and bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and femoral neck vs placebo.
  2. Knapen MH, Braam LA, Drummen NE, Bekers O, Hoeks AP, Vermeer C. Menaquinone-7 supplementation improves arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women. A double-blind randomised clinical trial. Thromb Haemost. 2015;113(5):1135-44. doi: 10.1160/TH14-08-0675.PubMedUsed to support: 3-year RCT in 244 healthy postmenopausal women — MK-7 (180 mcg/day) significantly improved carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity and stiffness index and reduced inactive matrix Gla protein vs placebo, supporting MK-7's cardiovascular role.