UniK2® (Vitamin K2 as MK-7 from Natto — IFF)

Evidence Level
Moderate
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

UniK2® is a natural vitamin K2 in the menaquinone-7 (MK-7) form, derived from natto, the fermented soy food. Vitamin K2 helps direct calcium into bone and away from arteries, supporting both bone strength and cardiovascular health.

Studied Dose Commonly 45 to 180 mcg of MK-7 per day.
Active Compound Vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (MK-7) from natto fermentation.

Benefits

Bone strength

In a 3-year randomized trial in postmenopausal women, low-dose MK-7 helped decrease age-related bone loss, supporting bone mineral density.

Arterial flexibility

Vitamin K2 activates a protein that keeps calcium out of artery walls, supporting flexible, healthy arteries.

Calcium routing

MK-7 helps direct dietary calcium into bone rather than soft tissue, complementing calcium and vitamin D.

Mechanism of action

1

Osteocalcin activation

MK-7 carboxylates (activates) osteocalcin, the protein that binds calcium into the bone matrix.

2

Matrix Gla protein activation

MK-7 activates matrix Gla protein, which inhibits calcium deposition in artery walls.

Clinical trials

1
MK-7 and Bone Loss — 3-Year RCT
PubMed

Three-year randomized trial of low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation in healthy postmenopausal women. (Knapen et al. 2013, Osteoporosis International)

Healthy postmenopausal women.

Low-dose MK-7 helped decrease bone loss at the spine and femoral neck versus placebo.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED at recommended doses.
Vitamin K2 interferes with warfarin-type blood thinners; do not use without medical supervision.
Mild digestive upset is occasionally reported.

Important Drug interactions

Warfarin and other vitamin-K-antagonists — directly opposes these blood thinners; medical supervision required.
Generally compatible with other medications.
Tell your doctor if you take anticoagulants.

Frequently asked questions about UniK2® (Vitamin K2 as MK-7 from Natto — IFF)

What is UniK2® (Vitamin K2 as MK-7 from Natto — IFF)?

UniK2® is a natural vitamin K2 in the menaquinone-7 (MK-7) form, derived from natto, the fermented soy food. Vitamin K2 helps direct calcium into bone and away from arteries, supporting both bone strength and cardiovascular health.

What is the recommended dosage of UniK2® (Vitamin K2 as MK-7 from Natto — IFF)?

The clinically studied dose for UniK2® (Vitamin K2 as MK-7 from Natto — IFF) is Commonly 45 to 180 mcg of MK-7 per day.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is UniK2® (Vitamin K2 as MK-7 from Natto — IFF) used for?

UniK2® (Vitamin K2 as MK-7 from Natto — IFF) is studied for bone strength, arterial flexibility, calcium routing. In a 3-year randomized trial in postmenopausal women, low-dose MK-7 helped decrease age-related bone loss, supporting bone mineral density.

Are there side effects from taking UniK2® (Vitamin K2 as MK-7 from Natto — IFF)?

Reported potential side effects may include: GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED at recommended doses. Vitamin K2 interferes with warfarin-type blood thinners; do not use without medical supervision. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Is UniK2® (Vitamin K2 as MK-7 from Natto — IFF) safe to take?

Whether UniK2® (Vitamin K2 as MK-7 from Natto — IFF) is safe depends on the dose, your overall health, and any medications you take. At studied doses, reported side effects can include: GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED at recommended doses. It may also interact with certain medications. UniK2® (Vitamin K2 as MK-7 from Natto — IFF) is not suitable for everyone — consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medications.

References(1 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, et al. Three-year low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation helps decrease bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women. Osteoporos Int. 2013;24(9):2499-507..PubMedUsed to support: RCT supporting bone-density benefit of MK-7 (the active in UniK2).