Vitamin K2 MK-7 – a guide for calcium and a partner to vitamin D3

Vitamin K2 in the form of MK-7, or menaquinone-7, belongs to the vitamin K family. Its most important role is to enable the activation of specific proteins involved in calcium metabolism. As a result, calcium can be used more effectively in bone tissue, and the body gains additional mechanisms that limit its undesirable deposition in soft tissues.

Why is vitamin K2 MK-7 important when supplementing with vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3 increases the absorption of calcium from the digestive tract. However, it does not determine on its own where this calcium will be used. Vitamin K2 supports the activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins involved in directing and binding calcium in the body.

The most important of these proteins are osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein, abbreviated as MGP. Osteocalcin is produced by osteoblasts, i.e. bone-forming cells. Following vitamin K-dependent activation, it can bind more effectively to the mineral component of bone tissue.

MGP is found, among other places, in the walls of blood vessels and in soft tissues. Its proper activation is one of the physiological mechanisms limiting undesirable mineralization of these tissues (i.e. calcification). Because, as an old Polish saying goes, how can you recognize a person over forty with a vitamin D deficiency and too much stress? By their gray hair. And what is such a person called? A calcified person.

Osteoblasts and osteoclasts

Two main types of cells are involved in the bone remodeling process. Osteoblasts form new bone matrix and participate in its mineralization. Some mature osteoblasts subsequently become trapped in the matrix they have built and transform into osteocytes, i.e. mature bone cells. And this is precisely what vitamin K2 MK-7 helps with. Osteoclasts perform the opposite function: they break down old or damaged bone tissue so that it can be replaced with new tissue. 

Therefore, the effect of vitamin K2 MK-7 can be illustratively described as supporting the „nourishment of bones” with calcium, but biologically, it is more accurate to say that this vitamin activates osteocalcin produced by osteoblasts. This facilitates the proper binding of minerals in newly formed bone matrix.

Why the MK-7 form?

MK-7 is one of the forms of vitamin K2. It occurs primarily in fermented foods, especially in Japanese natto. Compared with some shorter-acting forms of vitamin K, it remains in circulation for longer, and may therefore enable more stable activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins when taken regularly.

The key benefits highlighted in the article

• supports the activation of osteocalcin, a protein associated with the mineralization of bones and teeth;
• supports the activation of MGP protein, which helps protect blood vessels and soft tissues from abnormal mineral deposition;
• complements the action of vitamin D3, which increases calcium absorption;
• helps reduce the so-called calcium paradox, a situation in which calcium may be lacking in the bones while simultaneously being deposited in inappropriate places;
• due to the longer persistence of MK-7 in the body, this form is often used once a day.

Vitamin D3, K2 MK-7 and magnesium – a team of cooperating ingredients

Vitamin D3, vitamin K2 MK-7 and magnesium perform different yet complementary functions. Vitamin D3 increases calcium absorption, magnesium is involved in vitamin D metabolism, while K2 MK-7 activates proteins responsible for the proper use of calcium. For this reason, supplementing large amounts of vitamin D3 without paying attention to the other elements of mineral balance may be unwise. We personally recommend Magnesium Ultra (more information on this page under the tab Magnesium Ultra

What is known, and what should not be promised?

Studies provide strong confirmation that MK-7 supplementation improves the degree of carboxylation, i.e. activation, of osteocalcin and MGP protein. However, not all clinical studies show the same improvement in bone mineral density, reduction in the number of fractures, or reversal of vascular calcification. Vitamin K2 MK-7 should therefore be presented as an ingredient supporting normal calcium metabolism, rather than as a standalone treatment for osteoporosis or cardiovascular diseases.

A practical note on the form of vitamin D3 and K2 MK-7

Many years of observations conducted at Konik Polny Pharmacy indicate that not every vitamin D3 and K2 MK-7 product delivers comparable results. It happens that people taking tablet or powder supplements for many months do not achieve the expected improvement in laboratory test results. In such a situation, the patient may hear that vitamin D3 or vitamin K2 „does not work for them.”.

Over twenty years of practice at Apteka Konik Polny indicate, however, that the origin, form, and method of administration of a supplement can be of great importance. In our observations, people using vitamin D3 of animal origin, most often obtained from lanolin, and vitamin K2 MK-7 derived from fermented natto and taken in the presence of fat, very often achieved a clear and measurable improvement in their results within approximately three months.

As the old biblical proverb says: „By their fruits you will know them.” Therefore, the best assessment of a given product is the results achieved by people who use it correctly and regularly.

The vitamins D3 and K2 MK-7 we offer are legally available as dietary supplements, and their origin and composition are not concealed. Therefore, everyone can test on their own body whether the combination of the animal form of vitamin D3 with the fermented form of vitamin K2 MK-7 produces the expected results.

We are so confident in the quality of these products that if a person using them correctly, in accordance with the recommendations and taking contraindications into account, does not achieve the expected result, we are prepared to consider a refund in accordance with the rules applicable at Apteka Konik Polny.

The rule is simple: the products must be used regularly, correctly, and at the appropriate dose. Existing contraindications and possible interactions with medications must also be kept in mind. Particular caution should be exercised by people taking warfarin or other medications affecting blood clotting.

The experiences described are based on hundreds of customer accounts and over twenty years of practical observations. They are not equivalent to the results of controlled clinical trials, but they constitute significant observational material, showing the real experiences of people using these products.

Important warning

People taking warfarin or other vitamin K antagonist medications should not start K2 MK-7 supplementation on their own or abruptly change their vitamin K intake. This may alter the medication's effect and the INR result. Such a change should be discussed with the treating physician.

Summary – key information about K2 MK-7

Vitamin K2 MK-7 does not mechanically transport calcium like a carrier. Its action primarily consists of activating vitamin K-dependent proteins. Osteocalcin supports the proper binding of minerals in bone tissue, while MGP protein helps limit unwanted mineralization of blood vessels and soft tissues. Osteoblasts build bone, osteoclasts break it down, and osteocytes are mature bone cells. Therefore, K2 MK-7 can be called a „signpost for calcium,” provided that we remember this is a figurative simplification of complex biological processes.

Sources and nature of the study

The document was prepared on the basis of the submitted article on vitamin D and verified in terms of basic biological mechanisms using materials from the National Institutes of Health and scientific publications indexed in PubMed. The text is educational in nature and does not replace individual medical advice.