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Types of Vitamin K2 (MK-7): Forms & Bioavailability

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Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest For
MK-7 (Menaquinone-7)HighDaily supplementation — long half-life (72 hours), consistent blood levels with once-daily dosing; derived from natto fermentation
MK-4 (Menatetrenone)ModerateHigh-dose therapeutic use — short half-life (1-2 hours), requires multiple daily doses; used at 45 mg/day in Japanese osteoporosis treatment
Full-Spectrum K2 (MK-4 + MK-7)HighComprehensive approach — combines short-acting tissue distribution (MK-4) with long-acting systemic effects (MK-7)

MK-7 (Menaquinone-7)

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Daily supplementation — long half-life (72 hours), consistent blood levels with once-daily dosing; derived from natto fermentation.

MK-4 (Menatetrenone)

Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: High-dose therapeutic use — short half-life (1-2 hours), requires multiple daily doses; used at 45 mg/day in Japanese osteoporosis treatment.

Full-Spectrum K2 (MK-4 + MK-7)

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Comprehensive approach — combines short-acting tissue distribution (MK-4) with long-acting systemic effects (MK-7).

Full Vitamin K2 (MK-7) Guide

References

  1. (). Three-year low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation helps decrease bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis International. DOI
  2. (). Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: the Rotterdam Study. Journal of Nutrition. DOI
  3. (). Vitamin K-containing dietary supplements: comparison of synthetic vitamin K1 and natto-derived menaquinone-7. Blood. DOI