What Is Menaquinone-7? Menaquinone-7 Dosage, Uses, and Benefits

Ensuring that you get enough of the vitamins and minerals that your body needs to thrive daily can go a long way toward promoting health and well-being. Vitamin K is one nutrient that many people overlook and may unknowingly be deficient in. Fortunately, taking a vitamin K2 menaquinone 7 (also known as MK-7) supplement can boost your critical nutrient levels and may offer other health benefits as well. Read on to learn about menaquinone 7 uses, benefits, and dosage recommendations.

What Is Vitamin K?

Vitamin K was identified in 1926 as an essential nutrient that your body needs but cannot manufacture on its own. Green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, certain fruits, dairy products, meat, and soybeans contain nutrient. Severe vitamin K deficiency is rare in the United States, but people who have certain digestive disorders may need more of the nutrient than other people.

What Does Vitamin K Do?

Vitamin K performs several functions. Without it, your blood cannot correctly clot after you suffer a wound or injury. The vitamin is also necessary for the proper development of bones and teeth.

What Is Vitamin K2?

Vitamin K2 is one form of vitamin K that is frequently used in dietary supplements. It differs from phytonadione, which is commonly referred to as vitamin K1. Vitamin K2 is far more absorbent and effective.

What Does Vitamin K2 Do?

Vitamin K2 is the form of the nutrient that works best for promoting healthy bone development and other bodily functions. Specifically, vitamin K2 helps to ensure that the mineral calcium is adequately distributed throughout the body. It encourages calcification in the bones and teeth and reduces the risk of occurring in blood vessels and the kidneys.

What is Menaquinone 7?

Menaquinone-7 or MK7 is one form of vitamin K2 often used in supplements. There are other versions of the supplement as well, including menaquinone-4 or MK4.  There is extensive research on how MK7 is the most effective form of menaquinone for dietary supplements. High reputation brands, such as Body Kitchen, are utilizing plant-based forms of this particular vitamin.

Potential Menaquinone 7 Uses

Although research into potential vitamin K2 benefits is ongoing, early studies suggest that it may have the following uses:

• Reducing the risk of heart disease. Because vitamin K2 reduces calcification in the blood vessels, scientists speculate that it may make blockages less likely to form in the heart. One study that followed individuals for seven to 10 years determined that those with high vitamin K2 intake were 57 percent less likely to die from heart disease.

• Strengthening bones. Without vitamin K, your body cannot correctly turn calcium into new healthy bone. Vitamin K2 activates proteins, allowing them to bind with calcium and form deposits. As a result, some people believe that taking vitamin K2 may help counteract bone loss that naturally occurs with age.

• Reducing the symptoms of osteoporosis. People with osteoporosis develop tiny holes in their bones that increase their risk for fractures. Because vitamin K2 is believed to promote stronger bones, the nutrient may help to lower the likelihood of complications due to osteoporosis. Thirteen studies examined the use of vitamin K2 supplements in postmenopausal Japanese women. Only one failed to yield results that indicated potential benefits. Based on the results of these studies, the Japanese government has approved vitamin K as a treatment for osteoporosis.

• Improving dental health. Like your bones, your teeth are also formed through calcification. So, vitamin K2 may assist with maintaining dentin, the calcium-rich material found under the enamel of teeth.

How To Reap Menaquinone 7 Benefits

Increasing your intake of foods rich in vitamin K can increase your body's natural supply of the nutrient, giving you more raw material that can be converted into MK7. Early scientific research indicates that even a well-balanced diet may not be enough to boost vitamin K2 levels to the point where health benefits may be possible. As a result, many people take menaquinone-7 supplements due to their effectiveness and convenience. Plant-based sources such as Body Kitchen’s Vitamin D + K2 are an excellent choice for supplying the body with these essential vitamins.

Recommended Menaquinone 7 Dosage

Experts recommend that adult men over the age of 19 get 120 micrograms of vitamin K daily and that women receive 90 micrograms of the nutrient from food. If you want to boost vitamin K2 levels through a supplement, the recommended dosage depends on your health and wellness goals. Your doctor can recommend the right amount of menaquinone-7 to meet your specific needs.