Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone)
Overview
Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is a fat-soluble vitamin found in fermented foods, cheese, and meat. It plays a role in blood clotting and bone metabolism, activating proteins that help direct calcium into bones and teeth. MK-7, a long-chain menaquinone, has a longer half-life and may better support bone and vascular health. Adults generally need 90–120 mcg of total vitamin K daily. No upper limit has been set. People taking warfarin should consult a doctor before supplementing.
Dosage
200 mcg · With meal · Take with food
Key Interactions
11 verified interactions found
Very high doses of Vitamin E can antagonize Vitamin K2 function by interfering with the Vitamin K epoxide reductase cycle, potentially reducing K2-dependent protein carboxylation.
Keep Vitamin E supplementation within normal range (15-200 mg/day). At standard doses, the interaction is minimal.
View details →Vitamin D3 increases calcium absorption while Vitamin K2 activates Matrix-Gla-Protein and Osteocalcin, directing calcium into bones and away from arteries. Together they optimize bone mineralization and prevent vascular calcification.
Take together with a fat-containing meal for optimal absorption of both fat-soluble vitamins.
View details →Menadione (a form of vitamin K2) significantly enhances the cancer cell-killing ability of EGCG (green tea's main antioxidant), creating a synergistic anti-cancer effect.
Bestimmte Vitamin-K-Varianten können in Zellmodellen die Wirkung von EGCG verstärken; die klinische Relevanz für Vitamin K2 (Menachinon) bei Supplementdosierungen ist nicht belegt. Eine gleichzeitige Einnahme gilt als unbedenklich.
View details →Vitamin K2 (MK-7, MK-4) ist stark lipophil und benötigt dietary fat zur intestinalen Absorption. MCT-Öl fördert als Lipidvehikel die Micellenbildung und damit die Aufnahme über Lymph-Chylomikronen. Schurgers & Vermeer (2000) dokumentieren, dass K2-Menachinone deutlich lipophiler sind als K1 und stärker auf fettreiche Einnahmebedingungen angewiesen sind.
Vitamin K2 zusammen mit einer Mahlzeit mit Fett oder direkt mit MCT-Öl einnehmen. Gilt besonders für MK-7 in öliger Kapsel ohne ausreichend Fett in der Begleitmahlzeit.
View details →K1 primarily serves hepatic coagulation factor carboxylation, while K2 preferentially acts on extrahepatic tissues (bone, vasculature). Together they provide comprehensive Vitamin K coverage for both coagulation and calcium management.
Can be taken together. They have complementary tissue distribution and functions.
View details →Scientific Sources
- Source
- Cellular determinants involving mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and (2016)
- MCT-Öl + Vitamin K2 combination study (PMID:20301360)
- MCT-Öl + Vitamin K2 combination study (PMID:35804538)
- MCT-Öl + Vitamin K2 combination study (PMID:35850155)
- Vitamin K1 + Vitamin K2 combination study (PMID:41397160)
- Vitamin K1 + Vitamin K2 combination study (PMID:34993998)
- Vitamin K1 + Vitamin K2 combination study (PMID:34774554)
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD)
- PubChem Compound 5287554
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone) used for?
Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is a fat-soluble vitamin found in fermented foods, cheese, and meat.
What is the recommended dosage for Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone)?
200 mcg. With meal. Take with food.
Does Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone) interact with other supplements?
Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone) has 11 verified interactions. Top: Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol).
When is the best time to take Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone)?
With meal. Take with food.
Is Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone) safe to combine with other supplements?
Always check interactions before combining supplements. Use VitalStack to verify your full stack for free.
Check how Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone) fits your full stack
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Check Your Stack →Not medical advice. VitalStack is not a medical device. For personalized health recommendations, consult a healthcare provider.