Vitamin K2 (MK-7)

Overview

Vitamin K2 (as Menaquinone-7 or MK-7) is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for calcium metabolism, cardiovascular health, and bone strength. Unlike Vitamin K1, which supports blood clotting, MK-7 plays a pivotal role in activating proteins that direct calcium into bones and away from arteries, making it a powerful agent for long-term structural health and longevity.

Other Common Names

• Menaquinone-7
• MK-7
• Vitamin K2
  

Top Benefits

• Promotes calm and internal balance
• Supports heart and bone health
• Enhances stress resilience
• Works with D3 for mental clarity

What Is Vitamin K2 (MK-7)?

Vitamin K2 is part of the vitamin K family but distinguishes itself through its extended half-life and systemic activity. Specifically, MK-7 is the most bioavailable and long-lasting form of K2, derived naturally through bacterial fermentation. Its primary role is to activate key proteins such as osteocalcin (for bone-building) and matrix Gla-protein (for arterial protection), ensuring calcium is used where it's needed and kept out of where it’s not.

Deficiency in Vitamin K2 is common in modern diets, especially in Western populations that consume little fermented food. Without adequate K2, calcium absorbed through supplements or diet may deposit in soft tissues, leading to arterial stiffness or poor bone density.

Supplementation with MK-7 has been shown to improve bone matrix quality, increase bone strength, and reduce vascular calcification. It’s particularly important when using Vitamin D3 and calcium, as it ensures those nutrients are guided to the right destinations.

Marco’s Grounds™ Vitamin K2 (MK-7) Sourcing

At Marco’s Grounds™, our MK-7 is sourced from a family-owned fermentation lab in the Netherlands, where non-GMO chickpea cultures are meticulously transformed into ultra-pure, all-trans MK-7. This natural fermentation process yields a highly stable form of Vitamin K2 with superior bioactivity and no synthetic residues.

Each batch is cold-extracted and third-party tested to ensure optimal potency, purity, and safety. With this precision-sourced K2, every dose helps build stronger bones, protect your arteries, and unlock the full synergy of our calcium and D3 formulations.

Vitamin K2 (MK-7) Dosing Principles and Rationale

Clinical studies indicate that MK-7 is effective at doses as low as 90 mcg per day, with optimal benefits seen between 100–200 mcg for bone and cardiovascular support. Unlike other forms, MK-7 offers a long half-life, maintaining active levels in the bloodstream for up to 72 hours, making once-daily dosing ideal.

Marco’s Grounds™ includes MK-7 in our bone and heart health formulations to work synergistically with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D3 — maximizing absorption while preventing calcium misplacement.

GABA Key Mechanisms

1. Calcium Guidance and Bone Formation

• Activates osteocalcin, a protein that binds calcium to the bone matrix for optimal mineralization [1].

2. Arterial Protection

• Stimulates matrix Gla-protein (MGP), which prevents calcium from depositing in blood vessels [2].

3. Synergy with Vitamin D3

• Enhances the action of D3 by ensuring absorbed calcium is directed into skeletal tissue [3].

4. Insulin Sensitivity Support

• Modulates glucose metabolism through osteocalcin activation, influencing energy and metabolic health [4].

5.Longevity and Anti-Calcification Effects

• Regular MK-7 intake is associated with reduced arterial stiffness and improved cardiovascular function over time [5].

Synergies with Other Marco’s Grounds™ Ingredients

• Vitamin D3 – Enhances calcium absorption while K2 ensures proper calcium utilization
• Magnesium Glycinate – Supports enzymatic activity for K2-dependent protein activation
  

References

1. Knapen, M. H. J., et al. (2013). Menaquinone-7 supplementation improves arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women. Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 109(6), 1247–1255.
2. Schurgers, L. J., et al. (2007). Vitamin K-containing dietary supplements: Comparison of synthetic vitamin K1 and natto-derived menaquinone-7. Blood, 109(8), 3279–3283.
3. Theuwissen, E., et al. (2012). Vitamin K status and vascular calcification: A review of current evidence. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2012, 1–10.
4. Yoshizawa, T., et al. (2009). Osteocalcin regulates glucose metabolism by a dual mechanism. Cell, 136(2), 261–273.
5. Brandenburg, V. M., et al. (2015). Supplementation with menaquinone-7 improves arterial stiffness in chronic kidney disease. Kidney International, 87(3), 584–591.