Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is especially important for healthy bones and normal cardiovascular function. It contributes to the deposition of calcium in the bones, not in the walls of blood vessels. This promotes good bone health and also prevents loss of elasticity of blood vessels. The human body can only produce vitamin K2 to a very limited extent, so care must be taken to ensure sufficient intake. It is especially important for athletes, post-menopausal women and the elderly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vitamin K2 is absolutely essential for the proper distribution of calcium in the body. While Vitamin D3 ensures that calcium is absorbed into the blood, Vitamin K2 acts as a "navigator," transporting this calcium exactly where it belongs (into bones and teeth). This effectively prevents its dangerous buildup in blood vessels, thereby protecting your heart and cardiovascular system.
For your body, it makes a huge difference. The MK-4 form is synthetic, has a very short half-life (only a few hours), and must be taken in massive doses. Conversely, the MK-7 form (most often derived naturally from fermented natto soy) remains active in the body for up to 72 hours, guaranteeing a much higher and more stable effectiveness even at lower doses. Therefore, always prefer MK-7.
Absolutely yes, it is critical! If you take high doses of calcium and D3 without Vitamin K2, you risk the so-called calcium paradox. This means that although you have enough calcium in your blood, it is not deposited in your bones but rather in soft tissues and blood vessels (calcification). Vitamin K2 reliably prevents this danger.
Unfortunately, in our typical Western diet, this is almost impossible. Unlike Vitamin K1 (which is abundant in leafy greens), K2 is only found in certain fermented foods (e.g., traditional Japanese natto) or in very small amounts in egg yolks and the meat of exclusively grass-fed animals. For athletes and active people, supplementation is by far the most reliable route.
Like vitamins A, D, and E, Vitamin K2 is fat-soluble. In order for your body to absorb it properly and effectively, you must always take it together with a meal containing healthy fats (such as nuts, avocado, eggs, or fattier meat). Taking it on an empty stomach with just a glass of water is unfortunately a waste of money.
