{"id":13216,"date":"2026-10-28T02:35:50","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T23:35:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/?p=13216"},"modified":"2026-10-29T17:40:54","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T14:40:54","slug":"vitamin-k2-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/nl\/vitamin-k2-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"Vitamin K2 Benefits: Why 180 \u00b5g of MK-7 Is the Dose That Counts for Bones and Arteries"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!--\nSEO SETTINGS (paste into Rank Math \/ Yoast)\nFocus keyword: vitamin K2 benefits\nSecondary keywords: vitamin K2 180 mcg, vitamin K2 MK-7, vitamin K2 and D3, vitamin K2 for bones, vitamin K2 arteries\nSEO title: Vitamin K2 Benefits: Why 180 \u00b5g MK-7 Is the Clinical Dose | SCN\u2122\nMeta description: Vitamin K2 benefits for bones, arteries and athletes, and why 180 \u00b5g of MK-7 daily, the dose used in 3-year clinical trials, is the one that counts.\nSuggested URL slug: 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18px;font-size:15.5px;margin:18px 0}\n.scn-cta{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:16px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--p),var(--pd));color:#fff;border-radius:18px;padding:24px 26px;margin:32px 0}\n.scn-cta>div{flex:1 1 320px}\n.scn-cta h3{color:#fff;margin:0 0 6px;font-size:21px}\n.scn-cta p{margin:0;color:#FFE3F1;font-size:15.5px}\n.scn-cta p.scn-cta-kicker{font-size:12px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.08em;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin-bottom:4px}\n.scn-article a.scn-btn{display:inline-block;background:#fff;color:var(--pd);text-decoration:none;font-weight:800;padding:13px 22px;border-radius:999px;white-space:nowrap}\n.scn-article a.scn-btn:hover{background:var(--pl)}\n.scn-audience{border:1px solid var(--pb);border-radius:16px;padding:20px 22px;margin:16px 0;background:#fff}\n.scn-audience h3{margin-top:0}\n.scn-tag{display:inline-block;background:var(--pl);color:var(--pd);font-weight:700;font-size:13px;padding:3px 10px;border-radius:999px;margin:0 6px 8px 0}\n.scn-stat{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:14px;margin:20px 0}\n.scn-stat div{flex:1 1 170px;background:var(--pl);border-radius:14px;padding:16px 18px;text-align:center}\n.scn-stat b{display:block;font-size:30px;line-height:1.1;color:var(--p)}\n.scn-stat span{font-size:14px;color:var(--mut)}\n.scn-formula{background:var(--pl);border-radius:16px;padding:20px 22px;margin:18px 0}\n.scn-formula ul{margin:8px 0 0}\n.scn-faq details{border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:12px;padding:14px 18px;margin:10px 0;background:#fff}\n.scn-faq summary{font-weight:700;cursor:pointer;list-style:none}\n.scn-faq summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}\n.scn-faq summary::after{content:\"+\";float:right;color:var(--p);font-weight:800}\n.scn-faq details[open] summary::after{content:\"\u2013\"}\n.scn-faq details p{margin:10px 0 0}\n.scn-refs{font-size:14px;color:var(--mut)}\n.scn-disclaimer{font-size:13.5px;color:var(--mut);border-top:1px solid var(--line);padding-top:16px;margin-top:32px}\n@media(max-width:600px){.scn-article{font-size:16px}.scn-hero{padding:24px 18px}.scn-cta{padding:20px}.scn-article a.scn-btn{width:100%;text-align:center}}\n<\/style>\n<article class=\"scn-article\">\n<header class=\"scn-hero\">\n<span class=\"scn-kicker\">Ingredient Science \u00b7 Vitamin K2 (MK-7)<\/span><\/p>\n<h1>Vitamin K2 Benefits: Why 180 \u00b5g of MK&#8209;7 Is the Dose That Counts for Bones and Arteries<\/h1>\n<p class=\"scn-lead\">Vitamin K2 is the missing link between calcium and strong bones. It decides where calcium ends up: in your skeleton, where you want it, or in your arteries, where you do not. And when it comes to K2, dose matters. Here is the science, and why SCN\u2122 uses the full 180 \u00b5g.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"scn-answer\">\n<span class=\"scn-label\">Quick answer<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Vitamin K2 activates two calcium-handling proteins: osteocalcin, which binds calcium into bone, and matrix Gla protein, which helps keep calcium out of blood vessel walls. In 3-year randomised trials, <strong>180 \u00b5g of vitamin K2 as MK-7 per day<\/strong> slowed age-related bone loss, improved bone strength and improved arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women. Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and to normal blood clotting. SCN\u2122 Liposomal OsteoSure provides that same 180 \u00b5g of MK-7 daily, 240% of the EU reference intake.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-stat\">\n<div><b>180 \u00b5g<\/b><span>MK-7 per daily serving in SCN\u2122 OsteoSure<\/span><\/div>\n<div><b>240%<\/b><span>of the EU nutrient reference value (75 \u00b5g)<\/span><\/div>\n<div><b>3 years<\/b><span>length of the landmark 180 \u00b5g bone and artery trials<\/span><\/div>\n<div><b>~3 days<\/b><span>half-life of MK-7 in the blood, versus hours for K1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"scn-toc\">\n<strong>In this article<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#what-is-k2\">What is vitamin K2?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-it-works\">How does vitamin K2 work?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#mk7\">Why MK-7 is the best form of K2<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#180\">Why 180 \u00b5g? The clinical dose explained<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#benefits\">8 health benefits of vitamin K2<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#athletes\">Vitamin K2 for athletes<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#audiences\">Vitamin K2 for women, men, 40+, 50+ and 60+<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#d3\">Why take K2 with D3 and calcium?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#safety\">Is vitamin K2 safe?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-k2\">What is vitamin K2?<\/h2>\n<p>Vitamin K is a family of fat-soluble vitamins. <strong>Vitamin K1<\/strong> (phylloquinone) comes from green leafy vegetables and is used mainly by the liver to make blood clotting factors. <strong>Vitamin K2<\/strong> (menaquinones) is made by bacteria and found in fermented foods such as natto, aged cheeses and some meats. K2 comes in several forms, named MK-4 to MK-13 by the length of their side chain. The long-chain form <strong>MK-7<\/strong> stays in your circulation much longer and reaches tissues beyond the liver, like bone and blood vessel walls.<\/p>\n<p>The challenge: Western diets provide very little MK-7, often just a few micrograms a day. Natto, the Japanese fermented soybean dish, is by far the richest source, and most people outside Japan never eat it.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-it-works\">How does vitamin K2 work?<\/h2>\n<p>Vitamin K2 is the co-factor for an enzyme that &#8220;switches on&#8221; a group of proteins called Gla proteins, by adding a chemical group that lets them grab calcium. Two of them matter most:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Osteocalcin<\/strong> is made by bone-building cells. Once activated by K2, it binds calcium and helps lock it into the bone matrix. Without enough K2, osteocalcin stays inactive.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Matrix Gla protein (MGP)<\/strong> is made in blood vessel walls and cartilage. Activated MGP is one of the body&#8217;s most powerful natural inhibitors of soft-tissue calcification. Inactive MGP, measured in blood as dp-ucMGP, is a marker of poor vascular vitamin K status.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Think of it this way: vitamin D3 increases the calcium coming in, and vitamin K2 tells it where to go.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mk7\">Why is MK-7 the best form of vitamin K2?<\/h2>\n<p>In a study published in <em>Blood<\/em>, researchers at Maastricht University compared vitamin K1 with MK-7 in healthy volunteers. Both were absorbed well, but MK-7 had a much longer half-life, gave far more stable blood levels and built up to 7\u20138 times higher levels with daily intake. MK-7 also activated osteocalcin more completely. In practical terms, one daily MK-7 dose keeps working around the clock.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"180\">Why 180 \u00b5g? The clinical dose explained<\/h2>\n<p>Most of the strongest human evidence for vitamin K2 comes from a single, well-run research programme at Maastricht University, in which healthy postmenopausal women took <strong>180 \u00b5g of MK-7 every day for three years<\/strong>. That is the dose SCN\u2122 chose for Liposomal OsteoSure, deliberately.<\/p>\n<div class=\"scn-evidence\">\n<p><strong>Bone (Knapen et al., Osteoporosis International 2013):<\/strong> 244 healthy postmenopausal women aged 55\u201365 took 180 \u00b5g MK-7 or placebo for three years. MK-7 significantly slowed the age-related decline in bone mineral content and density at the lumbar spine and femoral neck, improved bone strength and reduced the loss of vertebral height. Over the study, lumbar spine density fell by about 1.5% in the placebo group, but by less than 0.5% with MK-7.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Arteries (Knapen et al., Thrombosis and Haemostasis 2015):<\/strong> in the same women, three years of 180 \u00b5g MK-7 reduced inactive MGP by 50% and significantly improved arterial stiffness measures, with the biggest improvements in women whose arteries were stiffest at the start.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Timing matters:<\/strong> the clearest bone benefits only appeared after two to three years, which helps explain why shorter, one-year studies often found little effect. Vitamin K2 is a long-term investment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Many multivitamins and calcium formulas contain only a fraction of this amount, or use vitamin K1 instead. With 180 \u00b5g of MK-7, SCN\u2122 Liposomal OsteoSure delivers the full research-backed dose, not a token amount.<\/p>\n<div class=\"scn-cta\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"scn-cta-kicker\">SCN\u2122 Liposomal OsteoSure<\/p>\n<h3>The full 180 \u00b5g clinical dose of vitamin K2<\/h3>\n<p>180 \u00b5g MK-7 with vitamin D3 4000 IU, liposomal calcium, liposomal magnesium and soy isoflavones in one daily formula.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"scn-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/product\/bone-health-supplement\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop Liposomal OsteoSure &rarr;<\/a><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"benefits\">What are the health benefits of vitamin K2?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"scn-grid\">\n<div class=\"scn-card\"><span class=\"scn-num\">01<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Maintains normal bones<\/h4>\n<p>Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones by activating osteocalcin, the protein that binds calcium into bone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-card\"><span class=\"scn-num\">02<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Slows age-related bone loss<\/h4>\n<p>Three years of 180 \u00b5g MK-7 daily slowed bone loss at the lumbar spine and femoral neck (hip) in healthy postmenopausal women.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-card\"><span class=\"scn-num\">03<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Stronger bones, not just denser<\/h4>\n<p>The same trial found better bone strength indices and less loss of vertebral height, both important for real-world fracture resistance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-card\"><span class=\"scn-num\">04<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>More flexible arteries<\/h4>\n<p>180 \u00b5g MK-7 for three years improved arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women, especially those starting with stiff arteries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-card\"><span class=\"scn-num\">05<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Activates the body&#8217;s calcification shield<\/h4>\n<p>MK-7 cut inactive matrix Gla protein by 50%, improving the vitamin K status of the blood vessel wall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-card\"><span class=\"scn-num\">06<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Less arterial calcification<\/h4>\n<p>In 564 postmenopausal women, higher dietary K2 intake was linked to 20% less coronary calcification. Higher K1 intake showed no such link.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-card\"><span class=\"scn-num\">07<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Heart health in population studies<\/h4>\n<p>In the Rotterdam Study, people with the highest K2 intake had 57% lower risk of dying from coronary heart disease and 52% lower odds of severe aortic calcification. In 16,057 Dutch women, every extra 10 \u00b5g of K2 per day was linked to 9% lower coronary heart disease risk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-card\"><span class=\"scn-num\">08<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Normal blood clotting<\/h4>\n<p>Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting, its classic and best-known role.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-note\">\n<p><strong>Good to know:<\/strong> the Rotterdam and coronary calcification findings come from observational studies, which show associations rather than proof of cause and effect. The bone and arterial stiffness findings come from randomised controlled trials.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"athletes\">Is vitamin K2 good for athletes?<\/h2>\n<p>Athletes, especially endurance athletes, put more demand on their calcium system than most people: sweat losses, high calcium and vitamin D intakes and, in cycling and swimming, sports that do little to load the skeleton. K2 helps make sure the calcium you take in gets built into bone. There is also early research on performance.<\/p>\n<div class=\"scn-evidence\">\n<p><strong>Cardiac output (McFarlin et al., 2017):<\/strong> in a small study of 26 trained athletes, MK-7 for eight weeks (300 \u00b5g for four weeks, then 150 \u00b5g) increased maximal cardiac output during a cycling test by 12%, with no change in the placebo group. It is one small study using one product, so it needs confirmation, but it is an exciting signal for endurance athletes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Strength and recovery:<\/strong> a recent randomised trial at the University of Glasgow found 12 weeks of MK-7 (240 \u00b5g) did not improve muscle strength or recovery after resistance exercise. K2&#8217;s case for athletes rests mainly on bone and vascular health, not on building muscle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-audience\">\n<h3>Vitamin K2 for runners<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"scn-tag\">Bone quality<\/span><span class=\"scn-tag\">Stress injury prevention<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Runners need bone that is strong, not just dense. K2 activates osteocalcin so the calcium you eat is properly incorporated into the bone matrix.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-audience\">\n<h3>Vitamin K2 for cyclists<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"scn-tag\">Low-impact sport<\/span><span class=\"scn-tag\">Cardiac output<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Cyclists are at higher risk of low bone density, and the only K2 performance study to date used a cycling test. K2 is a smart addition for riders taking calcium and vitamin D.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-audience\">\n<h3>Vitamin K2 for triathletes<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"scn-tag\">Long-term health<\/span><span class=\"scn-tag\">Vascular elasticity<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Triathletes often train for decades. Supporting bone and flexible arteries with K2 is a long-term investment in staying in the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-audience\">\n<h3>Vitamin K2 for swimmers<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"scn-tag\">Non-weight-bearing<\/span><span class=\"scn-tag\">Bone support<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Swimming does little to stimulate bone. K2, together with calcium, vitamin D3 and dryland strength work, helps swimmers protect their skeleton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-audience\">\n<h3>Vitamin K2 for marathon runners<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"scn-tag\">Masters runners<\/span><span class=\"scn-tag\">Heart and arteries<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Many marathoners are over 40. For masters athletes, K2&#8217;s research on arterial stiffness and bone loss is especially relevant, alongside training for the heart itself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-cta\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"scn-cta-kicker\">For endurance athletes<\/p>\n<h3>Send your calcium to the right place<\/h3>\n<p>SCN\u2122 Liposomal OsteoSure pairs 180 \u00b5g vitamin K2 with calcium and vitamin D3 for athletes who train for decades.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"scn-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/product\/bone-health-supplement\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop Liposomal OsteoSure &rarr;<\/a><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"audiences\">Who needs vitamin K2 the most?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"scn-audience\">\n<h3>Vitamin K2 for women<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"scn-tag\">Menopause<\/span><span class=\"scn-tag\">Bones and arteries<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The landmark 180 \u00b5g trials were carried out in postmenopausal women, the group that loses bone fastest and also sees arteries stiffen after oestrogen falls. For women, K2 offers support on both fronts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-audience\">\n<h3>Vitamin K2 for men<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"scn-tag\">Heart<\/span><span class=\"scn-tag\">Calcium supplements<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Men taking calcium supplements have been a focus of concern about arterial calcification. K2 activates matrix Gla protein, the body&#8217;s own calcification inhibitor, which makes it a logical partner to any calcium supplement. The Rotterdam Study, which linked high K2 intake to lower coronary death risk, included both men and women.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-audience\">\n<h3>Vitamin K2 over 40<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"scn-tag\">Prevention<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Arterial stiffening and bone loss begin quietly in midlife. Because K2&#8217;s benefits build over two to three years, your forties are the ideal time to start.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-audience\">\n<h3>Vitamin K2 over 50<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"scn-tag\">Clinical trial age group<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The 180 \u00b5g MK-7 trials studied women aged 55\u201365, so this is the age group with the most direct evidence for bone and arterial benefits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-audience\">\n<h3>Vitamin K2 over 60<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"scn-tag\">Bone strength<\/span><span class=\"scn-tag\">Vascular health<\/span><\/p>\n<p>From 60, the risks of arterial calcification and fracture both rise. A daily MK-7 supplement, taken with calcium and vitamin D3, supports both bone strength and arterial health.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"d3\">Why should you take vitamin K2 with vitamin D3 and calcium?<\/h2>\n<p>Vitamin D3 helps you absorb calcium and also increases how much osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein your body produces. But those proteins only work once vitamin K2 has activated them. Taking high-dose vitamin D3 and calcium without K2 means building more calcium-handling proteins that cannot do their job properly. That is why SCN\u2122 Liposomal OsteoSure combines all three, plus liposomal magnesium. Read more in our <a href=\"\/vitamin-d3-benefits\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">vitamin D3 benefits guide<\/a>, our <a href=\"\/calcium-supplement-benefits\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">calcium supplement benefits guide<\/a> and our <a href=\"\/soy-isoflavones-benefits\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">soy isoflavones benefits guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"scn-formula\">\n<h3>Inside SCN\u2122 Liposomal OsteoSure (per daily serving)<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7) 180 \u00b5g (240% NRV)<\/li>\n<li>Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 100 \u00b5g \/ 4000 IU (2000% NRV)<\/li>\n<li>Lipocal\u2122 liposomal microencapsulated calcium 1800 mg, providing 660 mg calcium (82.5% NRV)<\/li>\n<li>Magshape\u2122 liposomal microencapsulated magnesium 600 mg, providing 200 mg magnesium (53.3% NRV)<\/li>\n<li>Soy isoflavones 40% extract 60 mg<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"safety\">Is vitamin K2 safe?<\/h2>\n<p>Vitamin K2 has an excellent safety record, and no tolerable upper intake level has been set for vitamin K in the EU because no adverse effects have been identified from high intakes in healthy people. There is one important exception:<\/p>\n<div class=\"scn-note\">\n<p><strong>If you take warfarin or another vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant, do not take vitamin K2 without speaking to your doctor.<\/strong> Researchers have warned that MK-7 doses of 50 \u00b5g per day or more can interfere with this type of medication in a clinically relevant way. Newer anticoagulants work differently, but you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Take vitamin K2 with a meal containing some fat to support absorption.<\/p>\n<div class=\"scn-cta\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"scn-cta-kicker\">Calcium, D3 and the full dose of K2<\/p>\n<h3>Long-term bone and artery support starts today<\/h3>\n<p>SCN\u2122 Liposomal OsteoSure: 180 \u00b5g MK-7, 4000 IU D3, liposomal calcium and magnesium.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"scn-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/product\/bone-health-supplement\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop Liposomal OsteoSure &rarr;<\/a><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently asked questions about vitamin K2<\/h2>\n<div class=\"scn-faq\">\n<details>\n<summary>What is vitamin K2 good for?<\/summary>\n<p>Vitamin K2 activates osteocalcin, which binds calcium into bone, and matrix Gla protein, which helps keep calcium out of artery walls. Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and normal blood clotting, and 3-year trials of 180 \u00b5g MK-7 showed slower bone loss and improved arterial stiffness.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>How much vitamin K2 should I take per day?<\/summary>\n<p>The best-studied dose is 180 \u00b5g of MK-7 per day, used in the 3-year Maastricht trials on bone and arterial health. The EU nutrient reference value for vitamin K is 75 \u00b5g, so 180 \u00b5g provides 240% NRV.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Is 180 \u00b5g of vitamin K2 too much?<\/summary>\n<p>No. 180 \u00b5g is the dose used in long-term clinical trials in healthy adults, and no upper intake level has been set for vitamin K in the EU. The exception is people taking warfarin-type anticoagulants, who must consult their doctor first.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>What is the difference between MK-4 and MK-7?<\/summary>\n<p>MK-4 has a very short half-life, so studies have used very large doses taken several times a day. MK-7 stays in the blood for about three days, builds up stable levels with one daily dose and activates osteocalcin more completely at microgram doses.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Should vitamin K2 be taken with vitamin D3?<\/summary>\n<p>Yes. Vitamin D3 increases calcium absorption and the production of calcium-binding proteins; vitamin K2 activates those proteins so calcium goes into bone. The two work as a team.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>How long does vitamin K2 take to work?<\/summary>\n<p>Blood markers of vitamin K status improve within a few months, but in the 3-year trial the clearest bone benefits appeared after two to three years. Think of K2 as a long-term habit.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Can I get enough vitamin K2 from food?<\/summary>\n<p>It is difficult outside Japan. Natto is the richest source by far, while typical Western diets provide only small amounts of MK-7. Reaching 180 \u00b5g daily from food alone is not realistic for most people.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Is vitamin K2 good for athletes?<\/summary>\n<p>K2 supports bone health, which matters for athletes in high-volume and low-impact sports, and one small study found 8 weeks of MK-7 increased maximal cardiac output by 12% in trained athletes. More research is needed on performance.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"scn-cta\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"scn-cta-kicker\">Ready for the full clinical dose?<\/p>\n<h3>SCN\u2122 Liposomal OsteoSure<\/h3>\n<p>180 \u00b5g vitamin K2 (MK-7), 4000 IU vitamin D3, liposomal calcium and magnesium, plus soy isoflavones.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"scn-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/product\/bone-health-supplement\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop Liposomal OsteoSure &rarr;<\/a><\/div>\n<h2>References<\/h2>\n<ol class=\"scn-refs\">\n<li>Knapen MHJ et al. Three-year low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation helps decrease bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women. Osteoporos Int 2013;24:2499\u20132507.<\/li>\n<li>Knapen MHJ et al. Menaquinone-7 supplementation improves arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women: a double-blind randomised clinical trial. Thromb Haemost 2015;113:1135\u20131144.<\/li>\n<li>Schurgers LJ et al. Vitamin K-containing dietary supplements: comparison of synthetic vitamin K1 and natto-derived menaquinone-7. Blood 2007;109:3279\u20133283.<\/li>\n<li>Geleijnse JM et al. Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: the Rotterdam Study. J Nutr 2004;134:3100\u20133105.<\/li>\n<li>Beulens JWJ et al. High dietary menaquinone intake is associated with reduced coronary calcification. Atherosclerosis 2009;203:489\u2013493.<\/li>\n<li>Gast GCM et al. A high menaquinone intake reduces the incidence of coronary heart disease. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2009;19:504\u2013510.<\/li>\n<li>McFarlin BK, Henning AL, Venable AS. Oral consumption of vitamin K2 for 8 weeks associated with increased maximal cardiac output during exercise. Altern Ther Health Med 2017;23:26\u201332.<\/li>\n<li>University of Glasgow. Effects of vitamin K2 (MK-7) supplementation on recovery following resistance exercise in young and older adults: a randomised controlled trial.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"scn-disclaimer\">This article is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Do not take vitamin K supplements if you use warfarin or other vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants without medical supervision. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your doctor before use.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n \"mainEntity\": [\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Question\",\n   \"name\": \"What is vitamin K2 good for?\",\n   \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n    \"text\": \"Vitamin K2 activates osteocalcin, which binds calcium into bone, and matrix Gla protein, which helps keep calcium out of artery walls. 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The exception is people taking warfarin-type anticoagulants, who must consult their doctor first.\"\n   }\n  },\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Question\",\n   \"name\": \"What is the difference between MK-4 and MK-7?\",\n   \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n    \"text\": \"MK-4 has a very short half-life, so studies have used very large doses taken several times a day. MK-7 stays in the blood for about three days, builds up stable levels with one daily dose and activates osteocalcin more completely at microgram doses.\"\n   }\n  },\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Question\",\n   \"name\": \"Should vitamin K2 be taken with vitamin D3?\",\n   \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n    \"text\": \"Yes. Vitamin D3 increases calcium absorption and the production of calcium-binding proteins; vitamin K2 activates those proteins so calcium goes into bone. 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Reaching 180 \u00b5g daily from food alone is not realistic for most people.\"\n   }\n  },\n  {\n   \"@type\": \"Question\",\n   \"name\": \"Is vitamin K2 good for athletes?\",\n   \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n    \"text\": \"K2 supports bone health, which matters for athletes in high-volume and low-impact sports, and one small study found 8 weeks of MK-7 increased maximal cardiac output by 12% in trained athletes. More research is needed on performance.\"\n   }\n  }\n ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ingredient Science \u00b7 Vitamin K2 (MK-7) Vitamin K2 Benefits: Why 180 \u00b5g of MK&#8209;7 Is the Dose That Counts for Bones and Arteries Vitamin K2 is the missing link between calcium and strong bones. It decides where calcium ends up: in your skeleton, where you want it, or in your arteries, where you do not. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"page_builder":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13216","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-scn-power"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13216","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13216"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13216\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13397,"href":"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13216\/revisions\/13397"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13216"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13216"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.s-c-nutrition.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13216"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}