Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular physical activity
- Avoid smoking
- Moderate alcohol consumption
Blutwerte · Marker
Vitamin K2 (MK-7)
Menaquinone-7 · MK-7 · Vitamin K2
Vitamine & Nährstoffe
- Einheit:
- ng/mL
- Abbreviation
- K2 / MK-7
Vitamin K2 (MK-7) measures the concentration of menaquinone-7 in the blood, reflecting its availability for biological processes such as coagulation and calcium regulation.
Reference Ranges
Reference
0.12–3.54ng/mL
0.12
3.54
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · ng/mLRanges may vary with age and health status. Established for healthy women of childbearing age.
Overview
Übersicht
Vitamin K2 (MK-7), also known as Menaquinone-7, is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in blood coagulation, bone health, and cardiovascular function. It is a subtype of Vitamin K2, distinct from Vitamin K1, and is primarily involved in the carboxylation of specific proteins that regulate calcium deposition in bones and blood vessels. Researchers have found that MK-7 supplementation can increase plasma levels significantly, suggesting its potential role in reducing vascular calcification. Clinically, MK-7 is important for its potential to slow the progression of coronary artery calcification, particularly in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. It is also linked to bone health by influencing osteocalcin, a protein that binds calcium in the bone matrix. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, MK-7 is of interest for its role in maintaining bone density and cardiovascular health, which are critical for longevity and optimal physical performance. However, the effectiveness of MK-7 can be influenced by factors such as chronic kidney disease, which alters its metabolism and distribution. Researchers observed that in such conditions, MK-7 uptake is impaired, suggesting that supplementation may have reduced efficacy. Additionally, the reference ranges for MK-7 can vary based on age, sex, and specific health conditions, necessitating careful interpretation of test results.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated levels of MK-7 may indicate adequate vitamin K status, supporting bone and cardiovascular health. Reduced levels can suggest a deficiency, potentially leading to increased risk of osteoporosis and vascular calcification.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Rising values may indicate improved vitamin K status or excessive supplementation. Re-test in 6 months if elevated.
Falling Values
Falling values suggest potential deficiency or increased need. Consider dietary review.
Re-test Interval
6 months if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Excessive supplementation
- High dietary intake
- Reduced clearance
- Liver dysfunction
Cause
Low Levels
- Poor dietary intake
- Chronic kidney disease
- Malabsorption syndromes
- Use of anticoagulant medications
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Consume fermented foods
- Include leafy greens
- Increase intake of dairy products
Lever
Supplementation
- MK-7 supplements
- Vitamin D
- Calcium
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially if on anticoagulants.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
Vitamin K levels may vary; morning samples recommended for consistency.
Testing Frequency
Annually for general health assessment
Interfering Factors
- Recent vitamin K supplementation
- Liver disease
- Chronic kidney disease
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that reference ranges for MK-7 in diverse populations, particularly in specific age groups and health conditions, remain inadequately defined. Researchers have not yet established optimal MK-7 targets for preventing cardiovascular calcification or the impact of confounding factors like chronic kidney disease on its metabolism. Additionally, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the long-term effects of MK-7 supplementation on plaque stability in patients with coronary artery disease.
26 Research Publications
357
Total Citations
11
Human/RCT
2.9
Avg. Influence
2026
Latest
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Filter
01Top
#01
Three isolates of novel polyphosphate-accumulating gram-positive cocci, obtained from activated sludge, belong to a new genus, Tetrasphaera gen. nov., and description of two new species, Tetrasphaera japonica sp. nov. and Tetrasphaera australiensis sp. nov.
UnknownInfluence12.0
127
Researchers described three novel polyphosphate-accumulating cocci from activated sludge, revealing their classification in a new genus, Tetrasphaera. The study identified menaquinones, including MK-7, in these strains, contributing to the understanding of microbial diversity and potential applications in bioremediation.
02Top
#02
Altered vitamin K biodistribution and metabolism in experimental and human chronic kidney disease.
AnimalInfluence3.0
36
This study investigated vitamin K metabolism in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Researchers found that CKD patients had reduced uptake of menaquinone-7 (MK-7) into lipoproteins compared to healthy individuals, indicating potential challenges in vitamin K transport and metabolism in these patients. The findings suggest that MK-7 supplementation may have reduced efficacy in CKD.
03Top
#03
Brachybacterium muris sp. nov., isolated from the liver of a laboratory mouse strain.
In VitroInfluence4.0
28
This study characterized a novel bacterial strain that produces menaquinone MK-7 as a major component. Researchers used a polyphasic approach to describe the strain's biochemical and physiological properties, contributing to the taxonomy of Brachybacterium species.
04
#04
Vitamin K (phylloquinone and menaquinones) in foods - Optimisation of extraction, clean-up and LC-ESI-MS/MS method for quantification.
In Vitro
24
Researchers optimized a method for extracting and quantifying vitamin K forms, including MK-7, from various food matrices. The study demonstrated the method's effectiveness in measuring vitamin K content, which is important for understanding dietary sources of this nutrient.
05
#05
Paenibacillus contaminans sp. nov., isolated from a contaminated laboratory plate.
UnknownInfluence1.0
17
This study identified a novel bacterial strain that produces menaquinone-7 (MK-7). Researchers characterized the strain's properties and confirmed its classification within the genus Paenibacillus. The strain's unique features contribute to understanding microbial sources of MK-7.
06
#06
Dramatic Decrease of Vitamin K2 Subtype Menaquinone-7 in COVID-19 Patients.
Unknown
16
Researchers found that COVID-19 patients had significantly lower levels of Vitamin K2 (MK-7) compared to healthy controls and non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Additionally, COVID-19 patients exhibited decreased levels of Vitamin K1 and increased levels of MK-4. The study suggests that the consumption of MK-7 may be influenced by inflammatory and oxidative stress factors associated with COVID-19.
07
#07
Vitamin K for Vascular Calcification in Kidney Patients: Still Alive and Kicking, but Still a Lot to Learn.
Neofytou Ioannis Eleftherios, et al. · Nutrients · 2024
ReviewInfluence2.0
14
This study explored the role of vitamin K in regulating vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Researchers observed a strong association between vitamin K levels and cardiovascular disease risk in CKD patients. The study highlights the potential of vitamin K supplementation, though results from clinical trials remain inconsistent.
Key findings
- 01Researchers observed that vascular calcification is a major issue for patients with chronic kidney disease, contributing to cardiovascular problems.
- 02They found that vitamin K is important for regulating vascular calcification through specific proteins.
- 03Despite promising pre-clinical data, clinical trials on vitamin K supplementation have shown mixed results.
08
#08
The Effects of Diet Intervention on the Gut Microbiota in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.
ReviewInfluence2.0
14
This systematic review examined the effects of dietary interventions on gut microbiota in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Researchers found that supplementation with vitamin K2 (MK-7) may positively influence gut microbiota composition, suggesting potential benefits for managing T2DM through dietary adjustments.
09
#09
Adaptive laboratory evolution for improved tolerance of vitamin K in Bacillus subtilis.
In Vitro
12
This research focused on enhancing the production of menaquinone-7 (MK-7) in Bacillus subtilis through adaptive laboratory evolution. Researchers observed that the evolved strain significantly increased MK-7 production by 76% under static conditions compared to the original strain. The study suggests potential applications for MK-7 production in probiotic formulations.
10
#10
Reference Range of Vitamin K Evaluating Indicators in Chinese Childbearing Women.
HumanInfluence2.0
12
This study aimed to establish reference ranges for vitamin K indicators, including menaquinone-7 (MK-7), in healthy women of childbearing age in China. Researchers found that the reference range for MK-7 in serum was 0.12-3.54 ng/mL, providing a baseline for assessing vitamin K nutritional status. Cut-off values for subclinical vitamin K deficiency were also determined.
Clinical Trials (4)
4
Total Trials
381
Total Enrolled
A Pilot Study of Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone-7, Soloways ™) in Patients With Osteopenia/Osteoporosis Carrying a VDR Gene Variant
NCT06867952RECRUITING
Sponsor
S.LAB (SOLOWAYS)
Enrollment
40
Started
2024
Primary outcome
Change in Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
OsteoporosisOsteopenia
Pilot Study of Vitamin K2 (MK-7) and Vitamin D3 Supplementation and the Effects on PASC Symptomatology and Inflammatory Biomarkers
NCT05356936COMPLETED
Sponsor
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Enrollment
151
Started
2022
Primary outcome
Change in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as measured by blood test
Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Comparative Study Evaluating the Effect of Vitamin K1 Versus Vitamin K2 on Vascular Calcification in Dialysis Patients
Sponsor
Ain Shams University
Enrollment
40
Started
2020
Primary outcome
change in serum level of Uncarboxylated MGP
End Stage Renal Disease on Dialysis
Decalcification of the Aortic Valve by Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone-7)
Sponsor
Hopital St. Georges, Ajaltoun
Enrollment
150
Started
2018
Primary outcome
Evolution of the Aortic Valve Hemodynamic measured by echography: Change in Gradients in (mm Hg)
Aortic Valve Disease
Publication Trend
Research publications about Vitamin K2 (MK-7) over time
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