Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular weight-bearing exercise
- Smoking cessation
Blutwerte · Marker
Vitamin K2 (MK-7)
Menaquinone-7 · MK-7 · Vitamin K2
Vitamine & Nährstoffe
- Einheit:
- ng/mL
- Abbreviation
- K2 / MK-7
The test quantifies the concentration of menaquinone-7 (MK-7) in the blood, a subtype of vitamin K2.
Reference Ranges
Reference
0.12–3.54ng/mL
0.12
3.54
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · ng/mLReference ranges are based on healthy women of childbearing age; variations may exist due to age and health status.
Overview
Übersicht
Vitamin K2 (MK-7), also known as menaquinone-7, is a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for various physiological processes. It is part of the vitamin K family, characterized by a 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone ring and a variable aliphatic side-chain. This biomarker measures the concentration of MK-7 in the blood, reflecting its role in activating proteins involved in blood coagulation, bone mineralization, and vascular health. Researchers have observed that MK-7 is essential for the carboxylation of osteocalcin and matrix Gla-protein, which are critical for bone and cardiovascular health. Clinically, MK-7 is significant in assessing the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Low levels of MK-7 have been associated with increased arterial calcification and bone fragility, particularly in populations with chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, MK-7 is valued for its potential to enhance bone strength and cardiovascular function, potentially contributing to longevity and improved recovery. However, researchers found that its absorption and efficacy can be influenced by factors such as lipid metabolism and existing health conditions. Caveats include potential confounders like lipid levels, as MK-7 is transported via lipoproteins. Fasting is not typically required, but consistency in testing conditions is advised to ensure accurate monitoring over time.
Klinische Bedeutung
Reduced MK-7 levels may indicate increased risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases due to impaired carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent proteins. Elevated levels are generally not associated with adverse effects but may reflect high dietary intake or supplementation.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising values may indicate increased dietary intake or supplementation. Re-test in 6 months if levels exceed reference range.
Falling Values
Progressively falling values suggest potential dietary insufficiency or increased physiological demand.
Re-test Interval
6 months if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- High dietary intake
- Supplementation
- Improved lipid absorption
- Reduced clearance
- Genetic factors
Cause
Low Levels
- Poor dietary intake
- Chronic kidney disease
- Lipid metabolism disorders
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Certain medications
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Consume fermented foods like natto
- Include leafy greens in diet
Lever
Supplementation
- Menaquinone-7 supplements
- Vitamin D supplements
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially if on anticoagulant therapy.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
Vitamin K levels may vary; morning samples recommended for consistency.
Testing Frequency
Annually for individuals at risk of deficiency or with cardiovascular concerns
Interfering Factors
- Lipid-lowering medications
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that reference ranges for vitamin K2 (MK-7) in diverse populations are not well-defined, particularly in specific demographics like childbearing women. Researchers have not yet established optimal targets for MK-7 supplementation in chronic conditions such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease, where its efficacy appears limited. Unanswered clinical questions include the long-term effects of MK-7 on calcification in various patient populations and the mechanisms underlying its altered metabolism in chronic diseases.
17 Research Publications
136
Total Citations
12
Human/RCT
2.0
Avg. Influence
2026
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Altered vitamin K biodistribution and metabolism in experimental and human chronic kidney disease.
HumanInfluence2.0
35
Researchers investigated the biodistribution and metabolism of Vitamin K in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). They found that CKD patients had reduced uptake of MK-7 into lipoproteins, suggesting impaired transport and metabolism of this vitamin in uremic conditions.
02Top
#02
Vitamin K (phylloquinone and menaquinones) in foods - Optimisation of extraction, clean-up and LC-ESI-MS/MS method for quantification.
In Vitro
20
Researchers optimized a method for quantifying vitamin K in foods, including MK-7. They validated the method across various food matrices, demonstrating its effectiveness for assessing vitamin K content in dietary sources.
03Top
#03
Dramatic Decrease of Vitamin K2 Subtype Menaquinone-7 in COVID-19 Patients.
Human
16
This study examined the levels of Vitamin K2 (MK-7) in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls and non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Researchers found that COVID-19 patients had significantly lower MK-7 levels, indicating potential consumption of this vitamin due to inflammatory and oxidative stress factors associated with the disease.
04
#04
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
Researchers reviewed the role of Vitamin K in vascular calcification among chronic kidney disease patients. They noted a strong association between Vitamin K levels and cardiovascular disease risk, highlighting the need for further research on Vitamin K supplementation in this population.
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.
05
#05
Adaptive laboratory evolution for improved tolerance of vitamin K in Bacillus subtilis.
In Vitro
11
This study focused on enhancing the production of MK-7 through microbial fermentation using Bacillus subtilis. Researchers successfully improved the strain's tolerance to Vitamin K and increased MK-7 production, suggesting potential applications in probiotic formulations.
06
#06
Reference Range of Vitamin K Evaluating Indicators in Chinese Childbearing Women.
HumanInfluence2.0
11
Researchers aimed to establish reference ranges for Vitamin K indicators in healthy Chinese women of childbearing age. The study found specific reference ranges for serum levels of Vitamin K1, MK-4, and MK-7, which can be used to assess nutritional status in this population.
07
#07
The effect of six-month oral vitamin K supplementation on calcification propensity time in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A post hoc analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Meer R, et al. · Atherosclerosis · 2024
Human
9
In a post-hoc analysis, researchers assessed the impact of six-month oral MK-7 supplementation on calcification propensity in individuals with type 2 diabetes. They found no significant change in calcification propensity time (T50) between the MK-7 and placebo groups.
Key findings
- 01The study involved 68 participants with an average age of 69 years.
- 02Participants were divided into two groups: one received vitamin K and the other a placebo.
- 03Researchers observed no effect of vitamin K supplementation on arterial calcification over the six-month period.
08
#08
Identification of Carotenoids and Isoprenoid Quinones from Asaia lannensis and Asaia bogorensis.
In Vitro
8
Researchers identified carotenoids and isoprenoid quinones produced by strains of acetic acid bacteria. They found that these strains could biosynthesize menaquinone-7 among other compounds. The study provides insights into the metabolic capabilities of these bacteria and their potential applications in food science.
09
#09
No Detectable Coagulation Activation After Vitamin K (MK-7) Supplementation in Patients on Dialysis With Functional Vitamin K Deficiency: A One-Year Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.
Bladbjerg Else-Marie, et al. · Journal of renal nutrition : the official journal of the Council on Renal Nutrition of the National Kidney Foundation · 2024
Human
5
This study examined the effects of vitamin K2 (MK-7) supplementation on coagulation biomarkers in patients on dialysis. Researchers found no significant changes in coagulation activation or vascular events after one year of supplementation, indicating no procoagulant effects. PIVKA-II levels decreased significantly in the MK-7 group compared to placebo.
Key findings
- 01Researchers observed no detectable effects on blood clotting markers after one year of vitamin K supplementation.
- 02There was a significant decrease in a specific biomarker (PIVKA-II) in the vitamin K group compared to the placebo group.
- 03No differences in adverse events or serious complications were noted between the vitamin K and placebo groups.
10
#10
Scaling up biofilm bioreactors for enhanced menaquinone-7 production.
In Vitro
4
Researchers scaled up a biofilm reactor for the production of MK-7 using Bacillus subtilis. They found that optimizing oxygen transfer and using a fed-batch strategy significantly increased MK-7 concentrations, indicating the reactor's potential for commercial production.
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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