Ingredient Profile
Vitamin K2 (MK-7)
Directing calcium where it belongs — bones, not arteries.
The most bioavailable form of vitamin K2, activating osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein to support bone mineralization and cardiovascular calcium regulation. Backed by population studies and postmenopausal RCTs showing improved bone density and arterial elasticity.
Overview
Vitamin K2 in the form of menaquinone-7 (MK-7) is the most bioavailable and longest-acting member of the vitamin K family available to supplement and food formulators. Unlike menaquinone-4 (MK-4), which has a biological half-life of roughly 1.5 hours, MK-7's extended isoprenoid side chain gives it a half-life of around 72 hours, allowing a single daily dose to maintain steady, active vitamin K2 levels that support osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein (MGP) activation.
As a vitamin K2 MK-7 supplier to India and international markets, Probionyx sources fermentation-derived, all-trans MK-7 — the biologically active configuration, since the cis-isomer retains only a fraction of the activity of the natural trans form. Raw material is typically supplied as a micro-encapsulated powder for easier handling in tablets, capsules, and powder blends.
Because vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 work on complementary pathways — D3 increases calcium absorption while K2 directs that calcium toward bone and away from soft tissue — MK-7 is one of the most requested actives for combination K2 + D3 formulations in bone and cardiovascular health products.
Specifications
- Active form
- All-trans Menaquinone-7 (MK-7)
- Typical purity
- ≥99% all-trans isomer (cis-MK-7 within USP limits)
- Source
- Fermentation (Bacillus subtilis natto)
- Format
- Micro-encapsulated powder, oil dilution, or beadlets
- Half-life
- ~72 hours (vs ~1.5 hours for MK-4)
- Common pairing
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) for K2 + D3 formats
Formulation benefits
- Supports bone density and fracture risk reduction
- Promotes arterial flexibility and cardiovascular calcium balance
- Synergistic with Vitamin D3 for combination formulations
Applications
Frequently asked questions
What is vitamin K2 MK-7 and how is it different from MK-4?
MK-7 (menaquinone-7) is a long-chain form of vitamin K2 produced by bacterial fermentation. Compared to MK-4, it has a much longer half-life (~72 hours vs ~1.5 hours), so smaller, less frequent doses maintain active vitamin K2 levels in circulation.
Why does the trans/cis isomer ratio matter when sourcing MK-7?
Only the all-trans isomer is biologically active; the cis-isomer is essentially inactive. Reputable raw material is specified and tested for a minimum all-trans content (typically ≥99%) with strict limits on cis-MK-7 content.
Can vitamin K2 MK-7 be combined with vitamin D3 in one formulation?
Yes. K2 and D3 are commonly combined because vitamin D3 increases calcium absorption while K2 (MK-7) helps direct that calcium to bone rather than arteries — a combination widely used in bone and cardiovascular-support products.
What format of MK-7 is best for tablets vs. liquids?
Micro-encapsulated MK-7 powder is generally preferred for tablets and capsules because it protects the active ingredient from oxidation and improves flow during compression; oil-based dilutions are used for softgels and liquid formats.
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