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What is Vitamin K2

MK-7 is the real effective vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 can be divided into MK-4 (Menaquinone-4) to MK-13 (Menaquinone-13) depending on the length of the isoprenoid (side chain). Vitamin K2 that exists in the body and has a commercialized structure contains MK-4 and MK-7. MK-4 is contained in butter and cheese, whereas MK-7 can be found in foods fermented with soybeans, such as natto and cheonggukjang.
Most of MK-4 is metabolized in the liver, and since the number of isoprenoids is little, its half-life is very short and it is easily decomposed in the body, so that it is effective only when the amount of intake and frequency of intake are large.
On the other hand, in the case of MK-7, the number of isoprenoids is higher than that of MK-4, and the half-life is longer than 3 days, so the *bioavailability is high.

Therefore, considering the half-life and intake amount of MK-4 and MK-7, the amount of intake and frequency of consumption is reduced for MK-7 when compared to MK-4.
* Bioavailability: Physiological effects of a certain amount of drugs



The concentration of vitamin K2 in serum (ng/mL) when 420 ㎍ of vitamin K2 is ingested at a time

The concentration of vitamin K2 in serum (㎍/day) when vitamin K2 60 ㎍ (daily intake) is consumed for 7 consecutive days

Comparison of MK-4 and MK-7 supplements
Item MK-4(Menaquinone-4) MK-7(Menaquinone-7)
Recommended amount* 45mg(45,000mcg)
(Requires to intake a large amount)
120mcg or more
(Requires to intake a small amount)
Frequency of intake 3 times a day Once a clay
Half-life in the body Number of hours (Requires frequent intake) Number of days (Can be taken once a day)
*The recommended amount varies by country, but it is set much less than the required amount.