BODYDATA
Research
Study type: Randomized controlled trialConfidence: Moderate

Effects of vitamin K2 (MK-7) supplementation on bone mineral density, bone turnover markers, and arterial calcification: a randomized controlled trial

Knapen MHDrummen NESmit EVermeer CTheuwissen E

Year2013
Sample sizen=244
JournalOsteoporosis International
AuthorsKnapen MHDrummen NESmit EVermeer CTheuwissen E

Evidence is still building up

Summary

Summary

An RCT in 244 postmenopausal women receiving MK-7 (menaquinone-7) 180 µg/day for 3 years. Compared with placebo, significant attenuation of lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density decline, with significant increases in carboxylated osteocalcin (active bone protein). Arterial stiffness progression in the carotid artery was also attenuated. The synergistic role with vitamin D is that vitamin D enhances calcium absorption while K2 directs calcium into bone.

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DOI: 10.1007/s00198-013-2325-6

Key Findings

Key findings

  • 1

    Significant attenuation of lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD decline

  • 2

    Significant increase in carboxylated osteocalcin (active bone protein)

  • 3

    Attenuated progression of carotid arterial stiffness

  • 4

    MK-7 form has long plasma half-life (~72 hours), effective at low doses

  • 5

    Synergy with vitamin D: directs calcium into bone

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Vitamin K2 (MK-7)

Slowed bone density loss in postmenopausal women reported in a 3-year RCT

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Last checked: 2026-06-24