NOW Foods - MK-7 Vitamin K-2

NOW Foods MK-7 Vitamin K-2

NOW Foods MK-7 Vitamin K-2 is a high-quality dietary supplement containing menaquinone-7, the most bioactive form of vitamin K-2. This product from the well-known American brand NOW Foods is specially designed to support bone health, vascular function, and normal blood clotting. MK-7 is a long-acting form of vitamin K-2 produced through natural fermentation and is effectively absorbed by the body. With its purity and potency, this product is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable vitamin K-2 supplement for long-term health.

Active ingredients & science

Menaquinone-7, abbreviated MK-7, is the most studied and most bioactive form of vitamin K-2. Unlike vitamin K-1, which is mainly found in green plants and primarily utilised by the liver, MK-7 is a long-chain form that circulates longer in the blood and reaches peripheral tissues more effectively. This makes MK-7 particularly valuable for supporting bone mineralisation and vascular health far from the liver.

Vitamin K-2 plays a central role in activating two important proteins: osteocalcin and matrixGla-protein. Osteocalcin is a protein produced by bone-forming cells and is necessary for binding calcium to the bone matrix. MatrixGla-protein is found in vessel walls and helps prevent improper calcium deposition in arteries and soft tissues. By activating these proteins, vitamin K-2 helps direct calcium to the right places in the body – the bones and teeth – rather than to vessels and soft tissues.

MK-7 is produced through natural fermentation of soybeans or other plant materials using special bacterial cultures. This natural production method ensures a high content of the active trans-form of MK-7, which is the form most efficiently utilised by the body. This fermentation process is far superior to chemical synthesis and results in a product with superior biological properties.

The absorption of MK-7 depends on the presence of fat in the stomach, which is why it is important to take this supplement with a meal containing fat. Once absorbed, MK-7 circulates in the blood for several days, allowing the body to transport it to various tissues and activate vitamin K-dependent proteins at multiple sites simultaneously.

Benefits & uses

NOW Foods MK-7 Vitamin K-2 offers several specific benefits for those wishing to support their long-term health:

• Support for bone mineralisation and strength: Vitamin K-2 activates osteocalcin, a protein essential for binding calcium to the bone matrix. This enables the body to build and maintain strong bone density, which is especially important for older adults and women after menopause.
• Promotes normal vascular health: By activating matrixGla-protein, vitamin K-2 helps maintain normal calcium distribution in the body. This supports vessel elasticity and function by preventing improper mineralisation of artery walls.
• Long-lasting biological activity: MK-7 circulates longer in the blood than other forms of vitamin K, enabling more effective distribution to peripheral tissues and longer duration of biological activity between doses.
• Natural fermented source: NOW Foods uses natural fermentation to produce MK-7, ensuring a high content of the biologically active trans-form and superior absorption properties compared to synthetic alternatives.
• Support for normal blood clotting: Vitamin K-2 is an essential cofactor for the synthesis of blood clotting proteins, making it important for normal blood coagulation and cardiovascular health.

This product is suitable for daily use as part of a healthy lifestyle. It is especially suitable for individuals who want to support their long-term bone health, for older adults aiming to maintain bone density, and for those seeking comprehensive nutrition for cardiovascular health.

Quality & manufacturing

NOW Foods is a well-established American dietary supplement company with over 50 years of experience in manufacturing high-quality natural products. The company is known for its commitment to scientific research, strict quality control, and transparency in its products.

MK-7 Vitamin K-2 from NOW Foods is manufactured according to GMP standards (Good Manufacturing Practice), ensuring the product is produced under the strictest quality and purity controls. All ingredients are tested for potency and purity, and the product is free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives.

The product is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, as it is entirely plant-based. It contains no gluten, soy, or GMO ingredients. For individuals with allergy concerns, it is important to check the full ingredient list, as production may occur in facilities handling other allergens.

NOW Foods conducts third-party testing to verify the content of active ingredients and to ensure the absence of harmful contaminants. This high-quality standard allows consumers to trust that they receive exactly what is on the label.

Who is the product suitable for?

Older adults and individuals with bone turnover issues: Bone turnover naturally decreases with age, especially in women after menopause. Vitamin K-2 supports normal bone density by activating osteocalcin, making this product particularly valuable for older people who want to maintain skeletal strength and resilience.

Women in and after menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can affect bone turnover. Vitamin K-2 can be a valuable part of a strategy to support bone health during this life stage.

People taking calcium supplements: If you already take calcium supplements, it is important to ensure that calcium is absorbed and directed to the right places in the body. Vitamin K-2 plays a key role in this process and is therefore an excellent complement to calcium supplementation.

Active individuals and athletes: Strong bones are important for long-term physical performance and injury prevention. Vitamin K-2 supports normal bone density and can be valuable for physically active individuals seeking to maintain optimal skeletal health.

People with cardiovascular focus: Vitamin K-2 supports normal vascular health by maintaining normal calcium distribution in the body. For those interested in supporting their cardiovascular system, this product can be a valuable part of a holistic health strategy.

Vegans and vegetarians: Vitamin K-2 naturally occurs in animal products such as cheese and natto but is less common in plant-based sources. Vegans and vegetarians may benefit from a K-2 supplement to ensure adequate intake of this important nutrient.

Summary

NOW Foods MK-7 Vitamin K-2 is a reliable and scientifically based dietary supplement offering long-term support for bone health, vascular function, and normal blood clotting. With its naturally fermented MK-7, high bioactivity, and long circulation time in the blood, this product is an excellent choice for those seeking an effective vitamin K-2 supplement.

By choosing NOW Foods MK-7, you get a product manufactured according to the highest quality standards, tested for potency and purity, and supported by a company with decades of experience in natural dietary supplements. Whether you are an older adult looking to maintain bone density, an active person aiming to support skeletal strength, or simply someone seeking comprehensive nutrition for long-term health, this product is worth considering as part of your daily routine.