Why Choose Vitamin K2 MK4?
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Update time : 2026-03-30 10:16:46
VK2 MK4 (menaquinone-4) is a core subtype of the fat-soluble vitamin K family. With 4 isoprene units in its molecular side chain, it has advantages such as high bioavailability, strong tissue penetration, and appropriate in vivo half-life compared with other VK2 subtypes, making it a recognized important nutrient in the field of clinical nutrition.
Biological Characteristics
The vitamin K family can be divided into natural types (VK1, VK2) and synthetic types (VK3, VK4, etc.) according to sources and structures, with clear functional differentiation between them: VK1 is mainly found in green leafy vegetables, and its core function is to participate in the synthesis of clotting factors to ensure the normal coagulation function of the body; VK2 MK4 is mainly derived from fermented foods (such as natto, fermented milk, pickles), animal livers and egg yolks. Meanwhile, it can be converted from dietary VK1 by human intestinal flora to form an endogenous supplementation pathway.
Core Physiological Functions
Suitable Populations
① Postmenopausal women, middle-aged and elderly people
② Populations at risk of cardiovascular diseases
③ People taking long-term calcium and vitamin D supplements
④ Vegetarians and people with insufficient intake of fermented foods
Biological Characteristics
The vitamin K family can be divided into natural types (VK1, VK2) and synthetic types (VK3, VK4, etc.) according to sources and structures, with clear functional differentiation between them: VK1 is mainly found in green leafy vegetables, and its core function is to participate in the synthesis of clotting factors to ensure the normal coagulation function of the body; VK2 MK4 is mainly derived from fermented foods (such as natto, fermented milk, pickles), animal livers and egg yolks. Meanwhile, it can be converted from dietary VK1 by human intestinal flora to form an endogenous supplementation pathway.
Core Physiological Functions
- Maintaining Bone Homeostasis: VK2 MK4 activates osteocalcin secreted by osteoblasts through γ-carboxylation modification, promotes calcium salt deposition in the bone matrix, accelerates the bone mineralization process, and increases bone density; at the same time, it can reduce the rate of bone resorption and delay bone loss by inhibiting the differentiation and activity of osteoclasts. Clinical studies have confirmed that when VK2 MK4 is supplemented synergistically with calcium and vitamin D3, it can significantly reduce the fracture risk of high-risk groups for osteoporosis such as postmenopausal women and middle-aged and elderly people. The three constitute the "bone health nutrient triangle", which is indispensable and can effectively maintain the balance of bone metabolism.
- Protecting Cardiovascular Health: VK2 MK4 can effectively activate matrix Gla protein (MGP) secreted by vascular smooth muscle cells. This protein can specifically bind free calcium ions in the vascular wall, prevent calcium salt deposition and calcified plaque formation, thereby maintaining vascular elasticity and inhibiting the process of vascular calcification. Epidemiological and evidence-based medical data show that the risk of cardiovascular disease is reduced by 30%-50% in populations with adequate VK2 MK4 intake, and its role in cardiovascular health protection has been widely verified.
Suitable Populations
① Postmenopausal women, middle-aged and elderly people
② Populations at risk of cardiovascular diseases
③ People taking long-term calcium and vitamin D supplements
④ Vegetarians and people with insufficient intake of fermented foods
