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K2 MK-7 is a vitamin K2 that promotes bone and blood health and supports the cardiovascular system. Without vitamin K2, calcium is not effectively processed in our bodies. K2 Mk-7 directs calcium to the bones to build healthy bone tissue rather than in arteries and joints. Vitamin K2 MK-7 also contributes to improved cardiovascular health by directing calcium out of the bloodstream and arteries and into the bones, it inhibits calcium deposits in the blood vessels and promotes health blood clotting.

This product is formulated with a great dose of MK-7, 90 mcg per capsule and is more easily absorbed and utilized by the body compared to other forms of vitamin K2 due to being in an oil base; vitamin k is a fat-soluble vitamin; many vitamin k supplements are in manufactured in powdered form. Carlson’s Vitamin K2 as MK-7 is made with MenaQ7, a patented form of Vitamin K2 and is known for its superior bioavailability and the only MK-7 clinically studied and proven to deliver bone and cardiovascular benefits.

About this product

Vitamin K refers to a family of fat-soluble vitamins important for the formation of strong, health bones and promotes arterial health.  The vitamin comes in two main forms; they work and are stored differently in your body and come from different food sources, The body needs both types of vitamin K to produce prothrombin, a protein which promotes blood clotting, bone metabolism and heart health. Vitamin K-1, or phylloquinone, is found in dark leafy green vegetables and blueberries. It is more abundant in foods, but is less bioactive and absorbable than K2. K-1 accumulates in the liver, heart, and pancreas and is primarily involved in supporting blood clotting. It not as good at protecting the bones and teeth as K2.

Vitamin K-2, or menaquinone, is present in organ meats, fermented foods, and dairy products in modest amounts, but is more active. Gut bacteria also produce vitamin K-2. K2 gets distributed to bones and other tissues; there are high concentrations of K2 in the brain and kidneys. K2 controls where calcium accumulates in the body and by helping to regulate use of calcium, it benefits bones, heart, teeth arteries, and the nervous system.

A deficiency in vitamin K2 is more common than a K1 deficiency. Certain health conditions and medications can increase your risk of developing a vitamin k2 deficiency. Examples include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, the use of blood thinners, antibiotics, statins, antacids, alcoholism, and malnutrition.

One of the main functions of vitamin K is aiding blood clotting. Vitamin K helps to keep your blood clotting balance, not too thick and not too thin. Without sufficient vitamin K, the body cannot produce enough clotting factors which can lead to easy bruising and prolonged bleeding. It hasn’t yet been determined if one vitamin K is more effective when it comes to clotting or if they are equally responsible.

Vitamin K2 improves overall heart health, protecting against atherosclerosis (stiffening of the arteries) and decreases the risk of coronary heart disease by clearing out calcium from blood vessels. Calcium deposits contribute to the development of plaque, so vitamin K does a lot of good for your heart health.

In a very large men’s study, participants with a high K2 intake benefited from a 51 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease, and a 26 percent lower risk of dying from any cause (total mortality). Other research showed that women with a high intake of vitamin K2 rich food were less likely to experience heart attacks and strokes and for every 10 micrograms of vitamin K2 they consumed per day, their risk of heart disease decreased by 9%.

Calcium is one of the main nutrients to prevent fractures and osteoporosis, but it doesn’t work alone. Vitamin K, vitamin D and calcium work together to aid in the treatment of osteoporosis. Vitamin K2 promotes healthy bone mineral density by carboxylating osteocalcin, a protein that binds calcium to bones; having low levels of vitamin K is associated with a higher risk of bone fractures. Clinical studies have found that K2 slows the rate of bone loss, improves bone mineral density and may reduce the risk of hip and vertebral fractures in women. Additionally, K2 helps to maintain the structure of teeth and jaws and is important for fetal growth and bone health

Some research shows Vitamin K-2 has antioxidant properties that may help protect against cancer by suppressing genetic processes that lead to tumor growth and that those who have high amounts of K2 in their diet are at lower risk of developing some types of cancers such as leukemia, prostate, lung, and liver cancers. According to a 2018 study, vitamin K2 that scientists had modified with a sialic acid-cholesterol conjugate significantly suppressed tumor growth in mouse cells

K2 prevents the formation of calcium accumulation which may benefit the kidneys by helping preventing kidney stones. In addition, lack of vitamin K2 has been associated in studies with a higher occurrence of kidney disease.

Contents

1 soft gel provides:

Vitamin K2 [as MK-7] (menaquinone-7) 90 mcg

Other Ingredients: Safflower oil, soft gel shell (beef gelatin, glycerin, water, carob), sunflower oil, d-alpha tocopherol, rosemary extract

This product does not contain ingredients gluten or preservatives.

Cautions

Always take natural remedies under the supervision of your health care provider.  Consult with your healthcare professional before taking K2 MK-7 if you take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, as it can potentially reducing effectiveness. Always consult your healthcare provider if you take such medicines. K2 MK-7 affects blood-clotting, consult your provider prior to having surgery or if you take medication for liver disease as if also taking supplements with vitamin K.

Do not use Vitamin K2 MK-7 during pregnancy or lactation unless under the guidance of your physician as there is insufficient data about safe use during pregnancy