What’s Vitamin K2(MK4)？

Vitamin K2 is a fat-soluble vitamin with a menaquinone structure, of which MK4 (menaquinone-4) is a subtype of Vitamin K2. The chemical name of MK4 is menaquinone-4, which is different from other vitamin K2 subtypes in side chain structure. This structural difference gives it some unique properties and physiological functions. When supplementing MK4, factors such as individual age, gender, and health status need to be considered.

The Vitamin K2(MK4) form has the following important effects:

Promotes bone health

Increases bone density: MK4 activates osteocalcin and increases its ability to bind calcium, which promotes calcium deposition in bones and increases bone density, helping to prevent and improve osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures. Especially for people prone to osteoporosis such as the elderly and postmenopausal women, supplementation with MK4 may help maintain bone health.
Regulation of bone metabolism: It is involved in regulating the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, promoting the bone formation of osteoblasts and inhibiting bone resorption of osteoclasts, maintaining the balance of bone metabolism, and maintaining good structure and strength of bones.

Maintaining cardiovascular health

Prevention of vascular calcification: MK4 prevents calcium deposition in vascular smooth muscle cells and inhibits vascular calcification by activating matrix γ-carboxyglutamate protein (MGP). Vascular calcification is an important pathological process in cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, so MK4 has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system and helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Improvement of lipid metabolism: Some studies have shown that the form of Vitamin K2(MK4) may have a regulatory effect on lipid metabolism, being able to reduce the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL – C) in the blood while increasing the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL – C), which can help to maintain the balance of blood lipids, and reduce the occurrence of atherosclerosis.

Other potential effects

Inhibit the growth of tumour cells: Some studies have found that MK4 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in some tumour cells in vitro, but its specific mechanism and effect in human body need to be confirmed by further research.
Improvement of cognitive function: Vitamin K2 may be related to brain health, and some studies suggest that MK4 may positively affect cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease by regulating the calcium homeostasis in nerve cells, but the relevant studies are still in the preliminary stage.

The vitamin K2(MK4) form has a variety of important effects in the maintenance of human health, particularly in bone and cardiovascular health. However, it is important to note that the body’s need for Vitamin K2 varies from person to person, and excessive supplementation may pose some potential risks, so it is best to take Vitamin K2 supplements under the supervision of a doctor.