Vitamin K2 is a subclass of fat-soluble Vitamin K. Vitamin K1 is referred to as phylloquinone while Vitamin K2 is referred to as menaquinone (or MK for short). Within Vitamin K2, there are different variants ranging from MK-4 to MK-12, the numbers indicating the length of isoprenoid, carbon side chain. The two naturally occurring forms are MK-4 and MK-7.
Vitamin K2 (MK-7) is unique in that it has been shown to be more bioavailable and has a longer half-life in the bloodstream after oral intake, thus providing its benefits for a longer period of time.5
Through aging, malnutrition or disease, bones become weak and brittle while calcium builds up to harden and block off arteries. Healthy bones and clearer arteries can be reestablished with proper diet, exercise, and supplementing Vitamin K2 (MK-7). Vitamin K2 helps take calcium from hardening arteries to strengthening bones.
This graph, showing readings from 10 volunteers given Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2, shows how Vitamin K2 (MK-7) is much more bioavailable than Vitamin K1. Vitamin K2 (MK-7) has a steeper curve indicating that it is absorbed by our bodies better and, therefore, requires less for results. [Schurgers, et al 2007]
