MK4 vs MK7: Unraveling the Differences for Your Health and Wellness

EllieB

You’re in the market for a new car, and you’ve narrowed it down to two models: the MK4 and the MK7. But what sets them apart? How do these seemingly similar vehicles differ from each other? As an informed consumer, you know that understanding these differences is key to making a wise purchase decision.

Understanding Vitamin K2: An Overview

Let’s investigate into the specifics of a vital nutrient, commonly known as Vitamin K2.

What Is Vitamin K2?

Vitamin K refers to a group of fat-soluble vitamins crucial for human health. Among this group lies vitamin K2, recognized by its scientific name Menaquinone.

Different from its sibling nutrients like vitamin k1 (phylloquinone), it plays unique roles in your body. Originating primarily from fermented foods and certain animal products such as cheese and egg yolk, you’ll find that it serves an array of biological functions which we will explore further.

The Importance of Vitamin K2 in the Body

You might wonder why there is so much emphasis on understanding this particular type – here’s why:

1. Bone Health: It aids calcium absorption enhancing bone strength.

For instance, research published by Osteoporosis International journal indicates that higher intake correlates with reduced fractures among women.[^1^]

1. Heart Functionality: This unsung hero acts behind-the-scenes safeguarding cardiovascular health.

A study in Nutrients suggests how proper consumption can potentially decrease arterial calcification thereby promoting heart functionality[^2^].

1. Cognitive Performance: Not limited to physical wellbeing alone – evidence points towards potential benefits related to brain function too!

As highlighted by a review article featured in Frontiers Neurology^[3], individuals taking supplements showed signs improved cognitive performance.

[^1]: Iwamoto J., Takeda T., Sato Y.. “Effects Of Combined Administration Of Vitmain D3 And VitmainK21 On Bone Mineral Density In Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis.”Oesteoporos Int . 2000;11(12):10311035.doi:10/1007/s001980070020
[^4]: Gast G.C.M., de Roos N.M, Sluijs I. et al.”A High Menaquinone Intake Reduces The Incidence Of Coronary Heart Disease”. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis .2009;19(7):504510.doi:10/1016/j.numecd.2008.1002

Exploring MK4 and MK7: The Two Forms of Vitamin K2

Transitioning from the automotive area, let’s investigate deeper into two significant forms of Vitamin K2 – Menaquinone-4 (MK4) and Menaquinone-7 (MK7). Both types have vital roles in human health.

Characteristics of MK4

Derived primarily from animal sources like meats and dairy products, MK4 is a short-chain form. It has an approximate biological half-life ranging between one to two hours only; so it doesn’t stay long in your body. Nevertheless, this quick absorption makes it instantly available for use by tissues that require rapid vitamin K uptake like bones or blood vessels. One instance showcasing its importance is during infancy when babies need immediate availability of vitamins to aid their growth spurts.

Also, studies affirm that supplementation with high doses (>45 mg/day) may assist osteoporosis treatment[^1^]. Yet remember the shorter lifespan means you must consume foods rich in this nutrient regularly or consider taking supplements if recommended by healthcare professionals.

Characteristics of MK7

Unlike its counterpart above, plants are primary contributors towards producing longer-chain variant i.e., Menaquinone-7(MK will be eliminated after all uses ). Natto – traditional Japanese dish prepared using fermented soybeans particularly stands out as a great source[^2^].

What sets apart this type lies within its extended biological half-life extending up-to three days[^3^], ensuring stable levels over time compared to brief spikes seen with daily consumption often associated with other nutrients such as calcium.
Also interestingly noted through researches indicates how effectively they direct calcium away from arteries hence reducing risks related cardiovascular diseases significantly thereby maintaining heart functionality optimally.[ ^5]

Regardless these differences pointed out here both forms play crucial roles overall promoting improved bone density along healthier hearts yet understanding them individually can help tailor dietary intake better suiting personal needs.

[^1^]: “Menaquinone-4 enhances osteogenic potential of human Amniotic Fluid Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultured in a 2D and 3D dynamic culture system”. Journal of Biomedical Science. Link

[^2^]: “Consumption of Fermented Soybean Natto Enhances Production: A Randomized Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study”. International journal for vitamin and nutrition research.
Link

Biological Roles and Health Benefits

Unveiling the specific roles of MK4 and MK7 in health promotion provides a clearer picture. Each form has distinct benefits, with some overlap due to their shared identity as Vitamin K2 variants.

The Role of MK4 in Health

MK4 stands tall when it comes to rapid response. With its short biological half-life, it’s swiftly available for tissues requiring immediate vitamin K uptake. Research studies show that high doses may aid osteoporosis treatment by improving bone density over time [1]. Besides bones, this animal-derived variant also impacts brain health positively by shielding neurons from oxidative stress [2].

Besides, evidence suggests potential anti-cancer properties within MK4; specifically against hepatocellular carcinoma cells – so highlighting an added benefit beyond general wellbeing [3].

Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11874226
[2] http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2005.05.011
[3] DOI: 10:3748/wjg.v13.i32.c4309

The Role of MK7 in Health

Shifting gears towards plant-based Menaquinone-7 (MK7), we find longevity at play here! It remains stable longer than its sibling – thanks to a longer half-life – ensuring continuous availability even without frequent intake.

Notably potent is its role in cardiovascular disease prevention through calcium regulation— directing excess amounts away from arteries and into your bones where they belong — reducing risks associated with arterial calcification like heart attacks or strokes [4]. Also, research findings support improved bone mineral density following consistent use of supplements containing this form of Vitamin K2 among postmenopausal women further attesting to the essential nature these forms hold for overall human well-being [5].

Consider tailoring dietary plans incorporating both types based on individual needs after consulting with a healthcare professional. A blend of MK4 and MK7 might just be the secret recipe to bolster bone health while simultaneously ensuring cardiovascular fitness.

Differences in Absorption and Duration of Action

After comprehending the significance of Menaquinone (MK4 & MK7) for overall health, let’s investigate deeper into their absorption rates and duration of action within the body.

Absorption Rates of MK4 vs. MK7

When it comes to bioavailability, a key determinant is how well your body can absorb these vitamins. For instance, take Vitamin K2 as Menaquinone-4 (MK4). Derived from animal sources like dairy or meat products, its short biological half-life means it quickly becomes available for tissues requiring rapid vitamin K uptake. But, even though this advantage in speediness – that doesn’t necessarily translate into higher absorption levels by your system.

Contrastingly with plant-based Vitamin K2 such as Natto-derived Menaquinone-7(MK7), studies show consistent intake results in more stable blood levels over time[^1^]. This form gets absorbed better due to its longer chain length which allows binding at numerous sites on VLDL particles aiding transport through lymphatic vessels leading directly into bloodstream circulation[^2^].

	MK4	MK7
Source	Animal Products	Plants/Natto
Biological Half-Life	Shorter (~6 hours)[^3]^[^]	Longer (>48 hours)[^3]^[

^]
| Bioavailability/Absorbability Level |Moderate[ ^5][ ^]| High [ ^5][ ^^]

Duration of Action in the Body

For both types – there’s no contest when discussing their persistence within our bodies: long-chain menaquinones have clearly taken lead here! Specifically speaking about MK7 – having greater number carbon atoms linked together ensures not just quick but prolonged availability too thereby ensuring steady supply vital nutrients without constant need re-intake[^6].

In contrast though you’d find comparatively less longevity with shorter-chain menaquinones such as MK4 due to their faster metabolism rate[^6].

	MK4	MK7
Duration of Action in the Body (Persistence)	Shorter (~2-3 hours)[^7][ ^]^[	^]

So, next time when you’re contemplating about adding Vitamin K2 supplements into your diet – consider these factors. Tailor dietary intake for improved bone density and heart health, potentially benefiting overall human well-being.

Practical Considerations in Supplementation

When it comes to Vitamin K2 supplementation, making a decision between MK4 and MK7 becomes critical. Your choice hinges on various factors such as absorption rates, duration of action, and dietary restrictions.

Choosing Between MK4 and MK7

Opting for the right form of Menaquinone depends greatly on individual health goals. For instance, if you’re aiming at rapid uptake by tissues requiring immediate vitamin K assistance—MK4 could be your preferred choice due to its fast metabolism rate. Derived mainly from animal sources like chicken or beef liver—the introduction of this supplement into one’s diet may pose a challenge for vegetarians or vegans.

On the other hand lies MK7—an equally significant variant with an advantageously longer chain length ensuring better absorption capacity than its counterpart. This plant-based nutrient found chiefly in fermented foods like natto proves beneficial especially for those following vegan diets—it maintains stable levels over time directing calcium away from arteries reducing cardiovascular disease risks while also promoting improved bone mineral density—a quintessential requirement particularly among aging adults striving towards maintaining heart health along with strong bones.

Recommended Dosages and Sources

As per the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), daily intake recommendations fall within 75-375 mcg/day depending upon age group—from children above three years old up until older adults aged sixty-five plus respectively [1]. In terms of food sources apart from supplements: meats specifically pork products are rich in menaquinones; but these might not cater well toward vegetarian/vegan lifestyles—for which natto remains as an ideal source known to contain highest concentration naturally occurring menaquinones notably that being Mk-7[2].

Do note though—that irrespective whether opting either forms –the body requires continuous replenishment given their limited storage capacities within our systems so underscoring importance consistent regular consumption achieving optimal benefits.

Sources:

1. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for vitamin K. EFSA Journal 2017;15(5):4780.
2. Schurgers LJ, Vermeer C. Determination of phylloquinone and menaquinones in food: Effect of food matrix on circulating vitamin K concentrations. Haemostasis 2000;30:298–307.

Conclusion

You’ve journeyed through the complexities of Menaquinone, particularly MK4 and MK7. These two vital forms of Vitamin K2 play unique roles in supporting your health – from bone wellness to heart functionality, even cognitive performance. You’re now aware that selecting between these variants hinges on factors like absorption rates, duration of action and dietary restrictions.

Remember: if you seek rapid uptake, then animal-based MK4 could be your choice; for superior absorption stability over time consider plant-derived MK7 instead. Balancing their intake within recommended dosages is crucial as it helps meet daily requirements yielding optimal health benefits. Whether you decide on a supplement or aim to increase consumption via food sources rich in menaquinones—you’re taking steps towards maintaining excellent overall wellbeing.