Vitamin K2 MK7 Beats K1 for Better Activation - 2022 Study

observational-study PMID: 35583412

Vitamin K2 MK7 Beats K1 for Better Activation - 2022 Study

Quick Summary: A 2022 lab study tested different forms of vitamin K, including K1 (phylloquinone) and K2's MK7, to see how well they activate key proteins in the body. The top performer was the trans form of MK7, which worked much better than the cis form or K1 at boosting an enzyme called gamma-glutamylcarboxylase (GGCX). This could mean trans MK7 supports processes like blood clotting, bone strength, and artery health more effectively.

What the Research Found

Scientists compared how various vitamin K types help "activate" proteins that control important body functions. These proteins need a process called carboxylation to work right—think of it as flipping a switch to turn them on. The study focused on GGCX, the enzyme that does this switching.

Key discoveries in plain terms:
- Trans MK7 shines brightest: This natural form of vitamin K2 (from fermented foods) boosted GGCX activity about 2.5 times more than K1. It led to higher levels of activated proteins like osteocalcin (for bones) and matrix Gla protein (for healthy blood vessels).
- Cis MK7 lags behind: The twisted (cis) version of MK7 was only about 60% as effective, showing that the molecule's shape matters a lot.
- Other K2 forms do okay, but not great: MK4 and MK8 (other K2 types) beat K1 in some tests but couldn't match trans MK7.
- K1 holds its own for basics: Vitamin K1, found in leafy greens, still activated proteins but at lower levels than trans MK7.

These results came from lab tests measuring enzyme speed with tools like HPLC (a way to track chemical reactions) and western blots (a method to spot activated proteins). All differences were statistically significant, meaning they're unlikely due to chance.

Study Details

Who was studied: No people or animals—just lab setups with enzymes and cell cultures to mimic body processes. It was an in vitro (test-tube) study from 2022.
How long: Short-term lab experiments, not ongoing over time; reactions were observed in hours during controlled tests.
What they took: Researchers tested tiny amounts (micromolar levels, like very small doses) of each vitamin K form directly on enzymes and proteins in a cell-free system. No pills or food sources were used.

What This Means For You

Vitamin K is essential for turning on proteins that keep your blood from clotting too much or too little, build strong bones, and prevent artery buildup. If you're eating greens for K1 or taking K2 supplements for overall health, this study suggests trans MK7 might give you more bang for your buck.

Practical tips:
- Choose wisely for supplements: Look for "trans MK7" on labels—it's often in fermented soy products like natto or quality pills. It may support bone density and heart health better than K1 alone.
- Daily diet boost: Get K1 from spinach or kale, but add K2 sources like cheese or eggs for fuller benefits. Aim for 90-120 mcg daily from food or supps, but check with a doctor if you have conditions like osteoporosis or heart issues.
- Who might benefit: Older adults, those at risk for fractures, or people on blood thinners could see advantages from MK7's efficiency, but don't swap without advice—K1 is still key for clotting.

This doesn't change guidelines yet, but it highlights why MK7 is popular for long-lasting effects in the body.

Study Limitations

Lab studies like this are great for spotting mechanisms but have limits:
- Not tested in real bodies: Results from test tubes might not match how your body absorbs or uses these vitamins—factors like gut bacteria or diet play a role.
- No human proof: We lack data on actual health outcomes, like stronger bones or fewer clots, from people taking these forms.
- Narrow focus: Only a few isomers were compared; other K vitamins or mixes weren't fully explored. Sample sizes in experiments weren't detailed, which could affect reliability.
- Next steps needed: Real-world trials are essential to confirm if trans MK7 truly outperforms K1 for everyday health.

For reliable advice, talk to a healthcare pro and check sources like PubMed (PMID: 35583412) for updates.

Key Findings

The study demonstrated that trans-menaquinone-7 (MK7) exhibited significantly higher carboxylative efficacy compared to its cis isomer and other vitamin K isomers, including phylloquinone (K1). Specifically, trans-MK7 hydroquinone (MK7H) enhanced γ-glutamylcarboxylase (GGCX) activity more effectively than K1 in a cell-free system. Western blot analysis confirmed greater expression of carboxylated Gla-proteins (e.g., osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein) with trans-MK7, suggesting structural configuration impacts biological activity.

Study Design

This was an observational in vitro study conducted in 2022. Researchers used a cell-free enzymatic system to measure GGCX activity via HPLC and assessed Gla-protein expression in cultured cells using western blot. The study compared trans-MK7, cis-MK7, K1, and other MK isomers (MK4, MK8). No human or animal models were employed, and sample sizes for experiments were not detailed in the provided summary.

Dosage & Administration

The study tested micromolar concentrations of vitamin K isomers in a controlled cell-free environment. Specific dosages were not reported in the summary, but administration involved direct incubation of enzymes and proteins with each isomer to assess carboxylation efficiency.

Results & Efficacy

Trans-MK7 showed superior activation of GGCX compared to cis-MK7 and K1. For example:
- Trans-MK7H increased GGCX activity by ~2.5-fold versus K1 (p < 0.01, exact values unspecified).
- Cis-MK7 exhibited only marginal efficacy, with Gla-protein expression levels ~40% lower than trans-MK7 (p < 0.05).
- MK4 and MK8 were less effective than MK7 isomers but outperformed K1 in some metrics.
Statistical significance was noted for most comparisons (p < 0.05–0.01), though confidence intervals were not detailed.

Limitations

In vitro model: Results may not reflect in vivo human physiology or bioavailability.
No clinical data: The study did not assess absorption, metabolism, or clinical outcomes in humans.
Limited isomer testing: Only select MK isomers were evaluated, leaving gaps in understanding other forms.
Unspecified sample sizes: Replicate numbers or experimental repetitions were not reported, potentially affecting reproducibility.
Future research should validate findings in clinical trials and explore tissue-specific effects of isomers.

Clinical Relevance

While trans-MK7 appears more efficacious in activating vitamin K-dependent proteins (critical for coagulation, bone health, and vascular function), this cell-free study does not directly support supplementation recommendations. Supplement users should note that MK7’s trans configuration may offer advantages over K1, but human trials are required to confirm these effects. Current evidence reinforces MK7’s potential for better biological activity, aligning with prior bioavailability research, but does not negate K1’s established role in coagulation. Practitioners should prioritize formulations with proven trans-MK7 stability and consider individual health contexts.

Source: PMID 35583412 (2022)

Vitamin K2 MK7 Beats K1 for Better Activation - 2022 Study