Vitamin K2 MK-7: why it matters
Vitamin K2 rarely gets the attention it deserves. Most people have heard of vitamin D and calcium for bones and teeth, but K2 is the quiet organiser behind the scenes.
In particular, vitamin K2 MK-7 plays a critical role in where calcium actually ends up in the body. And that matters far more than most people realise.
Let’s break it down simply - what MK-7 does, why it’s different from other forms of vitamin K, and why it’s especially relevant if you’re taking vitamin D or a multivitamin.
What is vitamin K2 MK-7?
Vitamin K comes in two main forms:
- Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) - found mainly in leafy greens; important for blood clotting
- Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) - involved in calcium regulation and long-term tissue health
MK-7 is a specific subtype of vitamin K2.
Why MK-7 matters for calcium balance
Calcium is essential. But it needs direction.
Vitamin K2 MK-7 activates specific proteins that tell calcium where to go:
- Into bones and teeth, where it strengthens structure
- Away from soft tissues, like arteries and joints, where it doesn’t belong
Without enough K2, calcium can end up in the wrong places, even if your intake looks good.
The vitamin D and K2 connection
Vitamin D increases calcium absorption from food. That’s helpful - but it’s only half the story.
If vitamin D increases calcium availability, K2 ensures it’s used safely and effectively.
This is why taking vitamin D without adequate K2 isn’t ideal, especially long-term. The two nutrients work together.
A well-formulated multivitamin should reflect that synergy.
Why MK-7 is preferred over other K2 forms
You may also see vitamin K2 listed as MK-4.
MK-4 can be useful, but it has a much shorter lifespan in the body and typically requires higher, more frequent dosing.
MK-7 advantages include:
- Longer activity time in the bloodstream
- More stable daily levels
- Better suitability for once-daily supplementation
- A natural form of the vitamin, as found in fermented foods like natto.
For most people, MK-7 is the more practical and effective option.
MK-7 quality matters too
Not all MK-7 is the same.
Some forms are unstable and can degrade in supplements. That’s why ingredient sourcing and delivery format matter.
In City Survivor’s Pollution Protection Multivitamin, vitamin K2 is provided as K2Vital® Delta - a microencapsulated form of MK-7 designed for improved stability and bioavailability, alongside vitamin D3.
Who should pay particular attention to vitamin K2?
MK-7 is especially relevant if you:
- Take vitamin D regularly
- Are thinking about bone health as you age
- Want cardiovascular support as part of a long-term health strategy
- Prefer evidence-led, low-dose, well-absorbed nutrients
It’s not a “quick fix” nutrient. It’s important for long-term, preventative support.
Final thoughts
Vitamin K2 MK-7 plays a vital role in how your body uses calcium safely and effectively.
If you’re supplementing vitamin D, or choosing a multivitamin, K2 isn’t optional - it’s essential.
If you want a daily formula that reflects how nutrients actually work together in the body, it’s worth checking whether MK-7 is included - and in what form.
If you’d like a daily multinutrient that pairs vitamin D3 with a stable form of MK-7, take a look at Pollution Protection Multivitamin. It's more than a basic multivitamin, combining essential daily vitamins and minerals with premium antioxidants.
