Vitamin K2 (MK-7)
Vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (MK-7) is a menaquinone with a side chain of seven isoprene units. It is made either by fermentation with Bacillus subtilis var. natto followed by extraction and purification, or by chemical synthesis. Suppliers state the all-trans content, since cis isomers can form during production and are counted separately. Because amounts per serving are in micrograms, brands usually buy MK-7 diluted, as a powder of roughly 0.1% to 0.2% on a carrier, as microencapsulated powder, or in oil for softgels.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
MK-7 extracted from Bacillus subtilis natto fermentation and purified; check the fermentation medium for soy and allergen status.
MK-7 made by chemical synthesis, usually specified as all-trans and nearly free of cis isomers.
MK-7 on microcrystalline cellulose, starch or calcium phosphate at a stated ppm or percentage, for tablets and capsules.
MK-7 in MCT or sunflower oil at a stated ppm, for softgels and drops.
Coated MK-7 made to resist breakdown in blends with alkaline minerals such as calcium carbonate or magnesium oxide.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
MK-7 is sensitive to light and to alkaline conditions, so keep it sealed in light-proof packaging in a cool, dry place. In finished blends, contact with basic minerals can reduce MK-7 content over time, so stability testing of the finished product matters. Suppliers set shelf life, with HPLC assay as the retest check.
Record the assay and all-trans percentage for each lot, as both vary between suppliers and production runs. Dose from the lot's actual assay, and keep fermentation-derived and synthetic grades as separate items if the label names the source.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
GRN 887 (menaquinone-7, notified by Synergia Life Sciences for nutritional beverages for consumers ages 1 to 13) closed on June 12, 2020 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)GRN 245 (menaquinone-7, notified by NattoPharma ASA) closed on June 2, 2008 when FDA ceased to evaluate the notice at the notifier's request.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph lists menaquinone 7 as a source ingredient for vitamin K2.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
California ingredient company that makes nature-identical specialty nutrients by fermentation and bioconversion, including ergothioneine, L-theanine, hydroxytyrosol, pterostilbene and vitamin K2.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include fermentation-derived (natto) MK-7, synthetic MK-7, powder dilutions, oil solutions and microencapsulated grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay (HPLC), all-trans content, identity, residual solvents and heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
MK-7 is sensitive to light and to alkaline conditions, so keep it sealed in light-proof packaging in a cool, dry place. In finished blends, contact with basic minerals can reduce MK-7 content over time, so stability testing of the finished product matters. Suppliers set shelf life, with HPLC assay as the retest check.
GRN 887 (menaquinone-7, notified by Synergia Life Sciences for nutritional beverages for consumers ages 1 to 13) closed on June 12, 2020 with FDA having no questions. GRN 245 (menaquinone-7, notified by NattoPharma ASA) closed on June 2, 2008 when FDA ceased to evaluate the notice at the notifier's request. Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph lists menaquinone 7 as a source ingredient for vitamin K2.
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