Vitamin K2 MK-7 is menaquinone-7, a form of vitamin K2 most commonly made by fermenting soybeans with the bacterium used to make natto. At Probiotic.ie we stock vitamin K2 MK-7 softgels providing 90 to 100 mcg per softgel, shipped from Dublin with tracked delivery across Ireland.
Vitamin K2 MK-7: key facts
- Full name: menaquinone-7, one of several forms of vitamin K2 (menaquinones)
- Main source in supplements: natto, fermented soybeans made with Bacillus subtilis subsp. natto
- Vitamin K discovered: 1929, by Danish scientist Henrik Dam. The "K" comes from Koagulation, the German and Danish word for clotting
- EU Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for vitamin K: 75 mcg per day
- Authorised EU health claims: vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting, and to the maintenance of normal bones
- Regulation in Ireland: sold as a food supplement under Irish and EU food law, overseen by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI)
What is vitamin K2 MK-7?
Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble compounds. The two main groups are vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinones). Menaquinones are numbered MK-4 to MK-13 according to the length of their side chain. MK-7 has seven repeating units in that chain.
In supplements, MK-7 is usually produced by fermenting soybeans with Bacillus subtilis subsp. natto, the same bacterium used to make natto, a traditional Japanese food.
What vitamin K contributes to (EU-authorised health claims)
- Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting.
- Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
These claims apply to vitamin K when a product provides at least 15% of the NRV per daily serving. Each MK-7 product in this collection provides more than 100% of the NRV per softgel.
Vitamin K1 vs K2
|
Vitamin K1 |
Vitamin K2 |
| Chemical name |
Phylloquinone |
Menaquinones (MK-4 to MK-13), including MK-7 |
| Main food sources |
Green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and broccoli |
Natto, some hard and soft cheeses, egg yolk and some meats |
| Where it comes from |
Made by plants |
Mostly made by bacteria, including during fermentation |
| In supplements |
Phylloquinone |
MK-7 is the most common form |
Both K1 and K2 count as vitamin K for EU labelling, and both are covered by the authorised vitamin K health claims.
Foods that contain vitamin K2
-
Natto: fermented soybeans, the richest known food source of MK-7
-
Cheese: some hard and soft cheeses, such as Gouda and Brie, contain menaquinones
-
Egg yolk and some meats, which mainly contain MK-4
Most Irish diets contain little natto, which is one reason MK-7 is usually taken as a supplement rather than from food.
Vitamin K2 MK-7 supplements available in Ireland
Both labels direct one softgel daily with food. Figures are as stated by each manufacturer.
How to choose a vitamin K2 supplement
1. Check the form
Look for "menaquinone-7" or "MK-7" on the label. K2 products can contain other menaquinones, and combined products may contain K1.
2. Amount per serving
Compare micrograms (mcg) per softgel and the % NRV. The NRV for vitamin K is 75 mcg.
3. Softgel type
Gelatin softgels are not suitable for vegetarians. Some brands use plant-based softgels. Check the label if this matters to you.
4. Soy source
Natto-derived MK-7 comes from fermented soybeans. Check the label and allergen information if you avoid soy.
Important: vitamin K and blood-thinning medication. Vitamin K can interact with anticoagulant medicines such as warfarin. If you take any blood-thinning medication, do not take a vitamin K supplement without first speaking to your doctor.
Food supplement notice. These products are food supplements, not medicines, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or under medical supervision, speak to your GP or pharmacist before use. For health information in Ireland, the HSE is the appropriate reference.
Buying vitamin K2 in Ireland
All stock ships from Dublin on a tracked service, with free tracked Irish delivery on orders over €75. Because orders ship from within Ireland, no customs charges apply. See our delivery information for details.
Vitamin K2 FAQs
What is vitamin K2 MK-7?
MK-7 is menaquinone-7, a form of vitamin K2. In supplements it is usually made by fermenting soybeans with Bacillus subtilis subsp. natto.
What does vitamin K do?
Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting and to the maintenance of normal bones. These are the two health claims authorised for vitamin K in the EU.
What is the difference between vitamin K1 and K2?
Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is made by plants and found mainly in green leafy vegetables. Vitamin K2 (menaquinones) is mostly made by bacteria and found in fermented foods such as natto, some cheeses and animal foods.
Which foods contain vitamin K2?
Natto is the richest known food source of MK-7. Some cheeses, such as Gouda and Brie, contain menaquinones, and egg yolk and some meats contain MK-4.
How much vitamin K2 should I take?
Follow the serving on the label. The EU NRV for vitamin K is 75 mcg per day. The MK-7 products we stock provide 90 mcg and 100 mcg per softgel, taken once daily. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
When is the best time to take vitamin K2?
Vitamin K is fat-soluble, and both labels direct taking one softgel with food.
Can I take vitamin K2 with vitamin D3?
They are often taken together, and some products combine them. Follow the directions on each label and do not exceed the stated doses. See our vitamin D3 range.
Can I take vitamin K2 if I am on warfarin or blood thinners?
Do not take a vitamin K supplement without speaking to your doctor first. Vitamin K can interact with anticoagulant medicines such as warfarin.
Are there any side effects of vitamin K2?
Follow the label and do not exceed the stated dose. Speak to your doctor first if you take any medication, especially blood thinners. Stop use and seek medical advice if you notice any adverse reaction.
Is vitamin K2 MK-7 vegan?
Natto-derived MK-7 is plant-based, but the softgel may not be. Healthy Origins uses a vegetarian softgel. Jarrow Formulas uses bovine gelatin.
Where can I buy vitamin K2 MK-7 in Ireland?
You can buy vitamin K2 MK-7 softgels at Probiotic.ie. Orders ship from Dublin with tracked Irish delivery, and no customs charges apply.
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