← Return to overwhelmed by so much (often conflicting) info on natural approaches

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@monica1234

I've been taking several supplements for osteoporosis.....and one was Life Extension's 'Super K', which contains K1 as phytonadione, K2 as menaquinone-4 & K2 as trans menaquinone-7. Is this last one, with the '7' at the end of it, the Vitamin K that is being said to be the one that does not go into our arteries, the one we need? I hope I haven't been taking the wrong Vitamin K all this time! Ugh. I also have another open-heart coming up.....lol one problem at a time!! I better go and Google that...I love this site, so informative....but sometimes overwhelming, too. We all want to be as healthy as possible, but hit hurdles along the way, but yet we keep pushing, thank you all for your advice. < 3

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Replies to "I've been taking several supplements for osteoporosis.....and one was Life Extension's 'Super K', which contains K1..."

@monica1234 No one knows for sure about vitamin K and bones and arteries. The idea that it builds bone, prevents fractures and keeps our arteries clean sound wonderful. Unfortunately there is no consensus on the research that these ideas are correct. I have not read the original research but here's what goes into my logic from secondary sources on choosing Vitamin K supplements .
1. Vitamin K1 is accepted as important in blood clotting.
2. Vitamin K1 can be converted by our bodies to K2 MK4
3. Our bodies can convert other forms of K into MK4.
4. Our bodies do not convert other K forms into MK7.
5. MK4 lasts a few hours in the blood stream
6. MK7 lasts much longer in our blood stream
7. MK4 is measured in milligrams and MK7 in micrograms, that can be confusing when buying supplements.
8. There are other MK forms but there isn't enough research to know how important they might be.

Many people say take MK7 because it stays in our blood stream longer.
I like the opposite view.
MK4 is used more quickly because our body needs it and it goes to where it's needed.
MK7 is perhaps less appropriate or less needed and therefore stays longer in our blood.
Plus why would our body convert other K forms into MK4 if MK7 was what it needed?
Also MK7 seems to cause arrhythmia’s in some folks?

So I say take K1 or get enough in your diet. It's certain that we need it.
The benefits of K2 are not agreed on at this point.
Between K2 MK4 and MK7 I would take MK4 for sure and maybe MK7 if you just want to cover all your bases.
Currently I take MK4 and I'm about to start taking K1 again as I cannot eat enough greens and veges to ensure I get enough K1.