Connect
Vitamin K: High Doses of MK-4 and MK-7 Show Promising Results
It seems as though doctors in the U.S. focus primarily on medications to treat osteoporosis, many of which have undesirable side effects.
I find it curious that doctors never seem to mention taking high doses of Vitamin K, which has few side effects and has shown promising results in Japanese studies that indicate vitamin K2, specifically MK-4 and MK-7, may improve bone health. MK-4 has been prescribed for osteoporosis in Japan because studies there showed it had benefits in bone density and strength.
Based on this information, I recently started taking 180mcg of Menaquinone-7 (MK7) TrueVantage brand and 45,000 mcg (45 mg) of vitamin K2 (menaquinone-4) - Life Extension K2 High Potency brand.
AI Assist says that it's okay to take both forms: “Taking vitamin K2 in both MK-4 and MK-7 forms together can be beneficial, as they have different properties and roles in the body. MK-4 has a shorter half-life and is quickly metabolized, while MK-7 has a longer half-life and remains active for a longer period, supporting continuous bone and cardiovascular health. Combining both forms may provide comprehensive support for bone health and calcium metabolism.”
Here are a couple articles on this: https://naturalhealthresearch.org/vitamin-k2-and-bone-loss/
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2022/3/bone-loss-vitamin-k-high-dose
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.
Connect
I find it very worrisome that folks looking for help fighting or preventing osteoporosis, are relying on AI for their decisions. That might be fine for buying a skillet at Amazon, but for planning your health needs? I don't think so. At least use bonafide medical on line resources and then review with your physician.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@daisy17 My naturopath recommended SFI (formerly Klaire Labs) Ultra K2 Menaquinone-4. Monthly supply in 3 x 15 mg doses. I get it from Pure Formulas.
There is also a liquid high quality form of MK-4 and a combo MK-4 & MK-7 available from Health Natura. I may switch to the combo at some point.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@angka Did your naturopath think it was better to take MK-4 in three smaller 15mg doses throughout the day instead of taking one 45mg tablet? If so, did they give a reason. Thanks for the info.
@daisy17
I will look for 'Brick House Bones' tomorrow. I'll look up my T-score and pass it on. Glad to hear that you, too, are staying away from Prolia. Thanks 🙂
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@missmoo This support group is wonderful, it's so nice to connect with other people who have osteoporosis and share information.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@daisy17 Yes, she explained why. MK-4 has a short half-life, meaning it can only be absorbed for a few hours before the body clears it out. The recommendation of 45 mg taken three times per day is based on long-term Japanese studies and clinical use, where MK-4 has been an officially recognized treatment for osteoporosis for decades.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI don't know how others are able to post links. Each time I try, I get a notice that I can't post messages with links and URLs.
You can find an excellent discussion on Vitamin K2 (MK-4 and MK-7) on Youtube. Look for " Osteoporosis Supplements Explained: Calcium, Vitamin K2, and Strontium | Dr. John Neustadt" on the Dr. Doug Show.
Dr. Doug and Dr. Neustadt also discuss strontium, and calcium. Vitamin K is covered from minutes 12 to 42.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@angka Once I get into the video I want on YouTube, I click the Share button and then select the "copy" button so it copies the link. Then I go into my comment on Mayo Connect and do an 'Edit Paste".
Anyway, I found the video you mentioned and here's the link. Thanks for sharing, I'll give it a listen. https://youtu.be/GkVutfAysqk
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@daisy17 Thank you. I copied the URL instead of using the "share" feature. Will give that a try next time.
It's worth listening to the entire discussion to get a better understanding of Dr. Doug's and Dr. Neustadt's reasoning.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionWhy oh why do many people here rush to buy and use so many supplements? Have those of you on the more supplements train considered improving your diet? Why buy and plug things like vitamin K when you can add some kale, carrot juice, collard greens, etc.? Not only improving any deficiency (BTW you can be tested for A, D, E and K deficiency) if it exists at all but also your GUT health?
I was just at my doc yesterday and she’d like me to up my calcium just a small amount but by DIET—more sardines with bones, bok choy, etc. I don’t have one doctor out of the three main ones I see for my conditions that tell me to go buy a bunch of supplements. They ALL suggest DIETARY improvements!
Sorry I just do not get the mindset here of supplements upon supplements. Especially when it has been shown over and over that diversification of diet and the gut improves OVERALL health! My two cents.