From the FDA Drug Label
Description: Pure Vita Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) and Vitamin K2 (Menatetrenone-MK4) work together to support bone helath, calcium absorption and heart health. The evidence for oral vitamin K2 supplementation is based on its role in supporting bone health, calcium absorption, and heart health.
- The drug label mentions that vitamin K2 (Menatetrenone-MK4) helps maintain strong bones, immune function, and proper calcium distribution for overall well-being 1. However, the label does not provide explicit evidence for the effectiveness of oral vitamin K2 supplementation in patients.
From the Research
Yes, there is evidence supporting oral vitamin K2 (menaquinone) supplementation in certain patient populations, particularly for bone health and cardiovascular disease prevention, as shown in a 2019 study 2 and other research.
Key Points
- Vitamin K2 supplementation is most strongly supported for bone health and cardiovascular disease prevention.
- For bone health, doses of 180-360 mcg of MK-7 (a form of K2) daily have shown benefits in reducing bone loss and fracture risk, particularly in postmenopausal women.
- For cardiovascular health, 100-360 mcg of MK-7 daily may help reduce arterial stiffness and slow coronary artery calcification.
- The typical supplementation duration in studies ranges from 1-3 years, though ongoing supplementation may be necessary for continued benefits.
- Vitamin K2 works by activating osteocalcin (important for bone mineralization) and matrix Gla protein (which prevents calcium deposition in arteries).
- It's generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects, though patients on warfarin should avoid K2 supplements due to potential interference with anticoagulation.
- Those with malabsorption conditions may require higher doses.
- K2 is best absorbed when taken with a meal containing some fat, as it is fat-soluble.
Evidence Summary
A 2019 study 2 found that oral vitamin K2 supplementation reduced serum uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (uc-MGP) levels in patients on hemodialysis, indicating a potential benefit for cardiovascular health. Another study from 2021 3 found that 6 months of vitamin K2 supplementation did not reduce arterial calcification progression or slow bone mineral density decline in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, a 2008 review 4 noted that vitamin K2 treatment has been shown to inhibit the occurrence of new bone fractures and maintain bone mineral density in osteoporotic patients.
Recommendation
Based on the most recent and highest quality evidence, oral vitamin K2 supplementation is recommended for patients with osteoporosis or at risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly those with low vitamin K status, at a dose of 180-360 mcg of MK-7 daily, taken with a meal containing fat, and with ongoing supplementation for continued benefits 2, 4.