Recommended Dosage and Usage of MK4 (Menatetrenone) K2 5mg
For optimal bone health benefits, the recommended dosage of MK4 (Menatetrenone) K2 is 5mg daily, which has been shown to effectively reduce undercarboxylated osteocalcin to levels typical of healthy individuals. 1
Dosage Guidelines
The dosage of MK4 (Vitamin K2) depends on the specific health goal:
Standard therapeutic dose: 5mg daily
- This dose has been shown to be as effective as higher doses (45mg) in improving bone metabolism markers 1
- Achieves optimal osteocalcin carboxylation, a key marker for bone health
Lower dose option: 1.5mg daily
- May be sufficient for maintenance in healthy postmenopausal women 2
- Accelerates osteocalcin gamma-carboxylation but may not be optimal for those with established bone concerns
Higher therapeutic dose: 45mg daily
- Used in some clinical settings but offers no additional benefit over 5mg for osteocalcin carboxylation 1
- May be considered for specific medical conditions under physician supervision
Administration Guidelines
- Take MK4 daily for consistent results 3
- No specific timing requirement, but consistent daily administration is important for maintaining steady blood levels
- Can be taken with food to enhance absorption
- For best results, long-term consistent use is recommended
Clinical Evidence Supporting 5mg Dosage
Research demonstrates that 5mg of MK4 daily provides optimal benefits:
- A study in postmenopausal women with osteoporotic fractures found that 5mg daily reduced undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) to healthy levels 1
- The 5mg dose was as effective as the much higher 45mg dose, suggesting no additional benefit from exceeding 5mg daily 1
- Lower doses (0.5mg) showed some benefit but were not as effective as the 5mg dose 1
Safety Considerations
- MK4 supplementation at 5mg daily has shown no major side effects in clinical studies 1
- Unlike MK7 (another form of K2), MK4 has shorter half-life and may require daily dosing 4
- MK4 is generally well-tolerated even at higher doses (45mg) 5
Monitoring and Expected Results
- Improvements in bone metabolism markers can be expected within 3 weeks of consistent use 1
- The primary measurable effect is reduction in undercarboxylated osteocalcin and increase in carboxylated osteocalcin ratio
- For those taking MK4 for bone health, consider periodic assessment of bone metabolism markers
Important Considerations
- MK4 present in food may not significantly contribute to vitamin K status as measured by serum levels 4
- MK4 supplementation at therapeutic doses (5mg) is needed to achieve meaningful improvements in bone metabolism markers
- Daily supplementation is necessary as MK4 is not detectable in serum after single doses, unlike MK7 4
MK4 at 5mg daily represents an optimal balance between efficacy and dosage, providing maximum benefit for bone health without unnecessary higher doses.