What it is
Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) is a fat-soluble vitamin K2 subtype. It is crucial for activating proteins that regulate calcium deposition in bones and prevent its accumulation in arteries.
Supplement · Vitamin
Menaquinone-4 (Vitamin K2 MK-4)
5 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 90 caps
joint stiffnessmuscle-weaknessjoint pain boneblood vesseljoint
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How it works
MK-4 activates osteocalcin, a protein essential for binding calcium to the bone matrix, thereby supporting bone density. It also activates Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), which helps prevent arterial calcification.
Who should take it
Adults looking to address joint stiffness, muscle weakness, joint pain. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
Avoid / careful
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
When to take it
Morning
Noon
Evening
Night
How to take it
With food
Empty stomach
Before food
FAQs
Frequently asked
How long does it take to see results?
Improvements in joint comfort are typically noticed within 4-12 weeks of consistent daily use.
Can I take this with Vitamin D?
Yes, Vitamin D and K2 work synergistically for bone health. Ensure your clinician is aware of all supplements.
Is MK-4 the same as MK-7?
No, MK-4 is a shorter-chain menaquinone, primarily found in animal products and synthesized in the body. MK-7 is longer-chain and more common in fermented foods like natto.
Research
6 studies · 2010–2024
Evidence grade
ABCD
B · B · emerging-to-moderate human evidence for joint and musculoskeletal health
From the blog
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Menaquinone-4 (Vitamin K2 MK-4) — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
About Menaquinone-4 (Vitamin K2 MK-4)
Menaquinone-4 (Vitamin K2 MK-4) is a vitamin supplement used to support joint and musculoskeletal health. MK-4 vitamin K2 for bone and arterial health. It is available in capsule form and dosed for adults in India and internationally. As a western-tradition entry in the SacredBod catalog, it is positioned as a single-ingredient option that can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol. Menaquinone-4 (Vitamin K2 MK-4) works through the mechanisms characteristic of its class — see the mechanism and research sections for detail. It primarily acts on the joints, muscles, bones, and effects are dose-dependent, typically becoming measurable within 4-12 weeks for joint comfort. Consistency matters more than dose size for this category.
Evidence
Menaquinone-4 (Vitamin K2 MK-4) carries an evidence grade of B in the SacredBod catalog, reflecting good-but-limited human evidence for joint and musculoskeletal health. MK-4 vitamin K2 for bone and arterial health. Benefits are cumulative rather than immediate, typically becoming noticeable within 4-12 weeks for joint comfort, and individual response varies.
Dosing
A typical dose is 5 mg, taken with food, usually in the morning. Start at the lower end, assess tolerance, and stay consistent; more is not automatically better.
Cautions
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
Who it’s for
Adults looking to address joint stiffness, muscle weakness, joint pain. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
As part of the Vitamin category, Menaquinone-4 (Vitamin K2 MK-4) can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol — see the Goes with panel for evidence-aligned pairings.
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