Ingredient spotlight · Vitamin K2 in Health Royals’ peak performance formula · 4 min read
What to know about vitamin K2, how it differs from K1, what MK-7 means and why vitamin D3 and K2 are often considered together.
Key takeaways
• Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting and the maintenance of normal bones. Health Royals uses vitamin K2 as MK-7.
• K1 and K2 differ in their structure, food sources and how long they remain in circulation.
• The formula provides 90 µg of vitamin K2 as MenaQ7®, equivalent to 120% NRV.
Vitamin K is often spoken about as though it were a single nutrient.
In reality, it describes a family of related fat-soluble compounds. Vitamin K1 is the form most closely associated with leafy green vegetables, while vitamin K2 includes several forms known as menaquinones.
The letter may be the same, but the form behind it matters.
How is vitamin K2 different from K1?
Vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone, is found mainly in green vegetables such as kale, spinach, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
Vitamin K2 refers to a family of menaquinones. These are present in certain fermented foods and animal-derived foods, although the amount and specific form can vary considerably.
Both K1 and K2 contribute to the body’s vitamin K functions. Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting and the maintenance of normal bones.
The main difference lies in their molecular structure. Vitamin K2 compounds have side chains of different lengths, identified by names such as MK-4 and MK-7. These structural differences influence how the compounds are transported and how long they remain available in the circulation.
K1 and K2 are related, but they are not identical forms of the vitamin.
What does MK-7 mean?
MK stands for menaquinone. The number refers to the number of repeating units in the molecule’s side chain.
MK-7, or menaquinone-7, is a long-chain form of vitamin K2. Compared with vitamin K1 and the shorter-chain MK-4 form, MK-7 remains in the circulation for longer.
This longer circulation time helps MK-7 maintain more stable concentrations during regular daily intake. It is one reason MK-7 is commonly selected for nutritional supplements in microgram amounts.
However, the form name alone does not tell the whole quality story. Purity, stability, isomer profile, manufacturing process and daily amount also matter.
“Vitamin K2” identifies the family. “MK-7” identifies the specific form.
Why are vitamin D3 and K2 often considered together?
Vitamin D and vitamin K have different nutritional functions, but both are relevant to normal bone health.
Vitamin D contributes to the normal absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus, normal blood calcium levels and the maintenance of normal bones.
Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. This recognised nutritional function applies to vitamin K as a whole.
The focus here is vitamin K2 as MK-7, the form used by Health Royals. Vitamin K2 acts as a cofactor in the activation of vitamin K-dependent proteins, including osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein, which are involved in bone mineralisation and calcium regulation.
At a biochemical level, vitamin D supports the production of certain vitamin K-dependent proteins. Vitamin K is then required for their activation through a process called carboxylation. In Health Royals’ formula, this vitamin K is provided specifically as vitamin K2 in the MK-7 form.
This is why vitamin D3 and K2 are often discussed together in relation to calcium metabolism. They do not perform the same task, and one does not replace the other.
Their functions are different, but complementary within the wider biology of bone and calcium.
Why does Health Royals use vitamin K2 as MK-7?
Health Royals’ peak performance formula provides vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7, or MK-7.
It is supplied through MenaQ7®, a branded vitamin K2 ingredient from Gnosis by Lesaffre. MenaQ7® is produced through fermentation and provides a clearly identified source of vitamin K2 in the all-trans MK-7 form.
The choice reflects the way Health Royals approaches formulation. We look beyond the general vitamin name to consider the specific form, ingredient quality, daily amount and role within the complete formula.
Vitamin K2 in Health Royals’ formula
A defined MK-7 source and measured daily amount.
Form
Vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7, MK-7
Daily amount
90 µg of vitamin K2
120% NRV
Ingredient source
MenaQ7® by Gnosis by Lesaffre
How vitamin K2 fits into the complete formula
Vitamin K2 is not included in isolation.
As a fat-soluble vitamin, K2 is absorbed alongside dietary lipids. In Health Royals’ peak performance formula, vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 are delivered in an oil-based softgel containing omega-3-rich algal oil.
This creates a lipid-based setting suited to the delivery of these fat-soluble nutrients. It should not be interpreted as proof that the finished formula increases absorption beyond every alternative formulation.
The algal oil also has its own nutritional role. It provides DHA and EPA, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids selected as part of the wider formula.
Vitamin K2 therefore sits alongside vitamin D3, omega-3 from algae, olive polyphenols, zinc, selenium, active folate and vitamin B12. Each nutrient has a distinct purpose, but the formula is designed as one considered whole.
The daily formula provides 90 µg of vitamin K2, equivalent to 120% of the Nutrient Reference Value, together with 25 µg of vitamin D3, equivalent to 500% NRV.
The algal oil provides the lipid-based setting for the fat-soluble vitamins, while also contributing DHA and EPA within the complete formula.
Important: Vitamin K can interact with vitamin K antagonist medicines such as warfarin. Anyone taking anticoagulant medication should consult their doctor or another qualified healthcare professional before using a supplement containing vitamin K2.
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References
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin K: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies. Dietary Reference Values for vitamin K. EFSA Journal. 2017.
Schurgers, L.J.; et al. Vitamin K-containing dietary supplements: comparison of synthetic vitamin K1 and natto-derived menaquinone-7. Blood. 2007.
Theuwissen, E.; et al. Low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation improved extra-hepatic vitamin K status in healthy adults. British Journal of Nutrition. 2012.
Mladěnka, P.; et al. Vitamin K: sources, physiological role, kinetics, deficiency, detection, therapeutic use, and toxicity. Nutrition Reviews. 2022.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual needs may vary. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, take medication, particularly anticoagulant medication, or have questions about your personal health, consult a qualified healthcare professional before using supplements.
