MK-4 vs. MK-7: Understanding the Different Forms of Vitamin K2

If you have spent any time researching bone health, you know that Vitamin K2 is the essential "Traffic Director" that guides calcium into your bones.

But when you start looking at supplement labels, things get confusing. You will see two main types of K2: MK-4 and MK-7. Both are Vitamin K2, but they behave very differently once they enter your body.

Here is the breakdown of the MK-4 vs. MK-7 showdown and why we chose the superior form for our Vitamin D3 + K2 formula.

What is MK-4? (The Short-Stay Version)

MK-4 (Menaquinone-4) is a synthetic form of Vitamin K2. While it is effective at activating bone-building proteins, it has one major flaw: it has a very short "half-life."

Think of MK-4 like a sprinter. It gets into your system fast, but it disappears within a few hours. Because it leaves the body so quickly, you often have to take massive doses—sometimes multiple times a day—just to maintain a steady level in your blood.

What is MK-7? (The Long-Acting Director)

MK-7 (Menaquinone-7) is derived from fermented foods. Unlike its cousin, MK-7 is a long-distance runner.

It has a much longer half-life, meaning it stays active in your bloodstream for 24 to 48 hours. This is critical because:

  • Sustained Protection: A single dose provides around-the-clock calcium management.

  • Better Bioavailability: Because it stays in the blood longer, it has more time to reach every corner of your skeletal and cardiovascular systems.

  • Efficiency: You only need a smaller, targeted dose to get better results than a massive dose of MK-4.

The My Balance Standard: 100mcg of Pure MK-7

At My Balance, we don't take shortcuts with "sprinter" nutrients. Our formula contains 100mcg of Vitamin K2 in the MK-7 form.

This specific Menaquinone-7 form is recognized as a "Naturopath's Favorite" because it works in perfect harmony with the high-potency 125mcg of Vitamin D3 we provide. While the D3 absorbs the calcium, our long-acting MK-7 is there 24/7 to ensure that calcium never settles in your arteries.

Enhanced by BioPerine®

To make this superior K2 form even more effective, we added 5mg of BioPerine®. This patented black pepper extract stimulates nutrient absorption, ensuring that the MK-7 is pulled into your bloodstream with maximum efficiency.

Professional Grade Quality

You aren't just getting the best form of K2; you're getting it from a source you can trust.

  • Made in the USA: Manufactured in an FDA-registered facility.

  • GMP Certified: Every batch meets strict Good Manufacturing Practice standards.

  • Clean Label: Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, and Antibiotic-Free.

The Takeaway

When it comes to your heart and bone health, you want a nutrient that stays on the job. Don't settle for the short-lived MK-4. Choose the long-acting, highly bioavailable MK-7 for total, round-the-clock support.

Choose the long-acting standard. Protect your future. Shop Vitamin D3 + K2 (MK-7) with BioPerine®

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