UniK2® (Vitamin K2 as MK-7 from Natto — IFF)

Evidence Level
Moderate
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

UniK2® is a natural vitamin K2 in the menaquinone-7 (MK-7) form, derived from natto, the fermented soy food. Vitamin K2 helps direct calcium into bone and away from arteries, supporting both bone strength and cardiovascular health.

Studied Dose Commonly 45 to 180 mcg of MK-7 per day.
Active Compound Vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (MK-7) from natto fermentation.

Benefits

Bone strength

In a 3-year randomized trial in postmenopausal women, low-dose MK-7 helped decrease age-related bone loss, supporting bone mineral density.

Arterial flexibility

Vitamin K2 activates a protein that keeps calcium out of artery walls, supporting flexible, healthy arteries.

Calcium routing

MK-7 helps direct dietary calcium into bone rather than soft tissue, complementing calcium and vitamin D.

Mechanism of action

1

Osteocalcin activation

MK-7 carboxylates (activates) osteocalcin, the protein that binds calcium into the bone matrix.

2

Matrix Gla protein activation

MK-7 activates matrix Gla protein, which inhibits calcium deposition in artery walls.

Clinical trials

1
MK-7 and Bone Loss — 3-Year RCT
PubMed

Three-year randomized trial of low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation in healthy postmenopausal women. (Knapen et al. 2013, Osteoporosis International)

Healthy postmenopausal women.

Low-dose MK-7 helped decrease bone loss at the spine and femoral neck versus placebo.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses.
Vitamin K2 interferes with warfarin-type blood thinners; do not use without medical supervision.
Mild digestive upset is occasionally reported.

Important Drug interactions

Warfarin and other vitamin-K-antagonists — directly opposes these blood thinners; medical supervision required.
Generally compatible with other medications.
Tell your doctor if you take anticoagulants.

Frequently asked questions about UniK2® (Vitamin K2 as MK-7 from Natto — IFF)

What is UniK2?

UniK2® is a natural vitamin K2 in the menaquinone-7 (MK-7) form, derived from natto, the fermented soy food. Vitamin K2 helps direct calcium into bone and away from arteries, supporting both bone strength and cardiovascular health.

What is UniK2 used for?

UniK2 is researched primarily for Bone Health and Cardiovascular. In a 3-year randomized trial in postmenopausal women, low-dose MK-7 helped decrease age-related bone loss, supporting bone mineral density.

What is the recommended dosage of UniK2?

The clinically studied dose is Commonly 45 to 180 mcg of MK-7 per day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is UniK2 safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, UniK2 is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. Vitamin K2 interferes with warfarin-type blood thinners; do not use without medical supervision. It may also interact with some medications. UniK2 is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does UniK2 interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Warfarin and other vitamin-K-antagonists — directly opposes these blood thinners; medical supervision required. Generally compatible with other medications. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for UniK2?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for UniK2 as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Knapen MH, Drummen NE, Smit E, et al. Three-year low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation helps decrease bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women. Osteoporos Int. 2013;24(9):2499-507..PubMedUsed to support: RCT supporting bone-density benefit of MK-7 (the active in UniK2).