Vitamin K2 (MK-4)
Also known as: Menaquinone-4, Menatetrenone
MK-4 is a form of vitamin K2 with a shorter time in circulation than MK-7. It appears in bone-wellness discussions, including research from Japan using much higher amounts than typical supplements provide. Evidence for common supplement doses is limited. Like other vitamin K forms, it is fat-soluble and relevant to clotting-pathway discussions.
Snapshot
What this page can tell you: Commonly discussed timing, food notes, caution categories, and an honest note on how much source review this entry still needs.
What it cannot: Whether this is appropriate for you personally, or that it treats, prevents, or cures any condition. Informational only — discuss with a clinician or pharmacist.
🕒 Timing
When: Morning, With a meal
Food: With a meal containing fat
Fat-soluble; commonly taken with a meal containing fat. Its shorter half-life is sometimes discussed as a reason for split dosing.
💊 Common use range
1–5 mg
Much higher amounts have been used in research settings under supervision; typical products use far less. Verify before assuming more is useful.
Ranges are informational, not a recommended dose. Talk to a professional about what is right for you.
⚠️ Commonly noted interactions (supplements)
None listed.
Often about absorption or timing rather than danger — separating doses is common. This list is not exhaustive.
🧭 Caution level
Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use.
- Anticoagulant (blood thinner) interaction
- Evidence not fully source-reviewed yet
Caution level is an informational summary of commonly discussed caution categories and doses — not a safety rating, approval, or medical advice. Low caution does not mean safe for you.
🩺 Medication caution categories
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
🏥 Surgery & procedure caution
Because vitamin K affects clotting pathways, tell your care team before surgery, especially if you take blood thinners like warfarin.
If you have a procedure scheduled, bring your full supplement list to your surgical and anesthesia team. Do not stop prescribed medication unless your clinician tells you to. Do not start or stop supplements based only on this app.
✅ Quality checklist
- Prefer products with third-party testing or a certificate of analysis (COA).
- Check the label for the exact form and the elemental or active amount per serving.
🧩 Commonly paired with
🔁 Alternatives
🗣️ Questions for a professional
- I take (or may take) a blood thinner — should any form of vitamin K2 be avoided or kept consistent?
🔬 Evidence snapshot
Overall evidence level here is listed as "Limited evidence". A detailed, source-reviewed evidence summary has not been completed yet.
🧪 Forms & quality
MK-4 is a menaquinone with a shorter side chain than MK-7. It is commonly discussed as clearing the blood faster, so products often use larger or more frequent doses. Neither form is simply 'better' — research differs by outcome.
See the supplement glossary for what form names like "L-", chelated, or standardized extract mean.
📏 Dose & monitoring
Needs evidence review — no source-reviewed information yet. We only show dose and monitoring details after they have been checked against reputable sources.
Evidence vs. burden: Not yet reviewed
😐 Commonly reported side effects
- Uncommon at typical doses
Non-exhaustive and individual.
🔄 Cycling & breaks
Cycling is not typically discussed; commonly used daily.
📅 Daily use notes
People on vitamin K–sensitive blood thinners should not add any K2 form without professional guidance.
📋 Source review status
Needs evidence review
Placeholder — verify with NIH ODS vitamin K fact sheet and pharmacist interaction sources before publishing.
Research backlog (queries to verify):
- menaquinone-4 MK-4 bone density trial evidence
- vitamin K2 warfarin interaction guidance
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