Western tradition · Vitamin
A fat-soluble vitamin with real human-RCT support for slowing arterial calcification and supporting bone density — most of the strongest trial evidence comes from higher-risk populations, not healthy longevity-seekers.
Data definition. Matched records include all indexed medical endpoints for this intervention — not only longevity. Longevity-relevant records are screened separately and cited in the evidence summary below. Counts are matched-record volumes, not de-duplicated trials and not efficacy claims.
Found naturally in fermented foods (natto, some cheeses); recognized as an essential vitamin for decades before its distinct role from vitamin K1 in activating calcium-regulating proteins (osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein) was clarified.
Key active: Menaquinone-7 (MK-7).
MK-7 activates matrix Gla protein (MGP), which inhibits calcium deposition in arterial walls, and osteocalcin, which directs calcium into bone; RCTs in postmenopausal women (180 mcg/day, 3 years) and hemodialysis patients (360–375 mcg/day) show reduced inactive MGP and improved arterial-stiffness or bone markers, but the strongest trials sit in higher-cardiovascular-risk or dialysis populations rather than healthy adults, so generalizing to a healthy-longevity population remains an open question.
Effect summary
| Health outcome | Effect | Magnitude | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inactive matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP, vascular calcification marker) | Decreases | Moderate | B |
| Arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity) — Strongest in higher-risk populations (dialysis, elevated baseline stiffness) | Decreases | Minor | B |
| Bone mineral density / fracture risk (postmenopausal women) | Increases | Minor | B |
| Cardiovascular events / mortality (healthy adults) — No adequately powered outcome trial in healthy, non-high-risk adults | No change | Negligible | D |
Grade: A = robust RCTs · B = several RCTs / meta-analysis · C = limited or mixed RCTs · D = observational or early data
Dosage guidance
Distinct from vitamin K1 (plant/leafy-green form, mainly for clotting) — MK-7's longer half-life is what the calcification/bone trials used. Caution: interacts with warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists — consult a physician if on blood thinners.
Informational only — not a prescription or personalised medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any supplement or medication.
Evidence summary
Multiple human RCTs for arterial stiffness and bone markers, mostly in higher-risk populations
MK-7 activates matrix Gla protein (MGP), which inhibits calcium deposition in arterial walls, and osteocalcin, which directs calcium into bone; RCTs in postmenopausal women (180 mcg/day, 3 years) and hemodialysis patients (360–375 mcg/day) show reduced inactive MGP and improved arterial-stiffness or bone markers, but the strongest trials sit in higher-cardiovascular-risk or dialysis populations rather than healthy adults, so generalizing to a healthy-longevity population remains an open question.
According to PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov: trial counts from ClinicalTrials.gov, peer-reviewed literature from PubMed. Counts auto-refresh weekly; last checked 2026-07-19. They include trials across many endpoints, not only longevity.
Informational only — not medical advice, a treatment claim, or a substitute for a qualified clinician. Evidence strength varies; we show mixed and null results on purpose.
Evidence collections
Compare the evidence
Suppliers
Tell us what you need and we will source suppliers for you.