Menaquinone-7

Menaquinone-7

Supplements Over the counter

What it is

Menaquinone-7 is a long-acting form of vitamin K2, a fat-soluble vitamin available without prescription. Vitamin K acts as a cofactor for the enzyme that activates certain proteins, including osteocalcin in bone and the clotting factors made in the liver. It is taken mainly in the context of bone health.

Typical dose
90–200 mcg
1× a day
Times
With food

Used for

  • Bone health

What to know while taking it

Because it is fat-soluble, absorption is markedly better when it is taken with a meal that contains some fat rather than on an empty stomach. The important interaction is with warfarin: warfarin works by blocking vitamin K recycling, so added vitamin K directly opposes it and can shift INR out of range, which is why the two are not combined. Anyone already on warfarin or another vitamin K antagonist should not add this supplement without the prescriber knowing.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor before starting it while on warfarin or any anticoagulant, and see a doctor promptly if unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding, or an unexpected change in INR appears after it has been added.

Worth knowing

  • Absorbed better with fat
  • Never with warfarin

Do not combine with

Reference information, not medical advice. Discuss any change with your doctor.