VITAMIN K2 (MENAQUINONE)

1. CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DEFINITION

Parameter	Information
Chemical Name	Menaquinone
Other Names	Vitamin K2, Menatetrenone, MK-4, MK-7
CAS Number	863-61-6
Chemical Formula	C₃₁H₄₀O₂
Molecular Weight	444.65 g/mol
Appearance	Yellowish crystals or oily liquid
Odor	Slight characteristic odor
Solubility	Soluble in fats and oils; insoluble in water
Vitamin Class	Fat-soluble vitamin
E Number	None (not classified as food additive)

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property	Value
Appearance	Yellowish crystalline or oily liquid
Chemical Formula	C₃₁H₄₀O₂
Molecular Weight	444.65 g/mol
CAS Number	863-61-6
Melting Point	54 – 56 °C
Solubility in Water	Insoluble
Solubility in Fats/Oils	Soluble
Solubility in Ethanol	Soluble
Solubility in Chloroform	Soluble
Stability	Sensitive to light and oxygen
Storage	Protected from light, inert atmosphere
Shelf Life	24 months (with proper storage)

3. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Chemical Structure:

Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) consists of a 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone core with a side chain containing varying numbers of isoprene units. MK-4 and MK-7 are the most common forms.

IUPAC Name: 2-Methyl-3-(3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadeca-2,6,10,14-tetraenyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione

SMILES: CC1=C(C(=O)C2=CC=CC=C2C1=O)CC=C(C)CCC=C(C)CCC=C(C)CCC=C(C)C

              O
              ||
        ──── C ────
        |         |
    H₃C─C       C─CH₃
        |         |
        ──── C ────
              ||
              O

4. TYPES OF VITAMIN K2

Type	Description	Source
MK-4	Short-chain (4 isoprene units)	Animal sources, synthetic
MK-7	Long-chain (7 isoprene units)	Fermented foods (natto)
MK-8	8 isoprene units	Fermented foods
MK-9	9 isoprene units	Fermented foods
MK-10	10 isoprene units	Fermented foods

5. BIOLOGICAL ROLE AND FUNCTIONS

Function	Mechanism	Description
Bone Health	Osteocalcin activation	Enables calcium binding to bones
Vascular Health	MGP (Matrix Gla Protein) activation	Prevents arterial calcification
Calcium Metabolism	Calcium routing	Ensures calcium is deposited in bones, not arteries
Synergy with D3	D3 + K2 combination	D3 increases calcium absorption; K2 directs it to bones
Blood Clotting	Coagulation factors	Required for normal blood clotting
Cell Growth	Cell proliferation	Plays role in cell growth and differentiation
Antioxidant Effect	Free radical neutralization	Provides protection against oxidative stress

6. VITAMIN K1 vs K2 COMPARISON

Feature	Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)	Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone)
Source	Green leafy vegetables	Fermented foods, animal products
Half-Life	Short (hours)	Long (MK-7: ~3 days)
Absorption	Low	High
Bone Health	Moderate	Strong
Vascular Health	Weak	Strong
Primary Role	Blood clotting	Calcium metabolism

7. SYNERGY WITH VITAMIN D3

Effect	Vitamin D3	Vitamin K2
Calcium Absorption	Increases	-
Calcium Transport	-	Directs to bones
Osteocalcin Activation	-	Activates
Vascular Calcification	May increase (alone)	Prevents
Bone Mineralization	Supports	Supports
Result	Calcium absorption increases	Calcium goes to the right place

Summary: D3 increases calcium absorption, while K2 ensures calcium is directed to bones and prevents its accumulation in arteries. Their combined use exhibits a synergistic effect.

8. HEALTH BENEFITS

Benefit	Description	Evidence Level
Osteoporosis Prevention	Increases bone density, reduces fracture risk	Clinical studies
Arterial Stiffness Prevention	Reduces arterial calcification	Clinical studies
Heart Health	Reduces cardiovascular risk	Epidemiological
Calcium Balance	Ensures proper calcium utilization	Biochemical
Dental Health	Contributes to tooth enamel strengthening	Preliminary studies
Insulin Sensitivity	May improve insulin sensitivity	Preliminary studies
Anti-inflammatory	May reduce inflammation	Animal studies

9. DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Symptom	Description
Osteoporosis	Decreased bone density
Vascular Calcification	Calcium accumulation in arteries
Dental Decay	Weakening of tooth enamel
Easy Bruising	Impaired blood clotting
Delayed Wound Healing	Slower tissue repair
Bone Fractures	Increased fracture risk

10. NATURAL SOURCES

10.1. Richest Sources

Source	Content (mcg/100g)	K2 Type
Natto	1,000 – 1,100	MK-7
Goose Liver	350 – 400	MK-4
Hard Cheeses	50 – 80	MK-4, MK-7
Soft Cheeses	30 – 50	MK-4, MK-7
Egg Yolk	25 – 30	MK-4
Chicken	10 – 20	MK-4
Beef	5 – 10	MK-4
Salmon	1 – 5	MK-4

10.2. Fermented Foods

Source	Content
Natto	Richest source
Sauerkraut	Low-Moderate
Kimchi	Low-Moderate
Kefir	Low

11. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Application	Dosage	Form
Adults (Bone Health)	45 – 90 mcg/day	Capsules, tablets, drops
Osteoporosis Treatment	45 – 90 mcg/day	Capsules, tablets
Combination with D3	45 – 90 mcg K2 + 400-800 IU D3	Capsules, tablets
MK-7 Form	45 – 90 mcg/day	Capsules, drops
MK-4 Form	1,500 – 10,000 mcg/day	Capsules, tablets
Food Fortification	10 – 50 mcg/serving	Powder, liquid

Note: There is a dosage difference between MK-4 and MK-7. MK-7 has a longer half-life and is effective at lower doses.

12. SAFETY AND TOXICITY

Parameter	Information
Toxicity	Safe at normal doses
Oral LD50 (Rat)	> 10,000 mg/kg
Side Effects	None at normal doses
Overdose	May affect blood clotting
Anticoagulant Drugs	Use with caution (Warfarin, Coumadin)
Pregnancy	Safe (at recommended doses)
Breastfeeding	Safe (at recommended doses)
Drug Interactions	Blood thinners, antibiotics

13. APPLICATIONS

Sector	Application	Description
Dietary Supplements	Osteoporosis, cardiovascular health	Widely used
Functional Foods	Fermented products, cheese, natto	Fortification
Pharmaceuticals	Osteoporosis treatment support	Formulations
Anti-Aging Support	Bone and vascular health	Supplementation
Sports Nutrition	Bone health, performance	Supplementation

14. STORAGE AND STABILITY

Parameter	Information
Storage Conditions	Cool (15-25°C), dry, protected from light
Container Requirements	Tightly closed, inert gas atmosphere
Protect From	Light, oxygen, moisture, high heat
Shelf Life	24 months (with proper storage)
Stability	Sensitive to light and oxygen

15. REGULATORY STATUS

Region / Authority	Status
EFSA	Approved as food supplement
FDA	GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)
Turkey	Approved as food supplement
Codex	Approved as food supplement

16. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

Type	Name
Turkish Names	K2 Vitamini, Menakinon
English Names	Vitamin K2, Menaquinone, Menatetrenone
Forms	MK-4, MK-7, MK-8, MK-9, MK-10
CAS Number	863-61-6

17. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

Parameter	Value
Product	Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone)
CAS Number	863-61-6
Formula	C₃₁H₄₀O₂
Molecular Weight	444.65 g/mol
Appearance	Yellowish crystals/oily liquid
Primary Applications	Bone health, vascular health, calcium metabolism

CRITICAL WARNINGS

1. FAT-SOLUBLE: Vitamin K2 is fat-soluble. Must be taken with dietary fat for optimal absorption.

2. ANTICOAGULANT DRUGS: Individuals taking Warfarin or other blood-thinning medications should consult their doctor before using K2 supplements. K2 may affect the efficacy of these drugs.

3. SYNERGY WITH D3: K2 exhibits synergistic effects with vitamin D3. D3 increases calcium absorption, while K2 directs it to bones.

4. LIGHT SENSITIVITY: Sensitive to light and oxygen. Store in dark-colored, tightly closed containers.

5. MK-4 vs MK-7: MK-7 has a longer half-life and is effective at lower doses. MK-4 requires higher doses.

6. STORAGE: Store in a cool, dry, light-protected environment under inert gas.

7. FOOD SOURCES: The richest natural source is natto (fermented soybeans), which contains high amounts of MK-7.

8. CALCIUM DIRECTOR: K2 ensures calcium goes to bones and prevents its accumulation in arteries. This property gives it the nickname "calcium traffic controller."

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is prepared based on available technical data. This document is not a substitute for medical advice. For any health condition or supplement use, consult a healthcare professional. For complete safety, storage, use, and regulatory compliance information, refer to the official documentation provided by the manufacturer/supplier.

Menaquinone, Vitamin K2, Menatetrenone, MK-4, MK-7, 863-61-6