Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.6
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 5 Reviews
7.9
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin K₂ (as MK-7 [Menaquinone-7])
90 mcg

Top Medical Research Studies

We aimed to discover how well PIVKA-II can predict treatment response in patients with non-AFP-secreting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving systemic therapy.

By measuring PIVKA-II levels and assessing imaging after 8-12 weeks of treatment, we found a connection between PIVKA-II levels, tumor size, and treatment outcomes.

The study revealed a promising “50-50 rule” that can indicate prognosis based on PIVKA-II changes, making it a valuable marker for HCC treatment success.
Read More
We explored how a vitamin K precursor, known as menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB), influences prostate cancer progression in mice. Contrary to concerns surrounding antioxidants like vitamin E, our findings suggest that MSB acts as a pro-oxidant, successfully reducing cancer cell growth via oxidative cell death.

By targeting critical cellular pathways, MSB offers a new route for therapeutic intervention in prostate cancer. These results enhance our understanding of the effects of pro-oxidants and highlight potential opportunities for future treatments.
Read More
8
Vitamin K2 inhibits cancer cell growth
We investigated how vitamin K2 (VK2) influences the growth of cancer cells, particularly focusing on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our study centered on the interaction between VK2 and a protein known as HSD17B4, which is known to promote cancer cell proliferation. Previous research had shown that VK2 can bind to this protein, but we aimed to uncover the specific mechanisms behind its potential anti-cancer effects.

Through our experiments, we observed that VK2 can inhibit the growth of HCC cells by binding directly to HSD17B4. Interestingly, VK2 did not alter the expression levels of HSD17B4, which suggests that its impact on cell growth is due to other mechanisms. Specifically, we found that VK2 impedes the activation of important signaling pathways, including AKT and MEK/ERK, which play a critical role in cancer cell proliferation. As a result, this inhibition leads to decreased activity of another protein, STAT3, associated with cancer growth.

Moreover, VK2 demonstrated the ability to suppress the growth of transplanted tumors that were influenced by HSD17B4. These findings not only shed light on VK2's mechanism of action, but they also offer promising insights into its potential role in preventing or treating HCC in future applications.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

7.5
Antitumor properties
4 people found this helpful
K2 MK7 assists in the normal absorption of calcium and the strengthening of bones, as well as supports the maintenance of cardiovascular and nervous systems. At doses of D3 exceeding 5000 IU, it is crucial to take vitamin K2 MK7. Some substances essential for our body can only be synthesised with menaquinone. Vitamin K2 is recognised for its benefits in various bodily systems: it promotes cardiovascular health by directing calcium from the bloodstream to bone tissue, regulating bone density and blood clotting. Research has revealed that vitamin K2 can slow down, or even halt, cancer cell activity, showing positive effects on lung, pancreatic, bladder, and rectal cancers.
Read More
6
Highly effective supplement
12 people found this helpful
This supplement is incredibly valuable for its effects. I only worry about how much natto reaches you in the pills. If you're taking vitamin D3 oil capsules, you definitely should also take vitamin K2/MK-7. The longer-chain forms remain in the bloodstream longer and have been found to be more effective, particularly against prostate cancer. While some may insist that eating butter and cheese is the true way to obtain K2, I believe this supplement is superior.
Read More
7.5
Skin improvement
I continuously take vitamin K2 with D3 to prevent vascular calcification. Aside from this, K2 significantly reduces cancer risk, improves skin condition, and aids in protein synthesis. Being fat-soluble, I consume K2 with D3 and Omega3 during meals containing fats. I am pleased with the outcomes and have noticed no side effects.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.6
  • All Researches
We observed how vitamin K2 (VK2) could play a significant role in enhancing the effectiveness of a common treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) called venetoclax (VEN). In our investigation, older patients diagnosed with AML showed promising responses to a treatment combination of VEN and another drug, azacitidine (AZA), alongside daily VK2 intake. Remarkably, we noted a complete response rate of about 79% among patients taking VK2, highlighting the potential of VK2 to improve treatment outcomes.

Our study involved patients who were mostly over 75 years old and considered high-risk. They received a regimen that included AZA and VEN, paired with VK2. We also looked into the mechanisms behind VK2's effects. We found that VK2 significantly increased apoptosis, a process that causes cancer cells to die, particularly through a pathway involving NOXA and MCL-1 proteins. This was driven by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by VK2.

Furthermore, the combination of VK2 and VEN worked synergistically to target two cancer-related proteins, enhancing the treatment's impact. This dual action could be a key factor in the strong clinical outcomes observed in our patient population. Given these exciting findings, further large-scale clinical trials are certainly warranted to explore VK2's role in cancer treatment more broadly.
Read More
We aimed to discover how well PIVKA-II can predict treatment response in patients with non-AFP-secreting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving systemic therapy.

By measuring PIVKA-II levels and assessing imaging after 8-12 weeks of treatment, we found a connection between PIVKA-II levels, tumor size, and treatment outcomes.

The study revealed a promising “50-50 rule” that can indicate prognosis based on PIVKA-II changes, making it a valuable marker for HCC treatment success.
Read More
8
EZJDD improves liver cancer outcomes
We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of Erzhu Jiedu Decoction (EZJDD) Granules in patients with mid-advanced liver cancer linked to hepatitis B.

In a study involving 132 patients, we randomly assigned them into two groups—one receiving standard treatment and the other receiving standard treatment along with EZJDD Granules for three months.

The results showed that EZJDD significantly extended progression-free survival and boosted the six-month survival rate, suggesting it may enhance treatment outcomes for this challenging condition.
Read More
We explored how a vitamin K precursor, known as menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB), influences prostate cancer progression in mice. Contrary to concerns surrounding antioxidants like vitamin E, our findings suggest that MSB acts as a pro-oxidant, successfully reducing cancer cell growth via oxidative cell death.

By targeting critical cellular pathways, MSB offers a new route for therapeutic intervention in prostate cancer. These results enhance our understanding of the effects of pro-oxidants and highlight potential opportunities for future treatments.
Read More
8
Vitamin K implicates glioma progression
We examined the connection between fat-soluble vitamins, specifically vitamin K, and the progression of gliomas, which are particularly aggressive brain cancers. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas database, we found that vitamin K-related metabolic processes are closely linked with the severity and poor prognosis of gliomas.

Notably, a key gene, VKORC1, which is vital for vitamin K's function, showed a strong association with glioma aggressiveness. In laboratory settings, silencing this gene reduced glioma cell growth and movement. Although the results are promising, clinical effects in patients remain to be conclusively determined.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 5 Reviews
7.9
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
7.5
Antitumor properties
4 people found this helpful
K2 MK7 assists in the normal absorption of calcium and the strengthening of bones, as well as supports the maintenance of cardiovascular and nervous systems. At doses of D3 exceeding 5000 IU, it is crucial to take vitamin K2 MK7. Some substances essential for our body can only be synthesised with menaquinone. Vitamin K2 is recognised for its benefits in various bodily systems: it promotes cardiovascular health by directing calcium from the bloodstream to bone tissue, regulating bone density and blood clotting. Research has revealed that vitamin K2 can slow down, or even halt, cancer cell activity, showing positive effects on lung, pancreatic, bladder, and rectal cancers.
Read More
6
Highly effective supplement
12 people found this helpful
This supplement is incredibly valuable for its effects. I only worry about how much natto reaches you in the pills. If you're taking vitamin D3 oil capsules, you definitely should also take vitamin K2/MK-7. The longer-chain forms remain in the bloodstream longer and have been found to be more effective, particularly against prostate cancer. While some may insist that eating butter and cheese is the true way to obtain K2, I believe this supplement is superior.
Read More
7.5
Skin improvement
I continuously take vitamin K2 with D3 to prevent vascular calcification. Aside from this, K2 significantly reduces cancer risk, improves skin condition, and aids in protein synthesis. Being fat-soluble, I consume K2 with D3 and Omega3 during meals containing fats. I am pleased with the outcomes and have noticed no side effects.
Read More
7.5
Promotes health overall
9 people found this helpful
I take MK-7 daily to prevent various health issues, including supporting bone density and fighting cancer. I learned about its benefits on the Dr. Oz show, and it has become an essential part of my routine. I appreciate the many advantages it offers to my overall well-being.
Read More
4
Improved health functions
Vitamin K2 is a crucial activator in my body. Its benefits include promoting blood coagulation, correctly positioning calcium, protecting nerves, regulating blood sugar, and reducing cancer risks. Compared to MK-4, a small dose of MK-7 can enhance cardiovascular health significantly. Jarrow's MK-7 is well-dosed and effective.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

6
Highly effective supplement
12 people found this helpful
This supplement is incredibly valuable for its effects. I only worry about how much natto reaches you in the pills. If you're taking vitamin D3 oil capsules, you definitely should also take vitamin K2/MK-7. The longer-chain forms remain in the bloodstream longer and have been found to be more effective, particularly against prostate cancer. While some may insist that eating butter and cheese is the true way to obtain K2, I believe this supplement is superior.
7.5
Antitumor properties
4 people found this helpful
K2 MK7 assists in the normal absorption of calcium and the strengthening of bones, as well as supports the maintenance of cardiovascular and nervous systems. At doses of D3 exceeding 5000 IU, it is crucial to take vitamin K2 MK7. Some substances essential for our body can only be synthesised with menaquinone. Vitamin K2 is recognised for its benefits in various bodily systems: it promotes cardiovascular health by directing calcium from the bloodstream to bone tissue, regulating bone density and blood clotting. Research has revealed that vitamin K2 can slow down, or even halt, cancer cell activity, showing positive effects on lung, pancreatic, bladder, and rectal cancers.
4
Improved health functions
Vitamin K2 is a crucial activator in my body. Its benefits include promoting blood coagulation, correctly positioning calcium, protecting nerves, regulating blood sugar, and reducing cancer risks. Compared to MK-4, a small dose of MK-7 can enhance cardiovascular health significantly. Jarrow's MK-7 is well-dosed and effective.
We observed how vitamin K2 (VK2) could play a significant role in enhancing the effectiveness of a common treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) called venetoclax (VEN). In our investigation, older patients diagnosed with AML showed promising responses to a treatment combination of VEN and another drug, azacitidine (AZA), alongside daily VK2 intake. Remarkably, we noted a complete response rate of about 79% among patients taking VK2, highlighting the potential of VK2 to improve treatment outcomes.

Our study involved patients who were mostly over 75 years old and considered high-risk. They received a regimen that included AZA and VEN, paired with VK2. We also looked into the mechanisms behind VK2's effects. We found that VK2 significantly increased apoptosis, a process that causes cancer cells to die, particularly through a pathway involving NOXA and MCL-1 proteins. This was driven by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by VK2.

Furthermore, the combination of VK2 and VEN worked synergistically to target two cancer-related proteins, enhancing the treatment's impact. This dual action could be a key factor in the strong clinical outcomes observed in our patient population. Given these exciting findings, further large-scale clinical trials are certainly warranted to explore VK2's role in cancer treatment more broadly.
We investigated how vitamin K2, when combined with vitamin D3, affects bone health in children undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Specifically, we wanted to understand its potential benefits given that current chemotherapy treatments can often lead to osteoporosis—a serious concern for these young patients.

In our study, 29 children recently diagnosed with B precursor ALL were randomly divided into two groups. One group received standard chemotherapy along with vitamin K2 and D3, while the control group received only chemotherapy. We assessed several bone health markers and measured bone mineral density over the first six months of treatment.

Interestingly, we observed that the children taking vitamin K2 and D3 showed early signs of improved bone mineral density, especially during the critical period when they were receiving intensive steroid therapy. This suggests that adding these vitamins to treatment may provide some protective effects for bone health, which is a significant concern for kids undergoing cancer treatment.

Overall, our findings highlight the potential of vitamin K2 and D3 in supporting bone density for children with ALL, pointing towards a promising area of research in the management of treatment-related complications.
8
VK2 enhances CML treatment efficacy
We explored the impact of SARS-CoV-2 proteins on the viability of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells, focusing on the protective role of vitamin K2 (VK2) when used alongside imatinib, a common CML treatment. Our experiments involved K562 CML cell lines to observe how the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein affects these cancer cells.

What we found was concerning: the virus's protein induced cell damage and activated markers associated with cell death. However, when VK2 was introduced, we noted significant improvements. VK2 not only minimized the cytotoxic effects of the virus but also reduced inflammatory cytokine production. It inhibited the formation of cell colonies, indicating a protective effect on the cancer cells.

We further investigated the synergy between VK2 and imatinib. The combination led to a notable decrease in cell proliferation and disrupted the mitochondrial function of the cancer cells. This suggests that VK2 can enhance the effectiveness of imatinib while providing additional protection against SARS-CoV-2-induced toxicity.

These findings paint a hopeful picture for CML treatment during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, leveraging VK2 as a possible adjunctive therapy to protect against viral cell damage while boosting existing treatments.
8
Vitamin K2 inhibits cancer cell growth
We investigated how vitamin K2 (VK2) influences the growth of cancer cells, particularly focusing on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our study centered on the interaction between VK2 and a protein known as HSD17B4, which is known to promote cancer cell proliferation. Previous research had shown that VK2 can bind to this protein, but we aimed to uncover the specific mechanisms behind its potential anti-cancer effects.

Through our experiments, we observed that VK2 can inhibit the growth of HCC cells by binding directly to HSD17B4. Interestingly, VK2 did not alter the expression levels of HSD17B4, which suggests that its impact on cell growth is due to other mechanisms. Specifically, we found that VK2 impedes the activation of important signaling pathways, including AKT and MEK/ERK, which play a critical role in cancer cell proliferation. As a result, this inhibition leads to decreased activity of another protein, STAT3, associated with cancer growth.

Moreover, VK2 demonstrated the ability to suppress the growth of transplanted tumors that were influenced by HSD17B4. These findings not only shed light on VK2's mechanism of action, but they also offer promising insights into its potential role in preventing or treating HCC in future applications.
8
Vitamin K2 enhances cancer treatment
We conducted a thoughtful phase II, randomized study to examine how vitamin K2 might boost the effectiveness of sorafenib, a drug commonly used to treat liver cancer. Our study involved 68 patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, who were assigned to either a treatment group receiving sorafenib along with vitamin K2 or a control group receiving sorafenib alone.

The results painted a promising picture. In the group receiving vitamin K2, we observed a significant response rate of 27.3%, compared to only 4.5% in those taking sorafenib alone. Additionally, the average time patients could live without their cancer worsening was much longer in the vitamin K group—4.9 months versus 2.7 months for those on sorafenib only.

While we didn’t find a significant overall survival difference between the two groups, those in the vitamin K2 group who had a complete or partial response enjoyed a notably extended overall survival time—26.1 months compared to just 9.0 months for others in the vitamin K group and 11.5 months for the sorafenib-only group. Our findings suggest that vitamin K could play a role in enhancing cancer treatment outcomes when combined with sorafenib.
5
Vitamin K2 linked to breast cancer
We investigated the potential link between dietary vitamin K2, also known as menaquinones, and breast cancer outcomes. The study involved a significant cohort, tracking 2,286 breast cancer cases and 207 deaths over a remarkable 702,748 person-years of follow-up.

Our exploration revealed that higher total intake of vitamin K2 was associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer as well as an elevated risk of dying from it. Specifically, participants with the highest intake of vitamin K2 had a 26% greater risk of diagnosis and a 71% higher risk of mortality compared to those with the lowest intake.

Interestingly, while we found this concerning relationship with vitamin K2, the study did not show any significant links between overall vitamin K intake or phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and breast cancer. This indicates that if these findings are verified in future research, reducing dietary menaquinones could present a new strategy for preventing breast cancer.

References

  1. Bauer T, Richter-Eder S, Yasmin N, Jurkin J, Köffel R, et al. Vitamin K supports TGF-β1 depended human Langerhans cell differentiation and function via Axl. Front Immunol. 2025;16:1509228. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2025.1509228
  2. Chen SC, Ho HL, Liu CA, Hung YP, Chiang NJ, et al. PIVKA-II as a surrogate biomarker for therapeutic response in Non-AFP-secreting hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer. 2025;25:199. doi:10.1186/s12885-025-13568-4
  3. Kaneyasu Y, Fujiwara H, Akita T, Tanaka J, Shibata Y, et al. Suppressive effect of vitamin K (menatetrenone) against bone mineral density loss after radiotherapy in uterine cancer patients. Jpn J Radiol. 2025. doi:10.1007/s11604-025-01733-5
  4. Cheng Y, Wang HY, Wan CY, Shi JW, Jin YY, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Erzhu Jiedu Decoction Granules in Treating Mid-advanced Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Primary Liver Cancer Patients with Pi (Spleen)-Deficiency and Dampness-Heat Syndrome. Chin J Integr Med. 2024. doi:10.1007/s11655-024-3818-1
  5. Swamynathan MM, Kuang S, Watrud KE, Doherty MR, Gineste C, et al. Dietary pro-oxidant therapy by a vitamin K precursor targets PI 3-kinase VPS34 function. Science. 2024;386:eadk9167. doi:10.1126/science.adk9167
  6. Sasaki Y, Tokumura K, Yoshimoto M, Hinoi E. Association between Fat-Soluble Vitamin Metabolic Process and Glioma Progression. Biol Pharm Bull. 2024;47:1682. doi:10.1248/bpb.b24-00275
  7. Okabe S, Arai Y, Gotoh A. Vitamin K2 Protects Against SARS-CoV-2 Envelope Protein-Induced Cytotoxicity in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells and Enhances Imatinib Activity. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25. doi:10.3390/ijms252111800
  8. Tauchi T, Moriya S, Okabe S, Kazama H, Miyazawa K, et al. Vitamin K2 sensitizes the efficacy of venetoclax in acute myeloid leukemia by targeting the NOXA-MCL-1 pathway. PLoS One. 2024;19:e0307662. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0307662
  9. Okabe S, Gotoh A. Effect of asciminib and vitamin K2 on Abelson tyrosine-kinase-inhibitor-resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia cells. BMC Cancer. 2023;23:827. doi:10.1186/s12885-023-11304-4
  10. Narvaez CJ, Bak MJ, Salman N, Welsh J. Vitamin K2 enhances the tumor suppressive effects of 1,25(OH)D in triple negative breast cancer cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2023;231:106307. doi:10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106307
  11. Jadhav N, Ajgaonkar S, Saha P, Gurav P, Pandey A, et al. Molecular Pathways and Roles for Vitamin K2-7 as a Health-Beneficial Nutraceutical: Challenges and Opportunities. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:896920. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.896920
  12. Lu X, Ma P, Kong L, Wang X, Wang Y, et al. Vitamin K2 Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Proliferation by Binding to 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase 4. Front Oncol. 2021;11:757603. doi:10.3389/fonc.2021.757603
  13. Solmaz I, Ozdemir MA, Unal E, Abdurrezzak U, Muhtaroglu S, et al. Effect of vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 on bone mineral density in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a prospective cohort study. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2021;34:441. doi:10.1515/jpem-2020-0637
  14. Haruna Y, Yakushijin T, Kawamoto S. Efficacy and safety of sorafenib plus vitamin K treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma: A phase II, randomized study. Cancer Med. 2021;10:914. doi:10.1002/cam4.3674
  15. Wang K, Wu Q, Li Z, Reger MK, Xiong Y, et al. Vitamin K intake and breast cancer incidence and death: results from a prospective cohort study. Clin Nutr. 2021;40:3370. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2020.11.009
  16. Daisley BA, Chanyi RM, Abdur-Rashid K, Al KF, Gibbons S, et al. Abiraterone acetate preferentially enriches for the gut commensal Akkermansia muciniphila in castrate-resistant prostate cancer patients. Nat Commun. 2020;11:4822. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-18649-5
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