# Vitamin K

Category: Vitamins & Minerals

Also known as: vitamin K2, MK-4, MK-7, menaquinone

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble quinone whose metabolic significance extends far beyond its classical role in blood clotting, functioning as a fundamental mitochondrial support agent and regulator of calcium homeostasis. Ray Peat argued that both K1 and K2 have similar effects…

12 passages · 2 authors · 2014–2026 · Most-cited: [Georgi Dinkov](https://bioenergeticoracle.com/md/voices/georgi-dinkov/index.md)

Canonical page: https://bioenergeticoracle.com/concepts/vitamin-k

## Synthesis

**Vitamin K** is a fat-soluble quinone whose metabolic significance extends far beyond its classical role in blood clotting, functioning as a fundamental mitochondrial support agent and regulator of calcium homeostasis. [Source 3] Ray Peat argued that both K1 and K2 have similar effects, though K1 is probably slightly less active, and he emphasized that adequate vitamin K can be obtained from dietary sources like cooked greens, milk, cheese, and eggs. [Source 1, 2] He cautioned that the modern vitamin K culture is largely a creation of marketing campaigns, and that the **solvents and excipients** used in extraction—particularly from natto—often cause the harmful reactions attributed to the vitamin itself. [Source 1, 2]

The distinction between the menaquinone forms is a major point of divergence. Peat stated that all forms of vitamin K are good, and that taking the vitamin with a meal allows slow, steady absorption, making the difference between MK-4 and MK-7 negligible. [Source 2, 12] Georgi Dinkov has directly disagreed with this framing, arguing that only **MK-4** has proven anti-osteoporosis and anti-calcification effects in human studies, while dismissing MK-7 as little more than a *marketing ploy* by the soy and cheese industries to monetize waste products. [Source 6, 12] Dinkov further notes that MK-4 is the actual form the body uses for osteocalcin carboxylation and electron transfer in the electron transport chain, and that only MK-4 is approved as an osteoporosis drug in countries like Japan. [Source 4, 7]

Mechanistically, vitamin K acts as a cofactor for **Complex III** of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, speeding the flow of electrons through OXPHOS and thereby supporting energy production in every cell. [Source 3, 11] This bioenergetic function underpins its ability to activate Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), which prevents *soft-tissue calcification* by drawing calcium out of cells and into bones. [Source 3, 5] Dinkov has written that this decalcification is the main cause of vitamin K's hypotensive action at doses of 15 milligrams and up, and that the vitamin also exhibits direct **anti-estrogenic** activity, with MK-4 acting as a stronger estrogen receptor antagonist than K3. [Source 5, 9] Additionally, vitamin K synergizes with vitamin A to induce expression of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), a target also activated by neurosteroids like pregnenolone, suggesting a role in treating neurodegenerative conditions. [Source 8]

Dosing strategies vary significantly by goal. Dinkov notes that 2–3 milligrams per day can mimic the metabolic effects of high-dose coenzyme Q10, while 15 milligrams daily is effective for decalcifying soft tissues and lowering blood pressure over several months. [Source 5] For therapeutic interventions like reversing arterial calcification or treating liver cancer and leukemias, doses of 30–90 milligrams per day have been used in clinical trials. [Source 5] The Japanese osteoporosis studies used 45 milligrams daily, typically divided into three 15-milligram doses to maintain higher serum levels. [Source 4] Dinkov has reported that topical application in DMSO can yield 3–10 times better bioavailability compared to oral pills, and that some users experience negative reactions like anxiety or chest tightness, possibly due to the vitamin's effects on lowering blood sugar or increasing GABA levels. [Source 7, 10] A human study also found that just 180 micrograms of MK-7 daily significantly reduced the frequency and severity of nocturnal leg cramps, an effect attributed to inhibiting calcium uptake into cells and improving mitochondrial energy production. [Source 11]

## People also ask

### How does vitamin K support mitochondrial energy production?

Vitamin K acts as a cofactor for Complex III of the electron transport chain, speeding electron flow through OXPHOS and thereby supporting energy production in every cell.

### What is the difference between MK-4 and MK-7 according to Peat and Dinkov?

Peat argued the difference is negligible when taken with a meal, while Dinkov contends only MK-4 has proven anti-osteoporosis and anti-calcification effects in human studies, dismissing MK-7 as a marketing ploy.

### What doses of vitamin K are used for decalcifying soft tissues?

Dinkov notes that 15 milligrams daily is effective for decalcifying soft tissues and lowering blood pressure over several months, while 30–90 milligrams daily has been used in clinical trials for reversing arterial calcification.

## Related concepts

- [Autophagy](https://bioenergeticoracle.com/md/concepts/autophagy/index.md)
- [Estrone](https://bioenergeticoracle.com/md/concepts/estrone/index.md)
- [Growth Hormone](https://bioenergeticoracle.com/md/concepts/growth-hormone/index.md)
- [Methionine](https://bioenergeticoracle.com/md/concepts/methionine/index.md)
- [Vitamin B12](https://bioenergeticoracle.com/md/concepts/vitamin-b12/index.md)
- [Vitamin B6](https://bioenergeticoracle.com/md/concepts/vitamin-b6/index.md)

## Cited passages

Passage numbers match the `[Source N]` markers in the synthesis above.

### Source 1 — Ray Peat Email Advice Depository — Post 847

Ray Peat · Email · Dec 3, 2022

> **Question:** Hello Dr. Peat I got severe symptoms of pulmonary edema/myocarditis after using 45mg K2 MK-4 for around 2 months. [I was also using T3 and VIT E with it. I stopped VIT E and T3 and used only K for 10 + days and symptoms worsened]. Progesterone helps relieve my chest tightness but doesn't resolve it. I haven't seen a single bad study on VIT K but it seems that all the side effects will happens to me. Do you know why this happens and what can I do to improve this condition? Much love
>
> **Ray Peat:** The solvents used in vitamin K can be very harmful.
>
> **Question:** Hello Dr. Peat I was using K2 MK-4 dissolved in MCT oil topically on my skin for the last 20 days. My symptoms were stiffness of the intestine and colon, stiffness of blood vessels, [I felt if I move to quickly my aorta/blood vessel would "crack"], extreme chest tightening, hyperventilating, extreme pulsating kidney pain, symptoms of blood clotting [blood "spots" on my skin], body soreness/pain after waking up [progesterone made it much tolerable]. I think the K2 increased my clotting time, which also messed up with my calcium homeostasis somehow? Could you see any mechanism that could lead to this?
>
> **Question:** I also forgot to mention that after just 2 days of applying K2 on my belly, it resolved my eczema/red face and hard coated scalp, before it caused me all these severe bad reactions.

### Source 2 — Vitamin K

Ray Peat · Email · 2015

> # Vitamin K
>
> K1 is probably a little less active than K2.
>
> [MK-4 vs. MK-7] Taking the vitamin with a meal, it will absorb slowly and steadily, and I don't think will make much difference.
>
> [±25g of spinach and 5-10g of beef liver enough to counteract blood thinning effects of aspirin] I think that amount of liver and spinach is likely to be enough.
>
> [2012] I don't think there are any side-effects from vitamin K, but the solvents and excipients can be harmful. Both K1 and K2 have similar effects, the menaquinone-7 is supposed to stay in the system longer, but I think that refers to blood level, not the cell level where it counts. Aspirin doesn't always cause a vitamin K deficiency, because intestinal bacteria can produce it. If a scratch bleeds more than it should, that's evidence of a K deficiency.

### Source 3 — Vitamin K improves lung function and may prevent COPD, asthma, etc.

Georgi Dinkov · Article · May 23, 2026 · https://haidut.me/?p=3031

> Vitamin K is almost always discussed only in the context of blood clotting. Ray has pointed out for years that vitamin K has far broader metabolic roles, including supporting mitochondrial electron transport (as a cofactor for Complex III) and regulating calcium homeostasis. Low vitamin K status is linked to arterial calcification, insulin resistance, and now — as this study shows — poor lung function. The mainstream still frames this as a “dietary association,” but the mechanism is clear: vitamin K supports the energy-producing machinery that every cell, including lung tissue, depends on.
>
> As the study below demonstrates, researchers in Denmark examined over 4,000 people and found that those with low vitamin K levels had significantly worse lung function (spirometry measures) and were twice as likely to have COPD, 81% more likely to have wheeze, and 44% more likely to have asthma. This is the first large population study linking vitamin K to lung health.
>
> The bioenergetic explanation is straightforward. Vitamin K is essential for the proper functioning of the electron transport chain (ETC) in mitochondria, particularly as a cofactor for Complex III (bc1 complex) and as a regenerator of other antioxidants. Without adequate vitamin K, mitochondrial energy production is impaired, leading to increased oxidative stress and inflammation — both of which directly damage lung tissue. Additionally, vitamin K activates Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) , which prevents calcification of soft tissues. Lung tissue requires proper elasticity and calcium balance for normal function, and vitamin K deficiency leads to dysregulated calcium deposition and fibrosis.
>
> The study did not use supplementation, only measured blood levels, so no HED calculation is needed from animal data. However, based on my previous writings and the literature, therapeutically effective doses of vitamin K2 (MK-4 or MK-7) are typically in the range of 45–200 mcg per day for maintenance, and up to 1–5 mg per day for therapeutic effects (e.g., reversing arterial calcification). For lung health specifically, ensuring adequate vitamin K intake through diet (leafy greens, natto, or supplementation) is a simple, inexpensive intervention that mainstream medicine is only now beginning to explore.
>
> The human-equivalent dose is not applicable here as this was an observational human study, not an animal dosing study.

### Source 4 — IdeaLabs Forum Q&A — Kuinone

Georgi Dinkov · Forum Q&A · Jan 11, 2016

> **KyleKingsly:** (2018-06-25) What exactly is the difference in this vs. Gonadin for androgenic purposes? Would it accurate to say that Gonadin is a more specialized, improved version of Kuinone since it includes a specific component of MK4? @haidut
>
> **Georgi Dinkov:** (2018-06-25) Vitamin K2 (MK-4) has many different functions and probably the only overlap with Gonadin is the increase in androgen synthesis. The studies did not say the side chain of vitamin K is responsible for ALL of its effects, they said it is only likely responsible for the androgen synthesis increase. Vitamin K has a role in osteocalcin synthesis, insulin release, inflammation reduction, electron transfer in the mitochondria, etc which Gonadin does not. So, aside from the effect on androgen synthesis and aromatase inhibition, I don't think there is much overlap between Gonadin and Kuinone.
>
> **KyleKingsly:** (2018-06-25) Thank you very much. Sounds like you're saying that Gonadin is more specialized towards androgen boosting/aromatase inhibiting while Kuinone is more of a general health supplement, which is kind of what I'd expected. I'm much more interested in the former, so I went with Gonadin instead of Kuinone (since I can't really afford both right now).

### Source 5 — Episode 8: Georgi Dinkov (Haidut) on Vitamins and Their Dosing

Georgi Dinkov · Interview · Jul 4, 2020 · https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMWKzUA1cu8

> **Georgi Dinkov:** But if vitamin K alone is taken, to mention doses, 2 to 3 milligrams per day are enough to imitate the effect even of very high doses of coenzyme Q10, that is, the metabolic effect is sufficient even from 2 to 3 milligrams per day. In doses of 15 milligrams and up, vitamin K2 has a very strong hypotensive action, in other words it lowers blood pressure. If you have problems with blood pressure and need a relatively safe way, in my opinion it is vitamin K. Vitamin D also has these effects. Vitamin K in doses of 15 milligrams and up, if taken by itself, or in a one-to-one combination that I mentioned with vitamin D, should lower blood pressure. At doses of 30 milligrams per day and up, vitamin K is approved as a drug for osteoporosis in these countries that I mentioned, and currently at these doses several very successful studies have been completed for treatment, I emphasize treatment, of liver cancer, which is usually deadly in its advanced stages, cancer of different cancers of the blood system, lymphomas, leukemias, myeloproliferative diseases, that is, all kinds of leukemias and lymphomas, such as our footballer who fell ill, I think it was Milen Petkov, who they found leukemia in, who treated it in England. Yes, Milen Petkov. So currently, the American agency for approval of new drugs is preparing to approve MK4, I emphasize again, not MK7. MK4, MK4, yes. Not MK7, not MK1. That is, even the Americans already said, clearly this works, but it works with this vitamin and we will approve it, it will be approved for treatment of several types of deadly cancer, but this is already at doses from 30 to 90 milligrams per day. For effects on blood pressure, up to 15 milligrams should be enough, and these doses of 15 milligrams decalcify soft tissues, which is the main cause of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. It is taken for several months.

### Source 6 — IdeaLabs Forum Q&A — EstroBan

Georgi Dinkov · Forum Q&A · Jan 24, 2014

> **Georgi Dinkov:** (2014-04-15) Re: Custom, liquid dietary supplement with vitamins K2, A, D I think he said in an email exchange that "all forms [of vitamin K] are good", however I personally disagree with him on that point. There have been multiple studies comparing K1 with K2 and only K2 had anti-calcification activity in soft tissues. In addition, only MK-4 (but not MK-7, or K1) have proven anti-osteoporosis effect in humans. That is, in studies conducted so far. Here is something to consider from the Wikipedia page and those interested can read the studies in the references section: [references] So, in terms of reversing calcification, which is what has the most dramatic effect on metabolism (i.e. removing calcium from tissue cells and putting it into bones) only K2 (MK-4) is effective. K1 seems to have mostly hemostatic activity (clotting) and I am not sure what MK-7 does. So far, MK-7 seems to be little more than a marketing ploy by the soy industry in Japan and cheese industry in the Netherlands (the two main sources of MK-7) to get rid of its waste products. Finally, the last quote above troubles me. If true, this is a huge dose for K1, and may increase the risk of blood clot. I have asked doctors about that and they agree. Vitamin K1 is almost always given in microgram doses. Milligram doses are risky and reserved for dire circumstances and typically only used in ER setting.

### Source 7 — IdeaLabs Forum Q&A — Kuinone

Georgi Dinkov · Forum Q&A · Jan 11, 2016

> **Georgi Dinkov:** (2016-02-18) As I have said many times on the forum, I prefer vitamin K2 (MK-4). Most of the research on MK-7 is suspect and sponsored by companies producing it. There is a reason only MK-4 is approved as osteoporosis drug in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, etc. As far as the half-life, anything that absorbs through the skin tends to have longer half life due to the lower impact of hepatic metabolism. I encourage people to do blood tests to confirm effects and half-life.
>
> **tara:** (2016-02-16) Unless Peat is right, and it needs to be digested by the gut to be useful. From Cantstoppeating:
>
> **Georgi Dinkov:** (2016-02-18) All I can say is that not all NDT's are created equal.
>
> **dadon:** (2016-02-19) I got a similar Reply from him. Then he referred me to this thread, so I don´t want to bother him anymore. Do you know how long it took for the energin to absorb through the skin? When I took it orally it didn´t do much (although I might have got more cold). Yesterday I put some on my wrists and it made me tired quickly (relaxed in a good way).
>
> **Georgi Dinkov:** (2016-02-19) Thanks for the feedback on Kuinone! There is study posted in the Energin thread that says up to 90% of the B vitamins it looked at are absorbed within the first hour and then there is a "long-tail" of absorbing the other 10%-20% over the next 24 hours. Methylene blue applied topically has a very similar effect on skin coloring and also on absorption kinetics. Most of it absorbs within the first 2 hours and then the remiander can take up to several days to absorb. Google "methylene blue topical absorption" for more info.

### Source 8 — Vitamin K (MK-4), A, pregnenolone, progesterone as novel treatments for neurodegenerative conditions

Georgi Dinkov · Article · Sep 16, 2025 · https://haidut.me/?p=2807

> Surely a post that may aggravate the vitamin A opponents, but the results speak for themselves. The study found that vitamin K (MK-4) increased the expression of so-called microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2), which is also a major target of the neurosteroids such as pregnenolone and (to a lesser degree) progesterone. Vitamin K activates the xenobiotic receptor (SXR) and vitamin A activates the retinoic acid receptor (RAR), and activation of both receptors is a prerequisite for inducing the MAP2 expression. That means a combination of vitamin K and A would be a viable option for people with neurological conditions who do not want to take steroids such as pregnenolone. For people who do not have an issue with pregnenolone, the combination of vitamin K/A plus pregnenolone or progesterone would probably be even more synergistic. The study claims that such treatments may be viable approaches to conditions such as Alzheimer Disease (AD), Parkinson Disease (PD), Huntington Disease (HD), and maybe even conditions such as ALS, MS, etc.
>
> [references]

### Source 9 — #100: Autophagy | mRNA in Food? | Bank Collapse | Elon Musk | Obesity Epidemic with Georgi Dinkov

Georgi Dinkov · Interview · May 15, 2023 · https://open.spotify.com/episode/1PoHaJpfNhJYWNn3o7qNuI

> **Georgi Dinkov:** It looks like a lot of people have commented on the forum, I think it's seen it through the years, that taking vitamin K made their face wider and their jaws seem stronger and more square. And you expect either an androgenic or an estrogenic chemical to do that in males. And now we have evidence that vitamin K2 and K4 specifically, and also K3, menadione, are strongly anti-estrogenic. The test on androgenicity was kind of like half-and-half. There is activity, but I don't think, at least according to that test, it will require much higher concentrations than what you expect to be achieved in humans. I still think that we can show androgenicity. There's a... you know the fact that uh vitamin k increased testosterone levels in the rats and also you know there's another study which show that it has a anabolic effect on muscles i mean these are basically androgenic and anti-corrosion like effects so um i will see if there's like a yeast kit for for glucocorticoid agonism antagonism so we should be able to do as well but We kind of have direct evidence now that the vitamin K family is anti-estrogenic directly, and not through the inhibition of aromatase. We did test them for that. They were inactive. So something is, I guess, acting directly on the receptor. There is a study showing that vitamin K3 is a pure estrogen receptor antagonist, kind of like that drug fulvestrant, but fulvestrant is toxic. And actually, if you look at the molecule, it's just estrogen, estradiol, with a slight change on position six. I'm sorry, position seven. Well, vitamin K3 is a pure estrogen receptor antagonist at a concentration of one micromole per liter, which is pretty low. You can achieve that with about three to four milligrams, single dose. But the MK4, which the only difference between is that MK4 has a longer lipophilic side chain. It should be even stronger because it gets to the cell in higher concentrations and has a longer half-life.

### Source 10 — IdeaLabs Forum Q&A — Kuinone

Georgi Dinkov · Forum Q&A · Jan 11, 2016

> **jmojo:** (2018-01-17) Does anyone (@haidut ) have any input on having negative reactions to K2 mk4? I have tried on and off again multiple times over the years and a few days after using 1mg or so (per day), I get more anxiety, more irritable, chest tightness, less resilient to stress. There seems to be some weird hormonal shift going on. Is this indicative of liver issues? I wish I could tolerate it more with all the benefits that k2 has to offer but it's very hard to do with the unfavorable reactions I have with it.
>
> **Georgi Dinkov:** (2018-01-18) It can lower blood sugar and also increase GABA levels, both of which can cause some of the symptoms you mention. I would always take it food. If you do blood tests please share the results.
>
> **Gaga:** (2018-01-18) @haidut So if I use 6mg daily should I get off for lets say 1 week per month? i know you mentioned you do 30mg per week. I've been using 6mg for 2 months straight with maybe 3-4 days off in total and so far has only positive feedback.
>
> **Georgi Dinkov:** (2018-01-18) I don't know that there needs to be a break for K2. Human studies with it lasted for up to 2 years and had no serious side effects, and used much bigger doses. I think as long as it is combined with vitamin D and food it should be OK for long term use. It can stimulate the immune system, and in some people that can lead to weird digestive symptoms. Older Russian studies recommended taking a week off for every 14 days of use due to its effects on blood coagulation.

### Source 11 — Vitamin K significantly reduces leg/muscle cramps in humans

Georgi Dinkov · Article · Oct 31, 2024 · https://haidut.me/?p=2708

> As many of my readers know, muscle spasticity is one of the main symptoms of low thyroid function and is present in many people with chronic conditions, especially neurological (e.g. multiple sclerosis). A number of remedies have been tried clinically, but there has been no breakthrough, except with quinine. However, for some reason, medicine has decided that quinine is “dangerous” and its use is discouraged clinically while also being regulated in the food supply. Tonic water, which traditionally has 300mg-500mg quinine per quart/liter, has been regulated in most Western countries to contain no more than 100mg per quart/liter. Be that as it may, I think the focus should stay on the fact that impaired muscle relaxation is core symptom of energetic deficiency. As an extreme example, Ray cited experiments from the early 20th century demonstrating that even “rigor mortis” can be prevented with injections of ATP directly into the muscle tissue. The study below found that just 180mcg vitamin K2 (MK-7) daily, for 8 weeks strongly decreased frequency and severity of nocturnal leg/muscle cramps (NLC), while also producing no notable side effects. In addition, the study cites a previous one where vitamin K was able to reduce muscle cramps in hemodialysis patients. The study attributes these effects of vitamin K to its ability to inhibit calcium uptake into the cell from the extracellular medium. I would take this a step further and point out that vitamin K can even reverse already established soft-tissue calcification, which is the reverse process – i.e. pushing calcium out of the cell after it had already accumulated in pathological amounts. However, I think the main mechanism of vitamin K has to be related to its ability to act as a quinone/oxidizer and speed up the flow of electrons through the OXPHOS pathway. In corroboration, T3 administered orally or by injection also has potent muscle-relaxing effects and T3 can also decalcify tissues by raising ATP production (and thus magnesium retention) and accelerating calcium efflux by raising CO2 production (which draws calcium out of the cell as CO2 is leaving the cell) thus achieving higher magnesium/calcium ratio inside the cell. Vitamin K also has this effect and this is probably how it also manages to decalcify cells (an effect already demonstrated in several human trials).
>
> [references]

### Source 12 — IdeaLabs Forum Q&A — EstroBan

Georgi Dinkov · Forum Q&A · Jan 24, 2014

> **Georgi Dinkov:** (2014-04-09) Re: Custom, liquid dietary supplement with vitamins K2, A, D Thanks Vinero! I hope EstroBan helps you, and we certainly plan on keeping selling it, at as low price as possible. Other than some dramatic increase in the price of one of the ingredients, I don't see a reason for price increase.
>
> **Forum User:** Can you post the COA for the product to this thread? thanks!
>
> **Georgi Dinkov:** (2014-04-10) Re: Custom, liquid dietary supplement with vitamins K2, A, D I will be sending the individual COA to Charlie and he will post to the forum. I am currently looking for a company that would do cheaply a COA for the entire product. Right now, the quotes I am getting are in the $10K range, so obviously I keep looking.
>
> **Forum User:** Regarding Ray's favorite vitamin K form, does he not consider the Life Extension product (which contains the K1, K2 (MK-4 and MK-7) forms) one of the best products to use? I can't find where he recommends only the vitamin K2 as supplement, and especially the MK-4 form? Can anyone redirect me on this source of information?

_Generated 2026-07-20 from the Bioenergetic Oracle corpus._