Menaquinone
Pronunciation: (meh-nuh-KWIN-own).
- Generic name
- menaquinone
- Brand names
- CanPrev K2, Nutrimed K2, Natural Factors Vitamin K2, MenaQ7, Solgar Vitamin K2, BioCeuticals K2
- Drug class
- Vitamins & Supplements
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What menaquinone is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how menaquinone works
Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) acts as a cofactor for the enzyme gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, which is essential for the carboxylation of glutamic acid residues on vitamin K-dependent proteins. This process is critical for the activation of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, as well as proteins involved in bone mineralization (e.g., osteocalcin and matrix Gla-protein). (1) (2)
What menaquinone is used for
Bone health support
Bone health support (2)
Cardiovascular health support
Cardiovascular health support (2)
Blood coagulation regulation
Blood coagulation regulation (2)
Dental health support
Dental health support (2)
Before taking menaquinone
Do not take / not appropriate for
- hypersensitivity to menaquinone or any component of the formulation. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take menaquinone
- General Instructions: Take Vitamin K2 exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. It is usually taken orally with food to enhance absorption.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult doses range from 45 mcg to 180 mcg daily for dietary supplementation. Dosing for deficiency or medical conditions may differ and should be individualized.. Pediatric Dosing: Dosing in children should be determined by a healthcare professional based on age, weight, and clinical need.. Administration: Swallow tablets or capsules whole with water. For oral drops, measure the dose carefully. Injections are administered by healthcare professionals only.. When To Seek Review: Do not stop taking Vitamin K2 without consulting your healthcare provider, especially if prescribed for deficiency or as part of a medical regimen.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take an extra dose to catch up.
Overdose
Vitamin K2 overdose is rare but may cause jaundice or hemolytic anemia, especially in infants. Seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Upset stomach
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Rash
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Allergic reaction
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Blood clots (rare, high doses)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
May interfere with anticoagulant (blood thinner) medications — serious
Symptoms: May interfere with anticoagulant (blood thinner) medications. Use with caution in patients with liver disease. Not recommended for use in infants unless prescribed. Consult your doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Allergic reactions are possible; seek help if symptoms occur.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications include hypersensitivity to menaquinone or any component of the formulation. Use with caution in patients with liver disease, those on anticoagulant therapy, and in neonates (risk of hemolytic anemia and hyperbilirubinemia).
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Vitamin K2 can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant medications such as warfarin, increasing the risk of clotting. It may also interact with some antibiotics and bile acid sequestrants. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
The NIH's Adequate Intake (AI) for vitamin K during pregnancy is the same as for non-pregnant women: 90 mcg/day for those 19 and older. This dietary-intake-level figure covers total vitamin K (K1 and K2 combined) from food and typical supplement use; robust safety data specifically for concentrated vitamin K2 supplements in pregnancy are limited, so discuss any supplement above typical dietary amounts with your prescriber. (2)
Breastfeeding
The NIH's LactMed database states that maternal vitamin K supplementation alone is not an adequate or safe substitute for the vitamin K given directly to a newborn after birth by injection — exclusive breastfeeding without that newborn prophylaxis can leave an infant's vitamin K levels too low and has been linked to serious bleeding, including into the brain. Maternal supplementation (studied at doses up to 5 mg/day, far above the 90 mcg/day dietary AI) can raise breast milk vitamin K levels and modestly improve a breastfed infant's vitamin K status, but does not replace the standard newborn injection. Discuss any vitamin K2 supplement with your healthcare provider while breastfeeding, and make sure your newborn receives the standard vitamin K prophylaxis regardless. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (2)
Renal_impairment
No formal renal- or hepatic-impairment dosing table exists for vitamin K2 supplements, consistent with it being a dietary supplement rather than an FDA-approved drug. However, both organ systems matter clinically: liver disease changes how the body processes vitamin K, and kidney disease alters fat-soluble vitamin metabolism generally, so supplementation could affect these processes unpredictably. People with significant renal or hepatic impairment should be assessed by their clinician before starting a vitamin K2 supplement. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
No formal renal- or hepatic-impairment dosing table exists for vitamin K2 supplements, consistent with it being a dietary supplement rather than an FDA-approved drug. However, both organ systems matter clinically: liver disease changes how the body processes vitamin K, and kidney disease alters fat-soluble vitamin metabolism generally, so supplementation could affect these processes unpredictably. People with significant renal or hepatic impairment should be assessed by their clinician before starting a vitamin K2 supplement. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Bone health support
Dose summary: The typical adult dosage of Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is 90-120 mcg per day.
Renal context: No formal renal-impairment dosing table exists for vitamin K2 supplements in the sources reviewed for this page, consistent with it being a dietary supplement rather than an FDA-approved drug. Kidney disease alters fat-soluble vitamin metabolism generally, so renal status should be assessed by the prescriber or pharmacist rather than adjusted from a published table, since none exists for this supplement. (1) (2)
Hepatic guidance
No formal hepatic-impairment dosing table exists for vitamin K2 supplements in the sources reviewed. Liver disease changes how the body processes vitamin K, so supplementation could affect vitamin K-dependent clotting-factor activation unpredictably; people with significant hepatic impairment should be assessed by their clinician before starting a vitamin K2 supplement.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) used for?
Vitamin K2 is primarily used to prevent or treat vitamin K deficiency, support blood clotting, and promote bone health. It may also be used in certain medical conditions where vitamin K metabolism is impaired.
Can I take Vitamin K2 with blood thinners?
You should not take Vitamin K2 supplements without consulting your doctor if you are on blood thinners like warfarin, as it can reduce their effectiveness and increase the risk of blood clots.
Are there any dietary sources of Vitamin K2?
Yes, Vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods (such as natto), some cheeses, and animal products like egg yolks and liver.
Is Vitamin K2 safe during pregnancy?
Vitamin K2 is generally considered safe in recommended dietary amounts during pregnancy, but high doses should be avoided unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.
What are the signs of Vitamin K2 deficiency?
Symptoms of deficiency include easy bruising, excessive bleeding, and, in severe cases, bone weakness or fractures.
How long does it take for Vitamin K2 to work?
The effects on blood clotting can be seen within hours to days, while bone health benefits may take weeks to months of consistent use.
Can children take Vitamin K2?
Vitamin K2 may be prescribed for children with specific needs, such as deficiency or certain medical conditions, but dosing should always be determined by a healthcare professional.
What happens if I take too much Vitamin K2 (menaquinone)?
Taking excessive amounts of Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is generally not associated with significant toxicity due to its low potential for overdose. However, extremely high doses could theoretically interfere with anticoagulant medications. If you suspect an overdose or experience unusual symptoms, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services for guidance.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Vitamin K2 (menaquinone)?
There are no known direct adverse interactions between moderate alcohol consumption and Vitamin K2 (menaquinone). However, excessive alcohol intake can impair nutrient absorption and liver function, potentially affecting overall vitamin metabolism. It is always advisable to discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider, especially when taking any supplements or medications.
Is Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) during pregnancy falls under a 'Consult doctor' category. While essential for maternal and fetal health, specific dosage and necessity should be determined by a healthcare professional. Pregnant individuals should always consult their doctor before starting or continuing any supplement, including Vitamin K2, to ensure appropriate and safe use.
What is the mechanism of action of menaquinone?
Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) acts as a cofactor for the enzyme gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, which is essential for the carboxylation of glutamic acid residues on vitamin K-dependent proteins. This process is critical for the activation of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, as well as proteins involved in bone mineralization (e.g., osteocalcin and matrix Gla-protein). (1) (2)
What is the generic name of Menaquinone?
The generic name is menaquinone. It is sold under brand names including CanPrev K2, Nutrimed K2, Natural Factors Vitamin K2, MenaQ7, Solgar Vitamin K2, BioCeuticals K2.
What class of drug is menaquinone?
Menaquinone is classed as: Vitamins & Supplements.
References
- Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) Clinician-Authored Medicine RecordMedGuideGlobal · Internal (not country-specific) · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
- Vitamin K — professional supplement monographWebMD (cross-checked with NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and NIH LactMed) · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- FOSTEUM PLUS (DICALCIUM MALATE, PENTACALCIUM HYDROXIDE TRIPHOSPHATE, PHOSPHATE, GENISTEIN AGLYCONE, CITRATED ZINC BISGLYCINATE, TRANS-MENAQUINONE-7, CHOLECALCIFEROL) CAPSULE [PRIMUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- menaquinone — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 42781)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient menaquinone names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Life ExtensionLife Extension
- Garden of Life MyKind OrganicsGarden of Life MyKind Organics
- The Vitamin ShoppeThe Vitamin Shoppe
- CarlsonCarlson
- Moss NutritionMoss Nutrition
- SmartyPantsSmartyPants
- Douglas LaboratoriesDouglas Laboratories
- Superior SourceSuperior Source
- Pure EncapsulationsPure Encapsulations
- GNCGNC