MK-4 vs MK-7: Vitamin K2 Showdown | Masterjohn Q&A Files #189

MK-4 vs MK-7: Vitamin K2 Showdown | Masterjohn Q&A Files #189

Author: Chris Masterjohn, PhD January 27, 2021 Duration: 6:33

Question: MK-4 vs MK-7: Vitamin K2 Showdown

My default here is that a healthy diet would always have a mix of all of them. And although it's hard to justify a reason for having K1 specifically if you also have MK-7, the justification for having MK-4 is somewhat speculative. I wouldn't say speculative, but it's at kind of the theoretical level. So basically, MK-4 is not very good at supporting blood clotting, but MK-7 and K1 are. And we know that from human trials. And so we can at least say, you shouldn't only get MK-4, because it's not very good at supporting blood clotting.

As default, get your K1 from veggies and then try to get a mix of MK-4 and MK-7, that totals up to 2-400 micrograms per day for the people who are just talking about one to 200 micrograms for general people, that can come from food if you eat those foods and supplement if you don't.

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DISCLAIMER: I have a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and my expertise is in performing and evaluating nutritional research. I am not a medical doctor and nothing herein is medical advice.

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Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.


Chris Masterjohn, PhD hosts Mastering Nutrition, a podcast that digs into the science of how our bodies work at a fundamental level. The focus here is on mitochondrial health-the energy powerhouses within our cells-and how optimizing them forms the cornerstone of lasting vitality. Chris brings his background as a nutrition scientist and his experience founding BioOptHealth to these conversations, which move beyond generic diet advice. Instead, the podcast explores how individual differences, informed by tools like whole genome sequencing and detailed biochemical data, can reveal personalized paths to better metabolic function. Listeners will hear deep dives into cutting-edge research, practical interpretations of complex studies, and discussions on how to apply these insights in a real-world context. This isn't about quick fixes or trending superfoods; it's about building a coherent, scientifically-grounded understanding of nutrition from the cellular level up. Each episode aims to provide the kind of nuanced, evidence-based perspective that can help you make sense of conflicting health information. Whether the topic is a specific nutrient, a metabolic pathway, or a broader principle of wellness, Chris works to translate dense science into actionable knowledge. Tune in for a thoughtful, detailed exploration of what it truly means to master your own nutritional landscape.
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