Does K2 Get Rid of Calcification? Exploring the Science of Vitamin K2 and Arterial Health

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

Suboptimal vitamin K2 intake in the Western diet leads to inadequate activation of proteins that prevent soft tissue calcification. This has prompted the question: does K2 get rid of calcification that has already formed? The answer, according to modern research, is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

Quick Summary

Vitamin K2 activates proteins that inhibit calcium deposition in soft tissues like arteries. While animal studies suggest a potential reversal of existing calcification, human trials primarily show its ability to slow progression, not completely remove deposits.

Key Points

Inhibits Progression: Vitamin K2 is effective at inhibiting the progression of arterial and soft tissue calcification by activating Matrix Gla Protein (MGP).
Limited Reversal Evidence: While some animal studies show reversal of existing calcification, robust human clinical trials have primarily shown a slowing of progression rather than a complete reversal.
Enhances Arterial Health: Supplementation with the MK-7 form of vitamin K2 has been shown to significantly improve arterial stiffness and elasticity in postmenopausal women.
Synergy with Vitamin D: K2 and vitamin D work synergistically to regulate calcium. D3 helps with calcium absorption, while K2 ensures it is properly utilized by directing it to bones and away from arteries.
Drug Interaction Warning: Individuals taking anticoagulant medications like warfarin must consult a doctor before taking K2 supplements, as they can interfere with the drug's action.
MK-4 vs. MK-7: MK-7, found in fermented foods like natto, has a longer half-life than MK-4, which has a shorter half-life. This makes MK-7 more effective at reaching and activating K-dependent proteins in extra-hepatic tissues like arteries.

The Core Mechanism: How Vitamin K2 Influences Calcium

Calcium is essential for bones and teeth, but its deposition in soft tissues, or calcification, is harmful. Vitamin K2 plays a key role in managing calcium by activating proteins that direct it to appropriate areas. A crucial protein is Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), which inhibits soft tissue calcification. Vitamin K2 is necessary for MGP activation; without it, inactive MGP is linked to increased calcification and cardiovascular risk. Another protein, osteocalcin, also requires K2 to direct calcium into bones. Adequate K2 ensures both proteins are active, supporting bone health and preventing arterial calcium buildup.

Scientific Evidence: Prevention vs. Reversal

While K2's role in preventing calcification is clear, its ability to reverse existing deposits is still being researched, with varied findings.

Promising Animal Studies

Animal studies offer some hope for reversal. A 2007 rat study showed that high-dose vitamin K reduced existing arterial calcification. These results encouraged further human research.

Mixed Results from Human Trials

Human studies have not consistently shown reversal but indicate K2 may slow calcification and improve arterial flexibility.

The Rotterdam Study linked higher dietary K2 intake to lower risks of severe aortic calcification and cardiovascular death.
A trial on postmenopausal women found 180 mcg of MK-7 daily improved arterial stiffness.
The AVADEC trial in men with high coronary calcification did not show a significant reduction in mean calcification progression with K2 and D3, but suggested slower progression in a subgroup and fewer cardiac events in the supplemented group.
A trial on men with aortic valve calcification found no significant slowing of progression with K2 and D over two years.

These differences suggest calcification is complex. While K2 prevents it, reversing established plaques in humans is not yet definitively proven.

Table: Comparison of MK-4 vs. MK-7 for Calcification


Feature	MK-4 (Menaquinone-4)	MK-7 (Menaquinone-7)
Source	Found in animal products; body can convert K1.	Found in fermented foods; gut bacteria produce.
Half-Life	Short.	Long; circulates longer.
Tissue Activity	High in brain and arteries; potent.	Effective for extra-hepatic proteins like MGP due to longer half-life.
Calcification Role	Rat studies show potential reversal.	Linked to reduced progression and improved arterial stiffness.

Practical Recommendations and Safety

To benefit from K2:

Dietary Sources Include K2-rich foods. Fermented foods like natto are high in MK-7. Cheeses, egg yolks, and some meats also contain K2.

Supplementation Supplements offer a consistent K2 dose. Many combine K2 with D3 for synergy. Typical MK-7 doses are 90-360 mcg daily; high-dose MK-4 is used as a prescription drug in Japan for osteoporosis.

Medical Consultation and Risks Always consult a doctor before starting supplements, especially if you have health issues or take anticoagulants like warfarin, as K2 can interfere with these medications.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on K2 and Calcification

While reversing calcification with K2 in humans lacks strong clinical proof, research strongly supports its role in slowing arterial stiffening and preventing worsening calcification. Though animal studies show stronger reversal evidence, human trials demonstrate benefits in vascular health, including improved arterial elasticity and reduced cardiovascular events in certain groups.

Promoting heart health involves adequate K2, a healthy lifestyle, and addressing risk factors. Future research may clarify K2's reversal potential, but its protective role is established. Discuss K2 supplements with your doctor and find more information from reputable sources like the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Current human clinical trials do not definitively show that vitamin K2 can completely reverse established coronary artery calcification. The strongest evidence indicates that it can help slow its progression and improve arterial health, but a full reversal is not guaranteed.

Vitamin K2 prevents arterial calcification by activating Matrix Gla Protein (MGP). When activated, MGP binds to calcium in the bloodstream, preventing it from depositing in the artery walls and helping to remove it from soft tissues.

MK-7 has a longer half-life and remains active in the body longer than MK-4, which has a shorter half-life. This makes MK-7 more effective at reaching and activating K-dependent proteins in extra-hepatic tissues, such as arteries.

Yes, it is generally recommended to take K2 and D3 together, as they have synergistic effects. Vitamin D3 helps with calcium absorption, and K2 ensures that this calcium is directed to the bones and kept out of soft tissues.

Excellent dietary sources of vitamin K2 include fermented foods like natto and some cheeses. Smaller amounts are also found in animal products such as egg yolks and certain meats.

Anyone taking anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin, should not take vitamin K2 supplements without strict medical supervision. K2 can interfere with these medications and affect blood clotting.

Clinical trials have shown that positive effects on arterial elasticity and stiffness can be observed after supplementing with K2 for at least two to three years. Benefits may not be immediate and require consistent, long-term intake.