Why Are Children Deficient in Vitamin K2

Key Takeaways

• Vitamin K2 MK7 activates osteocalcin and MGP, directing calcium into bones and away from arteries.

• Children have 8–10 times higher osteocalcin levels than adults, increasing their K2 requirements.

• Up to 90% of peak bone mass develops before adulthood, making childhood K2 intake critical.

• Modern diets are typically low in Vitamin K2, especially highly bioavailable MK7.

• Clinically studied MenaQ7® MK7 improves K2 status and bone strength in children.

• Recommended daily intake ranges from 45–75 mcg, depending on age group.

• Vitamin K2 works synergistically with Vitamin D3 and calcium for optimal bone mineralization.

• Children with obesity may have higher needs, as altered calcium metabolism can impact bone and cardiovascular health.

• MK7 is safe for pediatric use at recommended doses, with physician guidance advised for children on blood thinners.
  
  

Vitamin K2 deficiency in children is more common than many parents realize, affecting both bone development and cardiovascular health. Unlike Vitamin K1, which primarily supports blood clotting, Vitamin K2 MK7 such as MenaQ7® activates proteins that regulate calcium, directing it into bones while preventing calcium buildup in arteries.

What is Vitamin K2 MK7?

Vitamin K2 MK7 is a highly bioavailable form of Vitamin K that activates osteocalcin and Matrix Gla Protein MGP, which are essential for bone mineralization and healthy arteries. It is especially effective for growing bones in children, ensuring proper skeletal development.

Adequate Vitamin K2 intake during childhood supports:

• Osteocalcin activation for incorporation of calcium into bones

• Proper calcium utilization

• Activation of Matrix Gla Protein to regulate arterial calcium
  
  

Tip for parents: Clinically validated MK7 supplementation ensures children receive sufficient K2 for proper calcium metabolism.

Children Have Higher Biological Demands for Vitamin K2

Bone grows most rapidly during childhood and adolescence, with up to 90 percent of peak bone mass achieved by late teens. Osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building bone, produce osteocalcin, a vitamin K dependent protein that binds calcium into the bone matrix. Without sufficient Vitamin K2, osteocalcin remains inactive, limiting calcium incorporation into bones.

Studies show osteocalcin levels are 8 to 10 times higher in children than adults, highlighting their increased Vitamin K requirement. Proper Vitamin K2 MK7 intake ensures calcium is directed into bones and not arteries.

Why Modern Diets Fail to Meet Children’s Vitamin K2 Needs

Despite higher requirements, most children do not meet recommended Vitamin K2 levels. Contributing factors include:

• High consumption of processed foods

• Low intake of fermented or naturally K2 rich foods

• Limited inclusion of cheese and dairy products
  
  

Research suggests insufficient dietary K2 in childhood can impair bone development and early arterial health. Supplementing with MenaQ7® MK7 is a reliable way to support proper calcium metabolism.

How Vitamin K2 Supports Bone and Heart Health

Vitamin K2 has a dual role in children:

1. Bone Health

• Activates osteocalcin to incorporate calcium into bones

• Supports bone density and fracture resistance

• Works synergistically with Vitamin D3 and calcium

• Promotes proper skeletal development during growth
  
  

2. Cardiovascular Health

• Activates Matrix Gla Protein MGP to prevent early arterial calcification

• Supports arterial flexibility

• Contributes to long term vascular health
  
  

Population studies support these benefits: Daily intake of clinically validated Vitamin K2 MK7 improves osteocalcin activity and arterial health markers in children.

Clinically Studied MK7 MenaQ7® for Children

Because diet alone is often insufficient, MenaQ7® MK7 provides a clinically validated, highly bioavailable source of Vitamin K2:

• 2008 British Journal of Nutrition study: Children aged 6 to 10 taking 45 to 50 mcg daily of MK7 for 2 years showed improved K2 status, supporting healthy bone development and cardiovascular function.
  

• Safe for pediatric use and supports both bone and cardiovascular health
  

Why Standard Diets Often Fall Short

Even children consuming dairy or fermented foods may not meet their K2 needs because of:

• Low vitamin K2 content in common foods

• Variability in preparation of fermented foods

• Rapid growth phases increasing daily requirements

• Limited absorption from non MK7 forms
  
  

Supplementation with clinically validated MK7 ensures consistent activation of osteocalcin and MGP, supporting healthy bones and arteries.

How Much Vitamin K2 Do Children Need?

Tip: Daily intake of MK7 ensures proper calcium utilization and bone mineralization.

Why is Vitamin K2 Beneficial for Children with Obesity?

Childhood obesity can negatively affect bone metabolism and cardiovascular health. Excess body weight may alter calcium and vitamin D utilization, increasing the importance of nutrients like Vitamin K2 MK7.

Clinical considerations for obese children include:

• Supporting bone development during rapid growth stages

• Enhancing osteocalcin activity for optimal calcium incorporation

• Potentially improving metabolic health markers by supporting proper mineral utilization
  
  

Supplementation with MenaQ7® MK7 provides a safe, clinically studied method to support bone strength and cardiovascular health in children with obesity.

Why is Vitamin K2 Highly Recommended During Growth Stages?

During growth stages, children experience rapid skeletal development and achieve peak bone mass, a major determinant of lifelong bone health. Vitamin K2 MK7 is critical because:

• It activates osteocalcin, ensuring calcium is properly integrated into the bone matrix

• Supports bone mineralization and fracture resistance during periods of rapid growth

• Promotes long term skeletal and cardiovascular health
  
  

Ensuring adequate K2 intake during these stages helps children build a strong foundation for adult bone health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At what age should children start taking Vitamin K2?

Children may benefit from K2 supplementation from age 2, especially during rapid growth periods.

Can Vitamin K2 be combined with other supplements?

Yes. Vitamin K2 works with Vitamin D3 and calcium, enhancing bone mineralization.

Are there safety concerns with Vitamin K2?

MK7 is safe at recommended doses. Children on blood thinning medication should consult a physician before supplementation.

Which foods naturally contain Vitamin K2?

Fermented foods such as natto and miso, certain cheeses such as gouda and edam, and dairy products contain K2. Most diets are insufficient to meet children’s needs.

What makes MenaQ7® MK7 different?

MenaQ7® is clinically studied, highly bioavailable, and proven to activate osteocalcin and MGP, supporting bone and cardiovascular health in children.

Why is Vitamin K2 important for children with childhood obesity?

Children with obesity may have altered calcium metabolism and bone development. Vitamin K2 MK7 ensures proper osteocalcin activation, supports skeletal growth, and may help maintain cardiovascular health during periods of increased metabolic demand.

Support Your Child’s Bone and Heart Health

Ensuring children get adequate Vitamin K2 is essential for strong bones and healthy arteries.

Help your child meet their Vitamin K2 needs with MenaQ7® MK7, a safe, clinically proven and research backed formula, available now at Just Glow.