Product Detailed Description

Liposomal vitamin K2 (Menaquinone) 1% — High Bioavailability Vitamin K2 Supplement

Product Overview

liposomal Vitamin K2 1% is a premium-grade dietary supplement ingredient delivering vitamin K2 in an advanced liposomal delivery system. Vitamin K2 (CAS 11032-49-8), also known as menaquinone, is a series of prenylated naphthoquinones sharing a common 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone structure and characterized by a variable-length isoprenoid side chain at the 3-position (designated by the number of isoprenoid units, MK-n). The compound is chemically characterized by the general formula C₁₆H₁₆O₂·(C₅H₈)ₙ. The most common commercial form, menaquinone-4 (MK-4), has the molecular formula C₃₁H₄₀O₂ and a molecular weight of 444.65 g/mol.

Vitamin K2 occurs as a light yellow powder or oil with no odor, and is practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in vegetable oils and ether, and slightly soluble in ethanol. It is sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen, and requires storage under dry, light-protected, and sealed conditions. Vitamin K2 is a fat-soluble vitamin that functions as a cofactor for the enzyme γ-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX), which catalyzes the post-translational carboxylation of specific glutamate residues in vitamin K-dependent proteins to γ-carboxyglutamate (Gla) residues. These proteins include osteocalcin (for bone mineralization), matrix Gla protein (for vascular calcification inhibition), and coagulation factors II (prothrombin), VII, IX, and X (for blood clotting).

Vitamin K2 exists in multiple subtypes, with menaquinone-4 (MK-4, CAS 863-61-6) and menaquinone-7 (MK-7, CAS 2124-57-4) being the most widely used commercially. MK-4 is a short-chain menaquinone with four isoprene units, while MK-7 is a long-chain menaquinone with seven isoprene units and is primarily produced through fermentation by Bacillus subtilis natto. MK-7 has a significantly longer half-life in circulation and superior extrahepatic tissue distribution compared to MK-4, making it more effective for reaching bone and arterial tissues.

Why Liposomal Technology?

Conventional oral vitamin K2 presents significant bioavailability challenges. As a highly lipophilic molecule, vitamin K2 has poor water solubility, is sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen, and is prone to degradation. Its absorption is dependent on bile salt-mediated micelle formation and is influenced by dietary fat intake and individual gastrointestinal conditions. Moreover, directly ingested vitamin K2 has low bioavailability, which severely limits its application in the food and nutraceutical industry.

Liposomal encapsulation provides four critical advantages:

1. Exceptionally High Encapsulation Efficiency and Stability — A liposomal vitamin K2 delivery system developed using ethanol injection combined with high-pressure microfluidization achieved an encapsulation efficiency of 98.13% ± 1.01% with an average particle size of 127.67 ± 3.65 nm (PDI ≤ 0.3) and a zeta potential of −34.4 ± 0.28 mV. The liposomes exhibited spherical vesicle morphology and remarkable environmental stability, maintaining structural integrity under extreme conditions including pH 1.5–11, 500 mmol/L NaCl, and 95°C thermal treatment.

2. Dramatically Enhanced Bioavailability — A human clinical study comparing the bioavailability of various vitamin K2 supplementation forms demonstrated that liquid liposomal vitamin K2 had an oral bioavailability 37 times greater than that of a conventional tablet formulation, with a maximum concentration substantially higher and time to peak of 240 hours versus 360 hours for the conventional tablet. In vitro digestion studies revealed that the free fatty acid release rate and bioaccessibility of liposomal vitamin K2 were approximately threefold and twofold higher, respectively, than unencapsulated vitamin K2 oil.

3. Enhanced Lymphatic Absorption and Tissue Delivery — Liposomal encapsulation facilitates absorption through the lymphatic system, bypassing first-pass hepatic metabolism and providing a more direct route to systemic circulation and extrahepatic target tissues including bone and arterial walls. Liposomal delivery boosts intestinal absorption 5–10 times over free forms through endocytosis and membrane fusion.

4. Water-Dispersible and Clean-Label Compatible — The liposomal powder disperses readily in aqueous systems, forming a uniform dispersion suitable for functional beverages, sachets, and liquid formulations. The phospholipid carrier is plant-derived and non-GMO, supporting clean-label positioning.

Product Specifications

Key Features

• High Purity — Standardized to 1% active ingredient loading capacity by weight relative to the total liposomal formulation, ensuring a balanced ratio of phospholipid carrier for optimal stability in aqueous dispersions.

• Liposomal Enhancement — Phospholipid bilayer encapsulation achieves 98.13% ± 1.01% encapsulation efficiency with 127.67 ± 3.65 nm particle size and remarkable stability under extreme pH, salt, and thermal conditions.

• Dramatically Enhanced Bioavailability — Human clinical data demonstrates an oral bioavailability 37 times greater than conventional tablet formulations, with free fatty acid release rate and bioaccessibility approximately threefold and twofold higher than unencapsulated vitamin K2 oil.

• Superior Extrahepatic Activity — Vitamin K2 has a significantly longer half-life and superior extrahepatic tissue distribution compared to vitamin K1, making it more effective for activating osteocalcin (bone health) and matrix Gla protein (vascular health).

• Clinically Validated for Nocturnal Leg Cramps — A randomized clinical trial in 200 participants aged 65 or older demonstrated that 180 μg/day of MK-7 for 8 weeks significantly reduced the frequency and severity of idiopathic nocturnal leg cramps.

• Clinically Validated for Muscle Recovery — The TAKEOVER randomized controlled trial evaluated 240 μg/day of MK-7 for 12 weeks in healthy young (18–40 years) and older (65+ years) adults, assessing recovery from muscle-damaging resistance exercise.

• Clinically Validated for Knee Osteoarthritis — An ongoing randomized clinical trial is evaluating 300 μg/day of MK-7 in older adults with knee osteoarthritis, measuring changes in biochemical markers of cartilage and bone metabolism.

• GRAS and FDA Recognized — Vitamin K2 (MK-7) is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in nutritional beverages in the United States, with multiple GRAS notifications receiving FDA "No Objection Letter" responses.

• EU Novel Food Authorized — Vitamin K2 (menaquinone series) is authorized as a novel food ingredient in the European Union, with MK-7 being a permitted source of vitamin K for nutritional purposes.

• Water-Dispersible — Liposomal powder offers excellent dispersibility in aqueous systems; suitable for capsules, tablets, powder drink mixes, and functional beverages.

• Batch Traceability — Complete COA, HPLC chromatogram, and identity data provided for each batch.

Application & Formulation Guidance

Recommended Dosage

Clinical studies have evaluated vitamin K2 across a range of doses. The recommended daily dose of vitamin K2 varies by subtype: for MK-7, typical supplemental doses range from 90–375 μg/day, with the Council for Responsible Nutrition establishing a Highest Observed Intake (HOI) of 375 μg/day for adults based on studies assessing doses ranging from 58 to 462 μg daily for up to two years. For MK-4, much higher doses of 15–45 mg/day (15,000–45,000 μg) are required due to its shorter half-life, typically divided into three daily doses. A randomized clinical trial in 200 participants aged 65 or older used 180 μg/day of MK-7 for 8 weeks for managing idiopathic nocturnal leg cramps. The TAKEOVER randomized controlled trial used 240 μg/day of MK-7 for 12 weeks in healthy young and older adults to assess recovery from muscle-damaging resistance exercise. An ongoing randomized clinical trial in older adults with knee osteoarthritis is evaluating 300 μg/day of MK-7, comparing it with vitamin K1 at 500 μg and 1,000 μg daily. For general bone health and cardiovascular support, 90–180 μg/day of MK-7 is commonly used. Liposomal formulations may allow for more efficient utilization of lower doses due to enhanced bioavailability and lymphatic absorption.

Important Safety Information: Vitamin K2 is generally well tolerated at recommended doses. No tolerable upper intake level (UL) has been established for vitamin K due to its low toxicity. However, individuals taking anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban) should consult a healthcare professional before use, as vitamin K can antagonize the effects of these medications. The European Food Safety Authority has concluded that vitamin K2 (menaquinone) poses no safety concern when used in foods for the general population (including food supplements), with no adverse effects observed at doses of 900 μg/day or 2,000 μg three times per week. Pregnant or lactating women and children should consult a healthcare professional before use. Vitamin K2 should be discontinued at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Shipping & Lead Time

• Stock Orders: 3–5 business days after payment confirmation.

• Bulk / Custom Orders: 2–3 weeks, depending on quantity and customization requirements.

• Shipping Methods: International Express (FedEx, DHL, UPS), air freight, and sea freight.

• Coverage: Worldwide shipping, including remote areas.