The Claim

Oral supplementation with 360 μg of menaquinone-7 three times per week for 18 months reduces plasma levels of dephosphorylated undercarboxylated matrix Gla protein by approximately 486 pmol/L in hemodialysis patients, but does not reduce coronary artery calcification progression, aortic valve calcification, arterial stiffness, or major adverse cardiac events.

Source: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of the Effect of Treatment with Vitamin K2 on Vascular Calcification in Hemodialysis Patients (Trevasc-HDK)

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
78score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Taking 360 micrograms of vitamin K2 three times a week for 18 months lowers a specific blood marker of vitamin K deficiency by about 486 pmol/L in people on hemodialysis, but does not slow the progression of calcification in the coronary arteries, aortic valve, or arteries, or reduce major heart events.

See the scientific wording

Oral supplementation with 360 μg of menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) three times per week for 18 months significantly reduces plasma levels of dephosphorylated undercarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP) by approximately 486 pmol/L in hemodialysis patients, indicating improved vitamin K-dependent carboxylation, but does not reduce coronary artery calcification progression, aortic valve calcification, arterial stiffness, or major adverse cardiac events.

Why this might work

Taking vitamin K2 activates a protein in blood vessels that normally blocks calcium buildup, and this lowers a specific marker in the blood that shows vitamin K deficiency. Even though the protein becomes active, calcium still builds up in the arteries and heart valves because other factors overwhelm its ability to stop it.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of the Effect of Treatment with Vitamin K2 on Vascular Calcification in Hemodialysis Patients (Trevasc-HDK)

    Taking this specific vitamin K2 supplement lowered a blood marker showing vitamin K deficiency in dialysis patients, but it didn’t stop their arteries or heart valves from getting more calcified, nor did it prevent heart problems. So the supplement worked on one thing but not the bigger health goals.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.