An Ally for Post-Menopausal Women

Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, both hormonally and in terms of cardiovascular health. One of estrogen’s lesser-known roles is its protective effect on the vascular system. Estrogen helps keep blood vessels flexible and supports healthy blood pressure levels. When estrogen production declines during menopause, this natural protection fades, leading to measurable changes in vascular function.†

Post-menopausal women are more likely to experience increases in systolic blood pressure and arterial stiffness—two major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In fact, heart disease becomes the leading cause of death for women after menopause, surpassing risks seen in earlier decades of life. While genetics and lifestyle choices certainly play a role, the biological changes driven by menopause create a unique vulnerability.†

This growing awareness has led researchers to explore interventions that can support vascular health in this population. While medications can help, many women are also interested in nutritional strategies that can work in tandem with—or, in some cases, instead of—pharmaceutical treatments. That’s where Vitamin K2 (MK-7) enters the conversation.†

When most people hear “vitamin K,” they think of its role in blood clotting. That’s largely the job of Vitamin K1, found in leafy greens like spinach and kale. But there’s another form—Vitamin K2—that plays a very different and equally important role, especially in cardiovascular and bone health.†

Vitamin K2 exists in several forms, known as menaquinones. Among these, menaquinone-7 (MK-7) stands out for its long half-life and superior bioavailability. This means it stays in the body longer and is more efficiently absorbed, making it especially effective for long-term benefits like maintaining vascular elasticity.†

MK-7 works by activating certain proteins that regulate calcium in the body. One of these is matrix Gla protein (MGP), which helps prevent calcium from being deposited in the arteries. Without enough Vitamin K2, MGP remains inactive, allowing calcium to build up where it shouldn’t. Over time, this calcification contributes to stiffened arteries and increased cardiovascular risk.†

While small amounts of K2 can be found in foods like hard cheeses, egg yolks, and liver, one of the richest sources of MK-7 is a Japanese fermented soybean dish called natto. However, natto’s strong flavor and limited availability in the Western diet make MK-7 supplementation a practical option for many.†

A recently published study explored whether long-term Vitamin K2 (MK-7) supplementation could improve cardiovascular markers in a group of healthy post-menopausal women. Over the course of one year, 165 participants were given either 180 mcg of MK-7 daily or a placebo. The researchers tracked several key indicators of vascular health, including arterial stiffness, blood pressure, and a specific biomarker called dp-ucMGP.†

The results were promising: the MK-7 group experienced a significant improvement in vascular elasticity, particularly in women who initially had higher levels of arterial stiffness. Systolic blood pressure—a significant risk factor for heart disease—also improved modestly in the MK-7 group compared to the placebo. Even more telling was the sharp decrease in DP-ucMGP levels. This biomarker reflects the amount of inactive matrix Gla protein in the blood; lower levels indicate better Vitamin K2 status and improved arterial calcium regulation.†

In short, daily supplementation with MK-7 appeared to make arteries more flexible and blood pressure more stable, without any reported adverse effects. For post-menopausal women concerned about cardiovascular health, this points to a compelling nutritional strategy that is both safe and effective.†

To understand how MK-7 benefits cardiovascular health, it helps to zoom in on calcium metabolism—and what happens when it goes awry.

Calcium is essential for bone strength, but when it ends up in soft tissues like arteries, it can become a serious problem. That’s where matrix Gla protein (MGP) comes in. MGP is one of the body’s most powerful inhibitors of vascular calcification, but it only works when activated by Vitamin K2. Without sufficient MK-7, MGP remains in its inactive form (measured as dp-ucMGP), unable to bind calcium and prevent it from accumulating in arterial walls.†

By activating MGP, MK-7 helps ensure that calcium is deposited where it belongs—in bones, not arteries. This leads to several positive effects:

• Reduced arterial stiffness: By preventing calcification, MK-7 preserves the elasticity of blood vessels, helping them expand and contract more easily.†

• Improved blood pressure: Flexible arteries mean less resistance against blood flow, which can lead to lower systolic and diastolic pressure.†

• Long-term vascular protection: MK-7’s extended half-life allows it to maintain steady activation of MGP over time, providing continuous cardiovascular support.†

This dual action—keeping calcium out of arteries and in the bones—makes MK-7 a uniquely valuable nutrient for post-menopausal women, who are at increased risk for both heart disease and osteoporosis.†

For many post-menopausal women, managing cardiovascular health can feel like a juggling act—balancing diet, exercise, medications, and lifestyle changes. The evidence supporting MK-7 supplementation offers a promising, low-effort option that may fit seamlessly into a daily wellness routine.†

Here’s what the study—and emerging research—suggests MK-7 can offer in real-world terms:

• Better Blood Pressure Control: Even modest reductions in systolic blood pressure can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk, especially in women over 50. MK-7’s impact on arterial flexibility may contribute to these improvements naturally, without medication.†
• Reduced Arterial Stiffness: Stiff arteries make the heart work harder to push blood through the body. By helping prevent arterial calcification, MK-7 helps maintain smoother, more elastic blood vessels, making circulation more efficient and reducing cardiac strain.†
• Bone and Heart Benefits in One: Post-menopausal women often face a dual risk of bone loss and cardiovascular issues. MK-7’s ability to direct calcium into bones—and away from arteries—makes it a valuable nutrient for protecting both systems simultaneously.†
• Safe and Easy to Use: In the study, participants took just one 180 mcg capsule per day. There were no significant adverse effects reported, making MK-7 a convenient and well-tolerated option for long-term use.†

While MK-7 isn’t a substitute for other cardiovascular strategies like exercise, a balanced diet, or regular checkups, it may serve as an effective nutritional complement, especially for women looking for proactive, research-backed ways to age well.†

Ready to try MK-7 for yourself? Fortunately, high-quality Vitamin K2 supplements are widely available, and you can find a great selection at SameDaySupplements.com. Their curated collection of Vitamin K products includes trusted brands that combine MK-7 with complementary nutrients like Vitamin D3 and iodine for added benefit.†

Here are a few standout options worth considering:

Menopause is a natural life stage, but its effects on vascular health shouldn’t be overlooked. As estrogen levels decline, the risk of arterial stiffness, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease increases, making proactive care more important than ever.

The research is clear: Vitamin K2 as MK-7 offers meaningful support by activating proteins that help keep calcium in bones and out of arteries. For post-menopausal women, this translates to healthier blood vessels, more stable blood pressure, and potentially a lower risk of heart disease.†

Whether you’re looking to support your heart, strengthen your bones, or simply age well with confidence, MK-7 may be a smart addition to your routine. Backed by science and easy to incorporate into daily life, it’s a small change that could deliver long-term benefits.†

For healthy individuals 18 years or older. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.

†Please note the intention of the information provided is for reference only. Furthermore, we are in no way providing medical advice or instruction. Instead, the information provided in this guide/blog utilizes anecdotal information and available studies/reviews. While we aim to maintain and display accurate information, we can’t guarantee it represents the latest product formulation or information. Therefore, please visit the manufacturer’s website if you have any concerns. Also, the information above does not represent our views here at Same Day Supplements. Instead, these are the manufacturers’ and users’ views and information. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. Finally, these products aim not to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or illness.