Can You Take Calcium and Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) Together?

Dose or timing may matter

The short answer

MK-4 (menaquinone-4) activates osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein via gamma-carboxylation, directing calcium to bones and away from arteries. Inadequate MK-4 with high calcium supplementation may lead to soft tissue calcification.

How to arrange timing

When taking high-dose calcium, co-supplement with MK-4 or other vitamin K2 forms to ensure proper calcium distribution.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: van Ballegooijen AJ et al. Int J Endocrinol. 2017;2017:7454376

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.