How much MK-7 should be used with 1000IU of D3?
Executive summary
A clear consensus in product formulations and practitioner commentary is that there is no single mandated microgram amount of MK‑7 to pair with 1000 IU of vitamin D3, but commercial supplements and clinical guidance typically range from about 25 mcg to 100 mcg of MK‑7 per 1000 IU D3; lower maintenance D3 doses commonly use ~25 mcg MK‑7 while formulations intended for broader coverage or higher D3 doses trend toward 90–100 mcg MK‑7 [1] [2] [3] [4]. For those taking high doses of vitamin D (for example >5000 IU daily) some sources recommend substantially higher K2—on the order of 200–300 mcg/day—while people on anticoagulants must exercise caution because vitamin K affects clotting [5] [6].
1. Market practice: what supplement makers put in a serving
A look at commercial products shows a clear pattern: many manufacturers pair 1000 IU D3 with modest MK‑7 amounts—Biomed’s drop product lists 1000 IU D3 with 25 mcg MK‑7 per drop, while other brands offer 1000 IU D3 with 100 mcg MK‑7 in a single tablet or softgel, and several multi‑dose softgels are marketed with 1000 IU D3 + 100 mcg MK‑7 options [1] [3] [4]. Nordic Naturals markets a commonly used combination of 2000 IU D3 + 90 mcg MK‑7, illustrating that manufacturers vary the K2 dose as D3 rises but often keep MK‑7 in the 25–100 mcg range for everyday products [2].
2. Why MK‑7 is paired with D3: physiology and form choice
Manufacturers and reviewers emphasize the physiologic rationale: vitamin D3 increases calcium absorption and vitamin K2 (especially MK‑7) helps direct that calcium into bone rather than soft tissues by activating proteins like osteocalcin and matrix GLA protein, and the MK‑7 form is valued for its longer half‑life and stability compared with other K2 forms [7] [1] [8]. Guidance pieces also note that MK‑7 is the preferred supplemental form because of its bioavailability and sustained activity, which supports daily dosing strategies [9] [1].
3. Practical dosing guidance gleaned from clinicians and forums
Clinical commentary and user reports show variation tied to individual needs: forum contributors and clinicians report pairing higher D3 intakes (3,000–5,000 IU/day) with MK‑7 doses from ~45 mcg up to 100 mcg, and some prescribers or product lines recommend testing 25(OH)D levels rather than assuming a universal ratio [6] [8]. Industry guidance often frames the issue as a range rather than a strict ratio, advising that most people on routine supplementation will fall safely within the 25–100 mcg MK‑7 per 1000 IU D3 band [9] [4].
4. When to consider higher MK‑7 amounts or medical oversight
Several sources specifically flag that when vitamin D doses exceed typical maintenance amounts—especially above 5,000 IU/day—experts and manufacturers may recommend higher K2 (for example, total K2 in the 200–300 mcg/day range) to maintain balanced calcium handling, and this is reflected in manufacturer and advocacy guidance [5]. Equally important, vitamin K intake can interfere with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin and other blood thinners, so people on those drugs need clinician oversight before increasing K2 [6] [8].
5. Bottom line recommendation based on available reporting
Given the product examples and commentary surveyed, a reasonable, evidence‑aligned approach reflected in the marketplace is to use roughly 25–100 mcg MK‑7 alongside 1000 IU D3, with 25 mcg representing a common drop formulation pairing and 90–100 mcg representing a common capsule/tablet pairing [1] [2] [3] [4]. For higher daily D3 (>5000 IU) consider aiming for a substantially larger MK‑7 total (e.g., 200–300 mcg) and consult a clinician if taking anticoagulants or other interacting medications [5] [6].