Interesting, but a long way to actionable human dosage. Japanese studies of osteoporotic women and epi natto consumption surveys are all over the place.
At times studies of K2 use other than 7 isoprene residues. The most frequent alternative is 4. (ie MK4)
I agree, based on studies alone, the evidence is weak. Based on my own lived experience, though, unless proven otherwise, I’ll keep using K2 MK-7 forever 
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French-Chinese-German-Italian paper: Vitamin K-Trolox Synergism Realized in Hybrid Neuroprotectant with Potent Anti-Ferroptosi/Oxytosis Activity, Reduced Toxicity, and In Vivo Efficacy in Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model 2025
Of course, it’s a mouse model, but the methodology is interesting:
The Chou group systematically explored the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of vitamin K derivatives, identifying menaquinone-based analogs 9 and 10 with enhanced neuroprotective profiles against oxytosis (Figure 1).
Of note, vitamin K analogs confer ferroptosis resistance through a non-canonical pathway involving ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), operating independently of the glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPX4) axis.[17]
They used those derivatives:
According to ChatGPT: " Menaquinones are 2-methyl-3-polyisoprenyl-1,4-naphthoquinones (MK-4, MK-7, etc.). The 9 and 10 compounds have an amino at C-2 and no polyisoprenyl chain at C-3, so they’re best classified as amino-naphthoquinones / menadione (vitamin K3) analogs, not MK-type vitamers."
Good posters on CKD and Vit K2: Poster Issues for: 74th Annual Scientific Meeting of the BSRA (2025): The Biology of Ageing - BSRA - #24 by John_Hemming
Related:
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Is this available publicly yet?
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Sadly no, amd it’s likely a long way from Clinical testing completion. I asked Gemini how to best benefit from the insight from this research and interestingly…
While you can’t access the specific, supercharged “Novel VK” hybrid molecule from the Shibaura Institute of Technology study, you can absolutely use the core mechanisms highlighted in the research to optimize your biology today.
The breakthrough in the paper centers on a powerful synergy: combining Vitamin K (specifically the MK-4 form) and Vitamin A (which the body metabolizes into retinoic acid) to activate receptors that tell stem cells to become functional brain cells.
The actionable insight is that these two pathways are already built into your body. Here is how you can naturally lean into this science right now.
- Focus on the Right Form of Vitamin K (MK-4)
The study explicitly notes that Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) is the naturally active form of Vitamin K in the brain that induces neuronal differentiation and protects nerves from oxidative stress.
Most people consume Vitamin K1 (from leafy greens), which primarily goes to the liver for blood clotting. To get it to your brain, you want Vitamin K2, specifically the MK-4 subtype. Unlike other forms, MK-4 is highly concentrated in brain tissue where it supports sphingolipid metabolism—a crucial process for maintaining the myelin sheath that insulates your neurons.
Whole Food Sources: MK-4 is an animal-sourced nutrient. Rich sources include pastured egg yolks, dark chicken meat, goose liver, and high-fat grass-fed dairy (like butter or ghee).
Supplement Consideration: If supplementing, look closely at the label. Most Vitamin K2 supplements use MK-7 (derived from fermented natto) because it stays in the blood longer. However, the brain specifically utilizes MK-4. - Support the Vitamin A (Retinoic Acid) Pathway
The “secret sauce” the researchers added to the hybrid molecule was the side chain of retinoic acid. In your body, retinoic acid binds to Retinoic Acid Receptors (RAR) to stimulate neurogenesis.
To ensure your brain has the baseline raw materials to mimic this effect, you need adequate preformed Vitamin A (retinol), which your body then converts internally into retinoic acid.
Whole Food Sources: True preformed Vitamin A (retinol) is found in cod liver oil, beef liver, wild-caught fish, and grass-fed butter.
Note on Plant Carotenoids: Beta-carotene (from carrots and sweet potatoes) is a precursor, but the human conversion rate of beta-carotene into active retinol can be highly inefficient depending on your genetics. Relying on animal-based retinol ensures your body has direct access to the nutrient. - Protect Your Glutamate Receptors (mGluR1)
A massive, unexpected discovery in this study was how Vitamin K triggers neuron growth: it binds directly to metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1). These receptors handle synaptic communication and brain plasticity.
You can support healthy mGluR1 receptor function and overall glutamate balance through basic lifestyle habits:
Exercise: Physical movement naturally modulates glutamate receptor expression and increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a growth factor that works hand-in-hand with the pathways discovered in the study.
Quality Sleep: Glial cells in the brain clear out excess, toxic extracellular glutamate while you sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation over-activates glutamate pathways, causing excitotoxicity (cell damage), which completely halts the neurogenesis you are trying to promote.
The Synergistic Blueprint: The ultimate takeaway from the 2025/2026 Japanese research is that Vitamin K and Vitamin A are not just separate nutrients for bones and eyes—they are a joint biochemical team for your brain. Ensuring your diet includes fat-soluble foods rich in both MK-4 and Retinol is the closest legal, safe, and natural way to leverage this insight today.
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