- *MSRP:
$45.99- Our Price:
- $27.60
- Buy: at $27.60
- UPC: 733739003867
- # N0386
Product Overview & Quick Specs
Think of calcium like building materials delivered to a busy work zone. Vitamin D-3 acts like the forklift moving calcium into the bloodstream, while Vitamin K-2 acts like the project foreman guiding that calcium into bone tissue rather than soft blood vessels [4]. NOW® Mega D-3 & MK-7 unites high-potency 5,000 IU (125 mcg) cholecalciferol with 180 mcg of clinically validated MenaQ7® menaquinone-7 in a single daily vegetarian capsule [1, 3]. This synergistic biological duo provides intensive skeletal mineralization and vascular elasticity support in an economical 120-day supply [2, 4].
Quick Specs Snapshot
- ✓ Active Form & Potency: 125 mcg (5,000 IU) Vitamin D-3 (as cholecalciferol) and 180 mcg Vitamin K-2 (as MenaQ7® menaquinone-7) per single capsule.
- ✓ Primary Target: Supports optimal intestinal calcium uptake, skeletal bone matrix retention, and healthy arterial flexibility [2, 4].
- ✓ Supply & Value: 120 full-potency vegetarian capsules providing a continuous 4-month supply at exceptional daily value.
- ✓ Purity & Dietary Status: Non-GMO, vegetarian capsule shell, packaged in 100% PCR recycled resin, and free of wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and sesame.
Buyer's Guide & Form Comparison
Why the Form Matters: Fermented MenaQ7® MK-7 vs. Cheap Synthetic K-1
Discount big-box store formulas routinely cut corners by using cheap synthetic Vitamin K-1 (phylloquinone) or plant-derived D-2 (ergocalciferol). Your liver clears standard K-1 from circulation within a few hours [1]. In contrast, patented MenaQ7® MK-7 possesses a longer molecular side chain, allowing it to stay biologically active in your bloodstream for over 72 hours [1, 2]. This sustained presence maintains continuous enzyme activation throughout the skeletal and vascular systems [2, 4]. Furthermore, commodity warehouse brands often purchase unverified raw ingredients containing chemical impurities. NOW Foods tests every single batch to ensure clean, fully bioavailable nutrition.
Is This Formula Right for You?
Best Choice For:
- ✓ Adults needing high-potency bone matrix support paired with targeted arterial wall protection [2, 4].
- ✓ Individuals looking to restore or maintain healthy 25(OH)D blood reserves with an intensive 5,000 IU daily dose [3].
- ✓ Smart shoppers wanting a 4-month supply in a clean, allergen-free vegetable capsule without gelatin or synthetic dyes.
Consider Another Option If:
- ✗ You take anticoagulant prescription medications such as warfarin, Coumadin®, or heparin (Vitamin K directly interacts with blood clotting factors).
- ✗ You have medically diagnosed hypercalcemia, kidney disease, or hyperparathyroidism without personal doctor supervision.
- ✗ You seek a lower daily baseline dose (such as 1,000 IU or 2,000 IU) rather than a high-potency 5,000 IU targeted intake.
Store Guarantee: Backed by VitaNet®, LLC's 31-year reputation, every order includes an unconditional 100% money-back guarantee—even on opened bottles—allowing you to evaluate digestive tolerance completely risk-free.
How It Works in the Body
Think of calcium like express trains traveling across a busy national rail network. Vitamin D-3 builds the tracks that bring calcium from your digestive tract into the bloodstream, while Vitamin K-2 operates the rail switches, shunting calcium directly into bone depots and away from sensitive arterial tunnels [4].
1. The Calcium Gatekeeper: Vitamin D-3 (Cholecalciferol)
After you swallow cholecalciferol (chemical formula C27H44O), your liver converts it into calcidiol [25(OH)D], which your kidneys activate into calcitriol [1,25(OH)2D3] [3]. Calcitriol binds directly to Vitamin D Receptors (VDR) located in your intestinal wall. This interaction stimulates transport proteins (TRPV6) to pull calcium ions (Ca2+) across the intestinal barrier and release them into systemic circulation [3].
2. The Molecular Switch: MenaQ7® Vitamin K-2 (Menaquinone-7)
Once calcium is circulating, Vitamin K-2 acts as an indispensable enzymatic helper (a cofactor for gamma-glutamyl carboxylase) that switches on two key calcium-regulating proteins [1, 4]:
- ✓ Osteocalcin Activation: Carboxylation activates osteocalcin, turning it into a biochemical sponge that draws calcium ions directly into skeletal bone matrix [2, 4].
- ✓ Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) Activation: Carboxylation activates MGP in blood vessel walls, forming a molecular shield that keeps calcium from settling in cardiovascular tissue [1, 4].
Daily Timing, Synergy & Realistic Timelines
Best Time to Take & Daily Schedule
Take 1 capsule once daily. Both Vitamin D-3 and Vitamin K-2 are strictly fat-soluble micronutrients. Take your daily capsule alongside a meal containing healthy dietary fats, such as avocado, olive oil, whole eggs, or nuts. Dietary fats trigger bile acid secretion, which packages these vitamins into micro-droplets called micelles for efficient gut absorption. Taking your capsule with breakfast or lunch is optimal because morning intake naturally synchronizes with daylight circadian rhythms.
Smart Pairings & Spacing Rules
- ✓ Magnesium Synergy: Pair with dietary or supplemental magnesium. The hepatic and renal enzymes that turn vitamin D into active calcitriol rely on elemental magnesium as a catalytic spark plug [3].
- ✗ 2-Hour Fat-Binder Spacing: Separate this capsule by at least two hours from fat-blocking weight management products (such as orlistat), bile acid binding agents, or large doses of psyllium husk fiber.
What to Expect Over Time
- ✓ Days 1–7: The bioavailable capsule dissolves smoothly, initiating steady cellular uptake of cholecalciferol without stomach irritation [3].
- ✓ Weeks 3–4: Circulating 25(OH)D levels systematically increase toward optimal thresholds while MK-7 continuously activates bone-forming osteocalcin [1, 2].
- ✓ Months 2–4: Sustained daily saturation reinforces bone mineral integrity, supports neuromuscular coordination, and promotes healthy arterial wall flexibility [2, 4].
Physical Feel, Sensory Traits & Clean Ingredients
Pill Format & Ease of Use
This formula is encapsulated in a compact, two-piece Size #1 vegetarian capsule. The plant-based shell features a smooth finish that glides down effortlessly with water. If you struggle swallowing capsules, simply pull the two halves apart and blend the odorless powder into yogurt, applesauce, or a spoonful of flaxseed oil. Never mix the contents into boiling liquids, as high heat can degrade delicate fat-soluble vitamins.
Natural Aroma, Taste & Color
These vegetarian capsules are neutral in taste and have no harsh chemical odor. The interior powder presents an off-white to soft cream hue. Subtle batch-to-batch variations in tone are normal for natural, fermentation-derived menaquinone-7 ingredients.
Other Ingredients Explained
- ✓ Microcrystalline Cellulose: Plant-derived dietary fiber that acts as an inert, hypoallergenic carrier ensuring consistent dosing across every capsule.
- ✓ Hypromellose (cellulose capsule): A vegetarian capsule shell sourced from pine wood pulp that breaks down swiftly in stomach acid.
- ✓ Modified Starch & Maltodextrin: Food-grade plant starches used to stabilize and evenly distribute micro-quantities of pure fat-soluble vitamins.
- ✓ Silicon Dioxide: A safe, earth-derived mineral compound that prevents powder clumping and ensures seamless manufacturing flow.
Proper Storage
Store in a cool, dry place after opening, tightly sealed and away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. The bottle is manufactured from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin, protecting your supplements from UV light degradation while supporting responsible packaging practices.
Manufacturer Quality & Lab Testing Standards
Mass-market warehouse supplements often depend on third-party contract manufacturers who skip essential analytical screening, allowing sub-potent or contaminated batches to reach store shelves. NOW Foods operates world-class in-house analytical laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025—the highest global standard for testing competence. Over 150 laboratory technicians and quality control specialists perform more than 19,000 rigorous tests each month:
- ✓ ICP-MS Heavy Metal Testing: Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry checks raw powders and finished capsules for toxic lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury down to parts-per-billion (ppb) precision.
- ✓ HPLC Potency Verification: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography verifies that every batch contains the exact active concentrations of 5,000 IU D-3 and 180 mcg MenaQ7® MK-7 from the first day to the expiration date.
- ✓ Pesticide & Solvent Screening: Gas and liquid chromatography systems screen botanical sources against hundreds of harmful agricultural residues and synthetic industrial solvents.
- ✓ Microbiological Pathogen Screening: Comprehensive biological assays ensure finished capsules remain 100% free of harmful pathogens, including Salmonella species, Escherichia coli, and mold.
VitaNet®, LLC Direct Supply-Chain Verification
Serving customers since 1995 from Hartville, Ohio, VitaNet® procures directly through factory-authorized channels, preserving strict temperature controls from production line to doorstep.
Complete Supplement Facts Panel
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Servings Per Container: 120
| Description | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
|
Vitamin D (as D3 Cholecalciferol) |
125 mcg (5,000 IU) | 625% |
|
Vitamin K2 (as Menaquinone-7) (MK-7) (MenaQ7®) |
180 mcg | † |
† Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose (cellulose capsule), Modified Starch, Maltodextrin and Silicon Dioxide.
Allergen Statement: Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut or sesame ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Caution: For adults only. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking any anti-coagulants (such as warfarin, Coumadin®, heparin), or other medications (especially topical psoriasis medications or thiazide diuretics), or have a medical condition (especially hypercalcemia, kidney disease, or hyperparathyroidism). Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery. Keep out of reach of children.
MenaQ7® is a registered trademark of Lesaffre et Compagnie, France. Made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients. Family and Employee Owned. This bottle is made from 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) resin. Store in a cool, dry place after opening.