Do I Need Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2?

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Vitamin K is essential for the process of blood clotting. It takes its name from the first letter of the German word “koagulation.” Vitamin K acts as a coenzyme for chemical reactions that produce proteins involved in blood coagulation and bone metabolism.

Vitamin K at a Glance

Vitamin K has two forms: K1 and K2.

• K1 (phylloquinone) is abundant in plant foods, especially leafy greens. No need to supplement.
• K2 (menaquinones) is scarce in plant foods. Supplementation may be appropriate on a plant-based diet.

Vitamin K is important for the following reasons:

• Essential for blood coagulation and bone metabolism.
• Allows the body to utilize the calcium needed for bone and tooth formation.
• Helps prevent the calcification of soft tissue.
• Low levels are associated with a higher risk of hip fracture or low bone mineral density (BMD).
• Higher intake is associated with a lower risk of bone fractures.

Vitamin K also allows the body to utilize the calcium needed for bone and tooth formation and helps prevent calcification of soft tissue.^1,2 Many studies have associated low vitamin K status with a higher risk of hip fracture or low bone mineral density (BMD),^2-5 and, conversely, higher vitamin K intake is associated with a lower risk of fractures.⁶

Foods rich in vitamin K. AdobeStock