What it is: Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins, mainly vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) from plants and K2 (menaquinone) from fermented foods and animal products, that are essential for blood clotting and bone metabolism.
What it does: Vitamin K activates proteins that help blood clot normally and regulates calcium deposition in bones, supporting both vascular and skeletal health.
How it is used: Vitamin K is commonly used in supplements to maintain healthy blood clotting, promote bone strength, and occasionally for cardiovascular support due to its role in calcium transport.
Natural sources and supplement forms: K1 comes from leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, while K2 is found in fermented foods (like natto) and animal products. Supplement forms may include synthetic phylloquinone (K1) and menaquinone forms (K2, such as MK-4 and MK-7).
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Vitamin K is often added to support blood clotting and enhance bone health, especially for those with limited dietary intake or higher needs due to age or medical conditions.
What to know before use: If you take blood-thinning medications, consult your doctor before using vitamin K supplements, as vitamin K can interact with anticoagulant drugs and affect their action.
What it does: Vitamin K activates proteins that help blood clot normally and regulates calcium deposition in bones, supporting both vascular and skeletal health.
How it is used: Vitamin K is commonly used in supplements to maintain healthy blood clotting, promote bone strength, and occasionally for cardiovascular support due to its role in calcium transport.
Natural sources and supplement forms: K1 comes from leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, while K2 is found in fermented foods (like natto) and animal products. Supplement forms may include synthetic phylloquinone (K1) and menaquinone forms (K2, such as MK-4 and MK-7).
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Vitamin K is often added to support blood clotting and enhance bone health, especially for those with limited dietary intake or higher needs due to age or medical conditions.
What to know before use: If you take blood-thinning medications, consult your doctor before using vitamin K supplements, as vitamin K can interact with anticoagulant drugs and affect their action.
Interesting Fact
Vitamin K: Leafy Greens Are Its Secret Source
Vitamin K is naturally abundant in leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli. This essential nutrient plays a unique role in the body by helping activate proteins that support normal blood clotting and bone health. Because it works behind the scenes, you may not notice its effects, but it's one reason why greens are often recommended as part of a balanced diet.
