Vitamin K helps activate a protein called osteocalcin, which binds to calcium to build bones. That makes vitamin K an essential component of bone health. Vitamin K2 is an important fat-soluble vitamin found in animal products like meat, dairy, eggs, and fermented foods such as natto. It has many benefits, such as helping to maintain healthy bones and the cardiovascular system, reducing inflammation, and improving blood coagulation. In addition to its positive effects on blood clotting and strong bones, vitamin K helps keeps your heart healthy. That’s because of the way it acts to clear out calcium from your blood vessels. However, some experts suggest that higher doses may benefit certain health conditions or individuals at risk of deficiency.

Established in 2014, this GMP-certified brand manufactures its product in non-GMO facilities under ISO guidelines. Their K2 supplement contains the more effective MK-7 type of Vitamin K rather than the MK-4. They use premium ingredients while keeping the final product gluten, dairy, nut, and corn-free. A: Like vitamin B, vitamin K is an umbrella term that refers to a family of related compounds: vitamin K1, and the two subtypes of vitamin K2 (MK-4 and MK-7) ( 4 ).Vitamin K2 is an essential micronutrient that plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular health and bone strength. Vitamin K: Fact sheet for health professionals. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Vermeer C, Vik H. Effect of Menaquinone-7 (Vitamin k2) on vascular elasticity in healthy subjects: results from a one-year study. Vascul Dis Ther. 2020;5(1). doi:10.15761/VDT.1000179 They recommend having one softgel a day with a meal, or otherwise instructed by a health professional.

Furthermore, research suggests that supplementing with Vitamin K2 could reverse existing bone loss over time if taken consistently enough. Vitamin K was discovered in 1923 by a German scientist who named the vitamin as koagulationsvitamin due to its blood clotting abilities. This is where the vitamin acquired its current name from since the German word starts with the letter K. The fat-soluble vitamin is made in the human body and stored in the liver. Vitamin K2 MK-7 uses gut bacteria to be created in the body, including the bacteria E.coli American Heart Association News covers heart disease, stroke and related health issues. Not all views expressed in American Heart Association News stories reflect the official position of the American Heart Association.Statements, conclusions, accuracy and reliability of studies published in American Heart Association scientific journals or presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the American Heart Association’s official guidance, policies or positions. Due to the fact the protein that’s needed to build strong teeth, osteocalcin, is the same one activated by Vitamin K2 to regulate bone calcification. However, it’s important to flag here that research in relation to this particular benefit is limited at present. 12(For more information about the fundamentals of dental health, have a read of this, ‘Calcium and dental health.’) SummarySeveral health benefits have been linked to Vitamin K2. They range from helping prevent heart disease and maintaining healthy bones, to building strong teeth. How can I get Vitamin K2 naturally? Being deficient in Vitamin K is a rare thing, but if your levels are depleted, then it is possible to take a supplement to help increase them. Vitamin K is also available in supplements that contain just Vitamin K or Vitamin K combined with other nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and/or vitamin D. 18

Both vitamins play an important role in maintaining healthy bones because they help ensure adequate amounts of calcium are available for use by the body’s cells.Vitamin K2 can also be taken as a supplement, either in liquid or capsule form, for those who don’t get enough through their diet alone or want to increase their intake further for additional benefits. Each form may play a different role in the body. While vitamin K1 is well known for its role in blood clotting and important enzymatic reactions in the body, emerging research suggests that Vitamin K2 may play an important role in both bone and heart health. However, more research is needed in this area. Ingredients & Potential Interactions Before we talk about Vitamin K2, it’s important we briefly introduce you to its main counterpart, Vitamin K, which isn’t just one standalone vitamin.