Where To Buy Vitamin K2 Supplements

Why You Need Vitamin K2

Both vitamins K1 and K2 ensure healthy blood clotting, preventing excessive bleeding and bruising when blood vessels get injured. But recent research suggests that they play different roles in other aspects of our health, with vitamin K2 adding health benefits independent of K1.

However, there is not yet a recommended intake set specifically for vitamin K2. You should get between 90 and 120 micrograms of vitamin K â but this requirement is based on the vitamin K1 needed to prevent bleeding.

Scientists studying vitamin K2âs effects suggest its benefits come with a daily intake of between 10 and 45 micrograms. But in the average diet, about 90% of the vitamin K consumed is K1.

Getting vitamin K2 in our diets supports:

Heart Health

Vitamin K breaks down calcium in our bodies, and this effect helps prevent hard deposits from forming in artery walls. Smooth and flexible blood vessels ensure healthy circulation, reducing the risk of harmful blood clots and heart disease.

This effect may come from vitamin K2 alone, however. Studies show that a personâs risk of dying from heart disease falls by 9% for every 10 micrograms consumed a day, but found no association with K1 intake.

Strong Bones

Our bodies need calcium to build and maintain bones. When it breaks down calcium in our bodies, vitamin K2 activates a protein that helps the mineral bind to our bones to do its job.

Anticancer Properties

Researchers have found that vitamin K2 may slow or stop cancer cell activity.

Is Mk4 Better Than Mk7

Menaquinone-4 and Menaquinone-7 are subtypes of Vit K2. MK-7 shows the highest activity in humans than MK4.

A study was done to investigate the bioavailability of MK4 and MK7. It revealed that MK7 was better absorbed and reached a maximum level within 6hrs. In addition to that, MK7 was detected up to 48hrs .

These findings concluded that MK7 was a greater contributor to the effects of vitamin K2 in the body.

Interaction Of Vitamin K2 And Vitamin D3

Vitamin K2 should always be taken in conjunction with vitamin D3, as the two substances work together and promote bone formation. There are scientifically substantiated indications that calcium, without a sufficiently high level of vitamin K2, can only to a limited extent help to preserve healthy bones.Vitamin K2 should always be taken in conjunction with vitamin D3, as the two substances work together and promote bone formation. There are scientifically substantiated indications that calcium, without a sufficiently high level of vitamin K2, can only to a limited extent help to preserve healthy bones.

Recommended Reading: What Vitamins Should Women In Their 20s Take

Not Getting Enough Vitamin K Hurts Bone Health

Several observational studies have found that inadequate intake of vitamin K is linked to low bone density and increased risk for fractures.

A study that analyzed data from the large Nurses Health Study found that women who consumed less than 109 micrograms of vitamin K per day were more likely to break a hip.

A study of participants in the large Framingham Heart Study also showed a link between low vitamin K intake and increased risk of hip fractures. This study also showed an association between low dietary intake of vitamin K and low bone density in women.

An adequate intake of vitamin K is considered to be 120 mcg for men and 90 mcg for women. A true vitamin K deficiency, which is marked by an inability of blood to clot normally and easy bruising, is rare. Most people can avoid a deficiency by getting enough vitamin K in their diet, says Dr. Deal.

Vitamin K2 Is The Glue That Helps Calcium Stick To New Bones

If you think about reinventing yourself, you probably focus on changing your hairstyle or embarking on a new career. But on the inside, your body is always getting a fresh start. It continually renews itself, day in and day out.

The bones that give you stability, which seem solid and fixed, are actively broken down and rebuilt constantly as part of your bodys normal processes. Your old bones are broken down as your body pulls calcium or other nutrients from them when needed . Meanwhile, the micronutrients from your diet come in to replenish whats been lost.*

To support the bodys ability to rebuild solid, strong bones, your body need to maintain the right balance of all the nutrients needed to complete the remodeling process. So, regular intake of those nutrients is vital for a steady supply.*

You need plenty of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Regular use of USANAs Vitamin K2 supplement will help supply plenty of this essential nutrient to help ensure calcium goes where its needed to form and maintain strong, resilient bones.*

Heres how it works.

A number of proteins that support proper bone remodeling are dependent on vitamin K2. One of the main proteins is osteocalcin, which helps establish a matrix, or organizing structure, for bone.

Initially, osteocalcin is released by vitamin D3. But it requires vitamin K2 to be activated. The activation process is critical, because it makes the calcium stick to and be incorporated into the bone.*

Read Also: How Much Vitamin D Should I Take

Is It Time To Get A New Vitamin K2 Supplement Brand

Youre looking for a new vitamin k2 supplement brand. What do you think? Its difficult to predict future price changes. If there are no signs of production slowing, it can be worth buying now to enjoy your investment sooner. But if output is declining and prices are predicted to rise, you might want to wait until the buzz has died down before making a choice.

What Is Vitamin K

Vitamins are nutrients that help to support proper body functions, and every different vitamin plays a special role in the body.

Vitamin K, a vitamin found in certain foods and synthesized by gut bacteria, plays a special role in the process of blood clotting and bone formation.

Discovered in 1929, major breakthroughs in vitamin K research are still happening.

For example, important amino acids and vitamin K-dependent proteins that linked the vitamin to bone health were not discovered until the 1970s, and more dependent proteins continue to be discovered with the latest discovery occurring in 2008 according to the published history of Vitamin K research.

Vitamin K is a group of compounds, with the most common known as vitamin K1 and K2 according to Oregon State University. Vitamin K1 is found in some vegetables and leafy greens, while vitamin K2 is mostly found in meats, eggs, cheeses and is synthesized by intestinal bacteria. Some of the best vitamin K foods include asparagus, broccoli, spinach, beans, soybeans, eggs, strawberries, and meat.

Also Check: Whatâs The Difference Between Vitamin D And Vitamin D Three

Don’t Miss: Does Lemon Juice Have Vitamin C

What Is Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone, is primarily known for aiding in blood clotting, but it has many other uses. According to the National Institutes of Health , vitamin K2 is an essential nutrient that aids in preventing cardiovascular disease. Additionally, K2 vitamins improve calcium transport and bone density. Vitamin K2 is produced naturally by gut bacteria and is found in fermented foods. Due to modern manufacturing processes, most food today has less vitamin K2 than food did in the past, meaning K2 supplements are an excellent way to supplement your vitamin intake.

Does Medicare Cover Vitamin K2 And How Much Does It Cost

Vitamin K2 is currently not covered by any Medicare plans. Without coverage, the average cash price of Vitamin K2 may be as high as $17.85. You can save on this total by using a SingleCare pharmacy savings card. Redeem prescription savings at participating pharmacies by using your SingleCare pharmacy savings card and pay just $9.10 for your Vitamin K2 purchase.

Recommended Reading: What Is The Importance Of Vitamin C

Do We Need To Take Vitamin K2 With Vitamin D3

Both Vit D and K2 are fat-soluble vitamins. Both play a central role in calcium metabolism. Vitamin D3 ensures that calcium is absorbed easily from the food while K2 activates the protein osteocalcin, which integrates calcium into bone and prevents calcium from being deposited elsewhere.

Many animal and human studies suggest Vit D3 has a positive effect on the metabolism of Vit K2 and also promotes K-dependant bone proteins , .

They work synergistically for bone and cardiovascular health.

Yet, there are a few studies that have not observed any such synergistic effect of combining Vit D and K2 together .

Aggregating all the evidence regarding a combined vitamin D and K supplementation, the majority of the studies found beneficial effects.

Doctors Best Natural Vitamin K2 Mk

Doctors Best Vitamin K2 MK-7 is a vitamin K2 supplement that is delivered in a vegetarian capsule.

Specs

• One Serving contains
• 45 mcg Vitamin K2

Who Makes It?

Doctors Best Vitamins is a physician-founded nutritional supplement brand that offers more than 200 products. They use branded, heavily researched ingredients, and their products are manufactured in GMP certified facilities.

Bottom Line:

This vitamin K product offers an affordable source of supplemental vitamin K2. Utilizing vitamin K2 in the form of MK7, it is bioavailable and vegan, making it a good vitamin K source for almost anyone.

Read Also: What Is The Best Vitamin For Skin Repair

Can Vit K2 Be Given To Children

Children and adolescent bones grow and develop most intensively. Up to 90 percent of peak bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls and by age 20 in boys. Vit K2 is required to activate osteocalcin, the protein needed for bone-building cells. A 2014 study clearly showed that the levels of osteocalcin in children are 8-10 times higher than in adults, so VIt K2 is required more .

A controlled trial conducted in the Netherlands demonstrated that a modest supplementation of MK7 helped increase the level of K2 in the blood and the bioactivity of osteocalcin .

Recommended Reading: How Do I Get More Vitamin C

How Do I Take Vitamin K

The most common over the counter forms of vitamin K supplements are water-soluble forms derived from chlorophyll. Antibiotics and other medications interfere with vitamin K absorption and should not be taken with top vitamin K supplements. Some supplements are in fat-soluble forms and are best taken with a source of fat.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Chewable Vitamin C

The Benefits Of A Vitamin K Supplement

Vitamin K2 has several functions in the body, but food sources are somewhat limited, and foods that are rich in this important nutrient have a relatively low presence in the typical Western diet. Humans have the ability to convert vitamin K1 into vitamin K2, but this is a metabolically inefficient process. Certain beneficial bacteria that naturally reside in the human digestive system synthesise vitamin K2, but the use of antibiotics and an imbalance in the microflora of the gut can disrupt the bodys ability to manufacture vitamin K2 for itself.

Simply Supplements BioGoldTM Vitamin K2 provides a reliable and convenient source of vitamin K2, helping to ensure an adequate intake. Current advice on vitamin K requirements for adults is to maintain a daily intake of 1mcg per kilogram of bodyweight, and this product easily fulfils this criteria.

The Best K2 Supplement With A High Absorption Rate: Doctors Best Natural Vitamin K2 Mk

Vitamin K2, when compared to K1, gets absorbed much better. Additionally, it is more available in the blood than K1 . Both these features have a role to play in how Vit K2 benefits the body. It helps to have a greater absorption rate as that means, better bioavailability. This is exactly what Doctors Best Natural Vit K2 offers.

About Doctors Best Natural Vitamin K2 supplements

Their products are manufactured in the US using qualified cGMP manufacturers and are third party tested. Doctors Best uses quality K2 extracted from fermented chickpeas. They are gluten-free and soy-free. Their veggie-based gels make them completely vegan too.

The small amount of rosemary extract in the product has an added bonus of helping in the bile, which aids in fat digestion .

What it Contains:

1 veggie capsule includes:

• Vitamin K2 100mcg

Along with ascorbyl palmitate and rosemary extract, all rolled into a vegetarian capsule.

The manufacturers recommend consuming one capsule daily with your meal.

The Pros:

• Gluten and soy-free
• Vegan

Summary: Doctors Best Natural Vitamin K2 supplement uses natural MenaQ7 purified from fermented chickpeas for optimum bioavailability.

Recommended Reading: Which Vitamin Is Good For Your Hair

Bioavailability Of The Cis And Trans Structures

Vitamin K2 MK7 is available in a cis and active trans form. The cis-form of MK7 is considered biologically inactive. In the production process of vitamin K2 there may develop undesirable cis isomers and the product can then hardly be described as all-trans2. Some production methods of K2 vitamins are using chemical solvents. These may remain in the product. Vitamin K2 is only maximum bioavailable if it is 99% in a trans variant . Always check the certificates of your supplier.

Also Check: How Much Vitamin C Should You Have A Day

Id: Vitamin K2 Deficiency Dosage And Supplementation

Vitamin K2 has recently gained popularity in smaller health circles for its many benefits. But are all Vitamin K2 supplements the same?

As a long term approach, I always recommend that my patients aim to get Vitamin K2 from food sources. However, if you cant eat enough K2 rich foods or you have a certain condition, you may need to supplement your Vitamin K2.

Before choosing a Vitamin K2 supplement, you should understand that theyre not all the same.

Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Elderberry Vitamins

A Final Few Words About Vitamin K2

When it comes to making sure our bodies function properly, Vitamin K2 is incredibly important. Without it, our blood wouldnt clot, our bones wouldnt develop as they should, or stay healthy and strong, and any wounds would heal with great difficulty. Vitamin K2 is right up there in terms of making sure some of the fundamental workings of the human body take place.

While Vitamin K2 isnt one of the more common vitamins to be lacking in, deficiencies can occur. Vitamin K2 levels can be increased either by eating Vitamin K2 foods or taking supplements. If you are planning on doing the latter, check with your GP first before you do so to identify the cause of your deficiency and make sure youre taking the right amount of Vitamin K2 for you.

For more information about Vitamin K, particularly in relation to babies, check out this article, Vitamin K for babies.

5 March 2021

Take Vitamin D3 And K2 Separately

Take your Vitamin K2 supplement with your dinner that includes dietary fat or at bedtime, 8 to 12 hours after you take your Vitamin D3.

Most people take their D3 with breakfast and K2 at dinner time and this seems sensible, as some research shows that D3 is more effective if not taken at the same time as K2.

You May Like: What Is The Best Form Of Vitamin D Supplement

Life Extension Super K With Advanced K2 Complex

Life Extension Super K is a soft gel vitamin K supplement that provides a blend of vitamin K1 and K2. This fat-soluble source of vitamin K is more easily digested due to the addition of extra virgin olive oil found within the capsule, and the addition of vitamin C helps supports the immune system.

Specs

• 2600 mcg Vitamin K Activity From:
• 1500 mcg Vitamin K1

Who Makes It?

Life Extension is a health and wellness company that has been serving consumers for over 35 years. They use the highest quality raw ingredients in their over 350 products. The brand has also contributed to years of scientific research in order to remain innovative.

Bottom Line:

This is one of the most effective vitamin K products on the market complete with both forms of vitamin K. It is manufactured by a reputable brand that offers a satisfaction guarantee.

Recommended Reading: What Happens If Vitamin B12 Is Low

How Do Vitamins K1 And K2 Work

Vitamin K activates proteins that play a role in blood clotting, calcium metabolism and heart health.

One of its most important functions is to regulate calcium deposition. In other words, it promotes the calcification of bones and prevents the calcification of blood vessels and kidneys (

Therefore, anything that can reduce this calcium accumulation may help prevent heart disease.

Vitamin K is believed to help by preventing calcium from being deposited in your arteries .

In one study spanning 710 years, people with the highest intake of vitamin K2 were 52% less likely to develop artery calcification and had a 57% lower risk of dying from heart disease .

Another study in 16,057 women found that participants with the highest intake of vitamin K2 had a much lower risk of heart disease for every 10 mcg of K2 they consumed per day, heart disease risk was reduced by 9% .

On the other hand, vitamin K1 had no influence in either of those studies.

However, keep in mind that the above studies are observational studies, which cannot prove cause and effect.

The few controlled studies that have been conducted used vitamin K1, which seems to be ineffective .

Long-term controlled trials on vitamin K2 and heart disease are needed.

Still, there is a highly plausible biological mechanism for its effectiveness and strong positive correlations with heart health in observational studies.

Osteoporosis which translates to porous bones is a common problem in Western countries.

You May Like: How Much Vitamin B12 Should You Take Per Day

Other Vitamin K2 Benefits Include:

• Vitamin K2 is good for heart health

Vitamin K2 helps to direct calcium to the bones and prevent it from being deposited where it shouldn’t be, for example arteries and organs, where it can cause harm.8 According to The Rotterdam Study research, in which men were studied for more than 15 years, the highest intake of Vitamin K2 was linked with a lower risk of heart-related issues, including cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease mortality.9

• Its good for bone health

Vitamin K3 activates the proteins that help regulate calcium deposition. This means that it supports the calcification of bones and prevents calcium deposits from forming in the blood vessels.10 A study of Japanese postmenopausal women, who ate Natto, found that they experienced lower bone loss over time.11

• And dental health too

Due to the fact the protein thats needed to build strong teeth, osteocalcin, is the same one activated by Vitamin K2 to regulate bone calcification. However, its important to flag here that research in relation to this particular benefit is limited at present.12