{"id":605996,"date":"2025-12-01T20:56:14","date_gmt":"2025-12-01T20:56:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/605996\/"},"modified":"2025-12-01T20:56:14","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T20:56:14","slug":"vitamin-k2-benefits-a-dietitian-wants-you-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/605996\/","title":{"rendered":"Vitamin K2 Benefits a Dietitian Wants You to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oftentimes, vitamin C<\/a> (for your immune system) and vitamin B<\/a> (for nerve health and energy) get the attention. But a dietitian says vitamin K<\/a>, specifically vitamin K2, may be worth adding to your routine.<\/p>\n

Meet the experts: Avery Zenker, R.D.<\/a>, a registered dietitian in Ontario, Canada; Sandip Sachar, D.D.S., at Sachar Dental NYC<\/a> <\/p>\n

Before incorporating any supplement to your stack, be sure to connect with your healthcare provider, so you don\u2019t start to exhibit signs you\u2019re taking too many vitamins<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What is vitamin K2?<\/p>\n

As a whole, vitamin K<\/a> primarily supports blood clotting and bone health. It\u2019s found in<\/a> leafy green vegetables like kale or broccoli, blueberries, figs, and certain fats and oils, such as olive oil. But \u201cvitamin K\u201d is actually an umbrella term<\/a> for several different forms of the nutrient, the most prominent of which are vitamins K1 and K2. <\/p>\n

\u201cVitamin K1 and K2 are similar but different in a number of ways. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinones) have different chemical structures, functions in the body, and sources,\u201d Avery Zenker, R.D.<\/a>, a registered dietitian in Ontario, Canada, says. \u201cThe main function of vitamin K1 is its role in blood clotting, while vitamin K2 is known for its role in bone and cardiovascular support.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vitamin K2 benefits<\/p>\n

Digging deeper into the specific benefits of K2<\/a>, it actually plays a critical role in keeping your heart healthy. This is because K2 activates \u201ckey regulators that help bind calcium to bone and teeth, while preventing calcification in blood vessels,\u201d explains Sandip Sachar, D.D.S., at Sachar Dental NYC<\/a>. \u201cThis ensures that calcium strengthens the bone and tooth structure and does not accumulate in blood vessels where it causes harm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although research into the different benefits of K2 vs other types of vitamin K is ongoing, a large, long-term study<\/a> observed that high intake of vitamin K2 was associated with a lower risk of peripheral arterial disease, particularly in participants with hypertension or diabetes. The study found that vitamin K1 intake was not associated with the same risk reduction.<\/p>\n

In addition to supporting cardiovascular health, Zenker says K2 may also reduce the risk of bone fractures by helping direct calcium towards bones, while Sachar similarly notes that going without it may compromise tooth stability.<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout vitamin K2, calcium may not be properly deposited into the teeth and fails to strengthen their connection to the jaw bones,\u201d she says. \u201cPatients with poor dietary intake of vitamin K have often shown signs of bone loss, enamel loss, and slower healing.\u201d<\/p>\n

How to get more vitamin K2<\/p>\n

Understanding which foods are good sources of vitamin K2 (and K1) specifically, as opposed to just vitamin K overall, is important to ensure you\u2019re getting all the nutrients your body needs for these necessary functions.<\/p>\n

Zenker suggests looking towards fermented foods like sauerkraut, miso, and natto, as well as liver and egg yolks, to get an adequate amount of vitamin K2 in your diet. Cheese, butter, and chicken can also be good sources<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s increasing evidence that some individuals may benefit from a vitamin K2 supplement,\u201d she adds. \u201cIt\u2019s recommended to discuss with a healthcare provider before starting any vitamin K2 supplements, especially if you\u2019re taking blood-thinning medications.\u201d<\/p>\n

And as long as you\u2019re working on your vitamin K2 intake, make sure you\u2019re getting enough vitamin D, as both work in tandem<\/a> to promote bone health throughout your body.<\/p>\n

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