Overview
Vitamin K2 can play a role in blood clotting, heart health, and bone health. But you may not consume vitamin K2-containing foods often with the typical Western diet.
What is vitamin K?
Vitamin K was discovered in 1929 as an essential nutrient for blood coagulation, which is the scientific term for blood clotting.
How do vitamins K1 and K2 work?
Vitamin K activates proteins that play a role in blood clotting, calcium metabolism, and heart health.
May help prevent heart disease
Calcium buildup in the arteries around your heart is a huge risk factor for heart disease (5, 6).
May help improve bone health and lower your risk of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis — which translates to the phrase “porous bones” — is a common problem in Western countries.
May improve dental health
Researchers have speculated that vitamin K2 may affect dental health.
May help fight cancer
Cancer is a common cause of death in Western countries.
How to get the vitamin K2 you need
Several widely available foods are rich sources of vitamin K1, but vitamin K2 is less common.