Researchers believe vitamin K2 may help inhibit this buildup ( 26, 27). Vitamin K may also help inhibit the accumulation of calcium in the blood vessels, which is a notable predictor of heart disease. However, scientists still need to do more rigorous research to fully understand the relationship between supplements and bone health ( 25). These benefits may be particularly helpful for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis ( 18, 21, 24). Vitamin K supplements have shown potential in early research to help reduce fracture rates. These may include fractures and diseases of the bone, such as osteoporosis ( 21, 22, 23). Vitamin K plays a significant role in bone growth and metabolism.Ī deficiency of the nutrient has been linked with bone injuries. These micronutrients each have benefits of their own, and they may even share a few similar benefits.įor example, scientists have studied both for their potential effects on bone and heart health ( 17, 18, 19, 20). Regularly consuming foods that are rich sources of vitamin K and potassium can contribute to an overall healthy diet. To keep the body working properly, consume both nutrients in foods or supplements. Unlike vitamin K, potassium is not a vitamin - it’s a mineral. Therefore, having blood potassium levels within normal limits is important for maintaining optimal health ( 14, 15, 16).

Virtually every cell and tissue in the human body needs electrolytes to complete basic functions. Potassium is a mineral that functions as an electrolyte within the human body. Further, scientists need to do more research to investigate how vitamin K2 produced by the gut may influence health ( 10, 11, 12). However, the amount of vitamin K2 the gut produces varies. Gut bacteria also produce small amounts of menaquinones ( 5). They’re often present in animal products and fermented foods. Vitamin K2 is a group of compounds known as menaquinones. It’s also the most common type of vitamin K in the human diet ( 5). Vitamin K1 - also known as phylloquinone - is the type usually found in leafy green vegetables. The most common types of vitamin K are K1 and K2 ( 5, 9). VKDB is a condition that occurs when there’s not enough vitamin K in the body to help form blood clots ( 8). Healthcare providers often give vitamin K1 supplements to infants just after birth to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins the body needs to produce proteins for blood clotting and bone production, among other functions ( 5, 6, 7). May support bone health and benefit blood pressure May support bone and heart health and prevent infant bleeding

Still unclear which forms the body absorbs bestĪn electrolyte that helps cells complete basic functions Vitamin K2 may be more bioavailable than K1 Food, supplements, and small amounts produced in the gutįood, supplements, and in some foods as an additive

Potassium periodic table