Vitamin K1 vs. Vitamin K2: What’s the Difference?
Vitamin K is one of the important fat-soluble vitamins in our body, and it plays a key role in blood clotting and bone health. However, vitamin K is largely divided into two forms, and each performs different physiological functions. They are **vitamin K1 (phylloquinone)** and **vitamin K2 (menaquinone)**. Let's find out the difference between the two and what each role is.
Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone): A vitamin primarily responsible for blood clotting.
Vitamin K1 is found primarily in vegetables . Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and kale are the main sources of vitamin K1. The main role of vitamin K1 is in blood clotting . Our bodies need clotting factors to prevent injuries and bleeding. Vitamin K1 helps these clotting factors work properly and plays an important role in preventing bleeding.
Key Features:
- Plant sources: found in large quantities in vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables
- Essential for blood clotting: Helps to quickly clot when injured or bleeding
- Absorption rate: Relatively low absorption rate during digestion
However, vitamin K1 is mainly involved in blood clotting and has a limited role in bone health or the cardiovascular system . This is why many people have turned to vitamin K2 to enhance vitamin K's bone-related functions.
Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone): A vitamin responsible for bone and cardiovascular health
Vitamin K2 is commonly found in fermented foods and animal foods . For example, natto (fermented soy product), cheese, and egg yolk are major sources of vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 is in the form of menaquinone (MK) , which is divided into several subtypes (MK-4, MK-7, etc.). Among these, MK-7 in particular has a high absorption rate and a longer half-life in the body, providing great benefits for bone health and cardiovascular health .
Key Features:
- Important for bone health: Vitamin K2 helps calcium move from the blood to the bones , increasing bone density and preventing osteoporosis.
- Protects cardiovascular health: Prevents calcium from accumulating in blood vessels , reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
- Sourced from fermented foods and animal foods: found in foods such as natto, cheese, and eggs
- Absorption and Duration in the Body: Vitamin K2, especially the MK-7 form, remains in the body longer and is absorbed more efficiently.
Vitamin K1 and K2: Why You Need Both
Vitamin K1 and K2 are both essential for our bodies, but they have different functions. Simply put, vitamin K1 is primarily involved in blood clotting , while vitamin K2 supports bone and cardiovascular health through calcium metabolism . It is important to understand the complementary roles of the two vitamins.
Why is Vitamin K2 more important?
Most modern people's diets are sufficiently rich in vitamin K1, but vitamin K2 intake is often very low . Vitamin K2 deficiency can be serious, especially when the intake of fermented foods and animal foods decreases. If vitamin K2 is deficient, calcium cannot be transported properly, which weakens the bones, and calcium can accumulate in the blood vessels, causing serious health problems such as arteriosclerosis.
conclusion
Vitamin K1 and K2 are essential nutrients that play an important role in blood clotting and bone and cardiovascular health, respectively. Vitamin K2, in particular, is a nutrient that is often lacking in the modern diet, and supplementing it is very important for maintaining long-term health. Therefore, it is recommended to protect bone and blood vessel health through vitamin K2 supplements along with a balanced diet .
Replenish your nutritional deficiencies and maintain a healthy life with a variety of supplements containing Vitamin K2!
