Vitamin K Guide

Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that supports healthy bones and helps the body use calcium properly. Learn about vitamin K2, MK-7, and how vitamin K works with nutrients such as vitamin D.

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

What does vitamin K do?

Vitamin K supports normal blood clotting and helps maintain healthy bones.¹

What is vitamin K2?

Vitamin K2 is one form of vitamin K. Supplements can provide it as forms such as menaquinone-7, or MK-7.¹

Why are vitamin K2 and D3 often combined?

Vitamin D3 helps the body absorb calcium, while vitamin K2 helps support how calcium is used in the bones.

Can vitamin K interact with blood thinners?

Yes. Vitamin K can interact with blood-thinning medications, so healthcare guidance is important before using a supplement.

What is vitamin K?

Vitamin K is an essential, fat-soluble vitamin involved in normal blood clotting and bone health. 

There are different forms. Vitamin K1 is also called phytonadione, while vitamin K2 includes forms called menaquinones. Jamieson’s current Vitamin K2 + D3 formula uses menaquinone-7, or MK-7. 

How does vitamin K support the body?

Vitamin K helps the blood clot normally and supports the development and maintenance of healthy bones. 

Vitamin K2 also supports how the body uses calcium in bones. That’s why vitamin K2 is often paired with vitamin D3: vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, while vitamin K supports its use in maintaining healthy bones. 

Which health goals can vitamin K support?

Bone Health

Vitamin K helps support the development and maintenance of healthy bones.¹

Everyday Wellness

Vitamin K is an essential nutrient involved in normal blood clotting and overall health.¹

Calcium Utilization

Vitamin K2 supports how the body uses calcium as part of maintaining healthy bones.

How can vitamin K fit into your routine?

Vitamin K is part of everyday nutrition and is especially relevant when bone health is a priority. 

  • Eat a varied diet: Green vegetables are important sources of vitamin K1, while some fermented foods and animal foods can provide forms of vitamin K2. 
  • For bone health: Vitamin K works alongside nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. 
  • As you get older: Supporting bone strength becomes increasingly important with age. 
  • Keep intake consistent if you use blood thinners: Changes in vitamin K intake can affect some anticoagulant medications, so follow your healthcare practitioner’s guidance. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

What should you look for in a vitamin K supplement?

Start with the form of vitamin K and whether you want it on its own or paired with another bone-health nutrient.

  • Check the form: Vitamin K supplements may provide K1 or different forms of K2.¹ 
  • Look for MK-7: Jamieson’s current formula provides vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7, or MK-7. 
  • Compare the amount: Jamieson Vitamin K2 + D3 provides 120 mcg of K2 per softgel. 
  • Consider combination formulas: Pairing K2 with D3 can provide complementary bone-health support. 
  • Check medications carefully: Speak with a healthcare practitioner before using vitamin K if you take blood thinners. 
  • Look for an NPN: Choose a licensed natural health product with an eight-digit NPN. 
  • Look for quality: Jamieson products are backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

FAQs

What’s the difference between vitamin K1 and vitamin K2?

Vitamin K1 and K2 are different forms of the same essential vitamin. Health Canada recognizes vitamin K1 as phytonadione and vitamin K2 in several menaquinone forms, including MK-7.¹

What is MK-7?

MK-7 stands for menaquinone-7, a form of vitamin K2. Jamieson Vitamin K2 + D3 provides 120 mcg of MK-7 per softgel.

Why does Jamieson combine vitamin K2 with vitamin D3?

Jamieson’s current formula combines the nutrients because vitamin D3 helps increase calcium absorption, while K2 supports how calcium is used in the bones.

Sources

1. Health Canada. Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/dbImages/1016 

2. Health Canada. Dietary Reference Intakes Tables: Reference Values for Vitamins.[Text Wrapping Break]https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/dietary-reference-intakes/tables/reference-values-vitamins.html