Move over, magnesium; look out, adaptogens; step aside, ashwagandha—Vitamin K is gearing up to be the next big thing in health supplements. But not all Vitamin K is created equal. It’s important to understand the different types, the essential functions of each, and what it should be paired with for maximum effectiveness. 

Vitamin K Unveiled: K1 and K2 Explained

Vitamin K is often overshadowed in discussions about essential nutrients. Everyone seems familiar with Vitamins B, C, and D, but Vitamin K is less understood. This may be due to its complexity, as it comes in two distinct forms—each offering different health benefits. Vitamin K1, primarily known for its role in blood clotting, is abundant in leafy greens. But there's more to the Vitamin K story—particularly Vitamin K2, which plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular and bone health.

Vitamin K2, found in fatty foods and fermented products like natto, is essential for managing where calcium is deposited in the body. Without adequate Vitamin K2, calcium can accumulate in arteries, joints, and soft tissues—leading to calcification, or hardening, of these areas. This can result in cardiovascular issues such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, not to mention potential problems with bone density and stiff joints. Vitamin K2 effectively guides calcium out of arteries, joints, and soft tissues, directing it to where it truly belongs—bones and teeth—enhancing bone and dental health.

Boosting Your Vitamin K2 Intake

To maintain optimal health, ensuring you get enough Vitamin K is crucial. Vitamin K2 is mainly made from bacteria – even gut bacteria. In a perfect world (or a perfectly balanced gut microbiome), our bodies should produce adequate levels of vitamin K naturally. The gut can even convert some K1 into K2. But let’s face it, all of our guts are in a bit of peril and could use some help. Western diets and certain medications, like statins, can disrupt our body's natural ability to produce K2.

Vitamin K2 is fat-soluble and found in fatty foods like high-fat dairy products, egg yolks, natto, liver, sauerkraut, beef, pork and salmon. Incorporating Vitamin K2-rich foods in our diet is one way to harness its health benefits. Another effective approach is to add a quality Vitamin K2 supplement to our routine, especially one made with menaquinone-7, or MK-7.

Menaquinone-7 (MK-7): The Optimal Form of Vitamin K2

Among the various forms of Vitamin K2, menaquinone-7 (MK-7) stands out. Derived from natto, a Japanese soy-based delicacy, MK-7 is renowned for its superior absorption and longevity in the body. MK-7 is nearly completely absorbed and stays in the bloodstream longer than other forms. This allows MK-7 to not only help direct calcium to where it's needed most—our bones and teeth—but also prevents it from accumulating in places where it could cause harm, such as arteries and soft tissues. Since menaquinone-7 has a longer half-life than other forms of Vitamin K2, it is continuously available to tissues outside the liver, ensuring that it is effectively utilized where needed.

Why Pairing Vitamin K2 with Vitamin D3 Matters

Think of Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D3 as the dynamic duo of nutrient support, like Arroz con frijoles or churros y chocolate — always better together. Vitamin D3 promotes calcium production, which is essential for bone health. However, without K2, that calcium might not end up where it’s most needed and could accumulate in less desirable places, such as arteries and joints. When taken together, these nutrients form a synergistic partnership: Vitamin D3 boosts calcium production, and Vitamin K2 directs it to the bones and teeth. This teamwork supports both bone density and cardiovascular health, making them a power team in nutrient supplementation.

The Best Vitamin K Supplements

When selecting a Vitamin K supplement, it's crucial to read labels and ensure that the product contains Vitamin K2, particularly menaquinone-7 — the most effective form of Vitamin K2 available. Many supplements might include Vitamin K but lack this specific, highly effective form. 

Natura Genic’s Vitamin K Supplement features menaquinone-7 (MK-7), designed to support bone, joint, and cardiovascular health while promoting antioxidant activity. This formula ensures that calcium is used effectively throughout your body, promoting overall well-being. For optimal results, consider pairing Vitamin K2 softgels with Vitamin D3 to maximize the results of both nutrients.

Staying informed about your health and understanding how natural supplements enhance well-being help you make informed choices that contribute to longevity and overall vitality. If you’re committed to supporting your heart and bones, we encourage you to try a Vitamin K2 supplement with menaquinone-7. Observe the benefits for yourself and please, share your experiences with us. We're eager to hear how it works for you!

Your Hispanic American Health Store

Health Hispanica® is a Hispanic-American health store specializing in supplements from Hispanic-American-owned brands such as Natura-Genics® and Yerba Farma®. We strive to provide quality and innovative supplements at fair prices and educate our clients and community on healthy living.

The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.