Vitamin K2: The Benefits, Sources, and Best Supplements
Vitamin K2 is an essential nutrient that has been gaining more attention in recent years. It is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it is stored in the body’s fat tissues. This vitamin is essential for healthy blood clotting, and it is also beneficial for bone health. Vitamin K2 is also an important nutrient for cardiovascular health and for the prevention of certain cancers. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits, sources, and best supplements of vitamin K2.
What is Vitamin K2?
Vitamin K2 is a form of vitamin K that is found in some animal products and fermented foods. It is also produced by bacteria in the intestines. Vitamin K2 is important for the body to use calcium to form bones and teeth and to keep them healthy. It also plays a role in preventing heart disease, bone fractures, and cancer.
Benefits of Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 has many health benefits, including:
- Promotes strong bones and teeth by helping the body use calcium
- Helps prevent heart disease by preventing the buildup of calcium in the arteries
- Prevents bone fractures by keeping bones strong and healthy
- Reduces the risk of certain cancers, including prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels
- Improves brain health and memory
Sources of Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 is found in animal products, fermented foods, and some plant sources. Here are some of the best sources of vitamin K2:
- Egg yolks
- Organ meats, such as liver and kidney
- Cheese
- Natto (fermented soybeans)
- Miso (fermented soybean paste)
- Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage)
- Kefir (fermented milk)
- Green leafy vegetables, such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard
- Broccoli and Brussels sprouts
- Olive oil
- Avocados
- Fruits, such as kiwi, strawberries, and blueberries
- Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, pistachios, and sunflower seeds
Best Supplements for Vitamin K2
If you are unable to get enough vitamin K2 from your diet, you may want to consider taking a supplement. Vitamin K2 is available in several forms, including MK-4, MK-7, and MK-9. MK-4 is the form of vitamin K2 found in animal products, while MK-7 and MK-9 are forms found in fermented foods. Here are some of the best supplements for vitamin K2:
- NatureWise Vitamin K2 MK-7 with MenaQ7
- Life Extension Vitamin K2 MK-7 with MenaQ7
- Life Extension Super K with Advanced K2 Complex
- Jarrow Formulas MK-7
- Doctor’s Best Vitamin K2
- Thorne Research Vitamin K2 MK-7
- Garden of Life Vitamin K2 MK-7
- Solgar Vitamin K2 MK-7
Conclusion
Vitamin K2 is an essential nutrient that is important for healthy blood clotting and bone health. It is also beneficial for cardiovascular health and for the prevention of certain cancers. Vitamin K2 is found in animal products, fermented foods, and some plant sources. If you are unable to get enough vitamin K2 from your diet, you may want to consider taking a supplement. There are several forms of vitamin K2 supplements available, including MK-4, MK-7, and MK-9. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements to make sure they are right for you.