You may or may not be familiar with vitamin K2, a nutrient belonging to the vitamin K family that’s been studied for its many benefits. This vitamin helps make the proteins we need for proper blood coagulation and plays a role in supporting the health of our heart.
But as promising as all this sounds, you may be wondering: is vitamin K2 safe for me? Does it serve the same function as a blood thinner?
Vitamin K2 is not a blood thinner. On the contrary, it helps promote blood coagulation or thickening. This allows our bodies to avoid excessive bleeding and bruising when sustaining an injury.
While most of us can benefit greatly from adding this vitamin to our diet, it may not be for everyone. Certain groups should limit their intake of vitamin K2 and talk with their doctor before taking it.
So how do you know if vitamin K2 is suitable for you? Look no further - we have all the information you need to determine if it’s time to add this vitamin into your diet.
Does Vitamin K2 affect blood clotting?
Yes, vitamin K2 affects how our blood clots and operates within the body.
K2’s role in blood coagulation is essential - when our blood is too thin, we can experience dangerous bleeding levels and slowed recovery of wounds. In some cases, blood that’s too thin can even be lethal.
But blood clotting isn’t the only way this vitamin supports our circulatory system.
Studies also show that vitamin K2 may significantly reduce morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular health by lowering vascular calcification. How does it do this?
Vitamin K2 helps us transport essential minerals like calcium through our blood. This prevents an over-accumulation of calcium in our blood lining, which research suggests can cause cardiovascular disease.
So while vitamin K2 does contribute to blood clotting, we have to remember that this isn’t a negative thing. A healthy level of blood coagulation is necessary for our health.
Can too much vitamin K cause blood clots?
We’ve learned about how blood clotting can be beneficial to our health - but it’s also important we know that too much blood clotting can cause serious health problems.
So this begs the question: will too much vitamin K cause blood clots? Do I have to worry about vitamin K and vitamin K2 toxicity?
According to studies, vitamin K toxicity is extremely rare. When it does occur, toxicity typically only manifests in infants. The average healthy adult shouldn’t worry about experiencing adverse side effects from their vitamin K intake.
For vitamin K2 specifically, it’s even less likely that we’ll consume enough to notice negative symptoms.
This is because sources of vitamin K2 are minimal, and the average western diet consists of nowhere near enough the amount of vitamin K2 our bodies need. Most of us rely on vitamin K2 supplements to consume the right amount.
FuelOrganics Vegan Vitamin K2 supplement with vitamin C
That being said, certain groups may want to limit their intake of this vitamin. Anyone taking blood thinners, for example, should understand precisely how their medication interacts with vitamin K2.
Vitamin K2 and blood thinners
Warfarin is a popular blood thinner that’s often discussed with vitamin K2.
This drug is an anticoagulant, which means it reduces blood clotting. Warfarin is typically taken by patients who have had issues with blood clots.
So can you take vitamin K2 with warfarin and other blood thinners?
Studies show that vitamin K use in warfarin therapy is safe, although a dosage adjustment is required.
If you decide to take vitamin K or K2 supplements while on blood thinners, it’s essential to consult with a doctor for medical advice and make sure you’re taking a safe amount.
Vitamin K2 benefits
We’ve certainly learned about the beneficial effects vitamin K2 has on blood coagulation and heart health. But what are other vitamin K2 benefits we can take advantage of?
Another important role vitamin K2 plays in our bodies is bone health. Multiple studies have shown that low levels of vitamin K2 are linked to bone loss and an increased risk of fractures.
Vitamin K2 supplementation is considered beneficial in enhancing calcium and vitamin D association, both of which play a critical role in bone health.
Other benefits of vitamin K2 include:
- Improved skin health
- Increased exercise performance
- Improved dental health
- Potential anticancer properties
For more information on the benefits of vitamin K2, check out our article: Top 4 benefits of vitamin k2.
Final thoughts
We must understand how different vitamins affect our bodies so that we can take them safely. When it comes to vitamin K2, the average healthy adult can benefit from increasing their intake of this rare nutrient. The role vitamin K2 plays in blood clotting and heart health is upbeat and often understated.
So if you’re interested in how a vitamin K2 supplement may work for you, there’s no reason not to try it. You now have all the information you need to safely include this nutrient into your diet - make sure you discuss it with your doctor if you have a history of blood clots.
Trusted Sources
- Schwalfenberg G. K. (2017). Vitamins K1 and K2: The Emerging Group of Vitamins Required for Human Health. Journal of nutrition and metabolism, 2017, 6254836. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/6254836
- Beulens JW, Bots ML, Atsma F, Bartelink ML, Prokop M, Geleijnse JM, Witteman JC, Grobbee DE, van der Schouw YT. High dietary menaquinone intake is associated with reduced coronary calcification. Atherosclerosis. 2009 Apr;203(2):489-93. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2008.07.010. Epub 2008 Jul 19. PMID: 18722618.
- Imbrescia K, Moszczynski Z. Vitamin K. [Updated 2021 Jul 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551578/
- Schwalfenberg G. K. (2017). Vitamins K1 and K2: The Emerging Group of Vitamins Required for Human Health. Journal of nutrition and metabolism, 2017, 6254836. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/6254836
- Capozzi A, Scambia G, Migliaccio S, Lello S. Role of vitamin K2 in bone metabolism: a point of view and a short reappraisal of the literature. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2020 Apr;36(4):285-288. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1689554. Epub 2019 Nov 12. PMID: 31711322.