The best vitamin K2 supplement brands available on the market today are reviewed for you in this post. Finding a quality vitamin K2 is critical for many people’s health, so it is worth your time to investigate the best vitamin K2 brands. Vitamin K2’s emerging health benefits are explored here for you as well.
As with any change in your healthcare routine, make sure to ask your doctor or healthcare provider about taking vitamin K2.
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Best vitamin K2 supplement ranked
Overall best vitamin K2 supplements
1. Jarrow K Right
With natural vitamin K2 derived from natto, Jarrow K-Right tops the list for the best vitamin K2 supplement. It also contains all the natural kinds of vitamin K that people need.
One type is called the quick-acting menaquinone 4 (MK-4), so the body gets benefits very quickly. By also having the longer-acting variety of vitamin K2 called menaquinone-7 (MK7), you will receive optimal benefits. This is because menaquinone is the type of vitamin K2 that has the most research behind it.
This supplement also contains the highest dose of full-spectrum vitamin K, with 500 mcg of vitamin K1, 1500 mcg MK4, and 180 mcg of MK7.
With a modest dose of vitamin D3, this supplement will help optimize many aspects of health. Jarrow is also a certified GMP company, which means that this product has been optimized for quality and purity.
Pros:
- Highly rated product and reputable company
- Highest concentration of vitamin K2 from vitaMK7®
- 99% of all-trans Menaquinone7 (MK-7), the only active form of vitamin K2
- No impurities
- Naturally sourced vitamin K2
- Third-party certified by good manufacturing practices
- No fillers or harmful additives, with extra virgin olive oil, glycerin, gelatin, and purified water with organic caramel for color
- Each bottle contains a 2-month supply
- Made in the USA
- Soy free and wheat free
Cons:
- GMO status not disclosed, but ingredients unlikely to be genetically modified
- Price is higher than some other competitors
- Not meant for vegan diets
2. Life Extension Super K
Life Extension Super K supplement comes from a very reputable company that is rated a top supplement merchant among supplement users by ConsumerLabs.com. They have a great return policy and customers are very loyal to this brand. They even offer competitive pricing on lab test kits that you can take to your local lab.
Its primary vitamin K2 comes from MK4, which is usually found in dairy, but you would need to eat grass-fed dairy and a lot of it to make a difference in your health.
With ascorbyl palmitate as its preservative, a little bit of vitamin C is all that is needed to keep this product shelf-stable.
Pros
- Highly-rated supplement
- Contains a high dose of vitamin K as MK4 at 1000 mcg, MK7 at 100 mcg, and vitamin K1 at 1500 mcg per softgel.
- Only trans MK7, which is the most bioavailable form of vitamin K2
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Manufactured in the USA
- Certificate of Analysis is available as well
- Third party verified
Cons
- Does not contain vitamin D3
- Contains maltodextrin for people who may have food sensitivities to it
- Not vegan if you are on a vegan diet
3. Live Conscious K2 & D3
Live Conscious K2 + D3 is a supplement that supports both bone health, heart health, and immune health. Vitamin K2 is an important cofactor for vitamin D3 to function optimally, and this supplement contains a good ratio of the two.
The company pledges to plant one million trees by partnering with Eden Reforestation Project.
When purchasing this supplement, it is actually most cost-effective to buy directly from the company.
Pros
- Contains natural MenaQ7® at 100 mcg per serving
- Also contains a therapeutic dose of vitamin D3 at 5000 IU per serving
- All-natural ingredients
- Allergen free
- non-GMO
- Each bottle contains a 60-day supply
- Hassle-free returns and satisfaction gauranteed
- Free shipping
Cons
- Not vegan
- Some people complain of issues with the seal when purchased from Amazon
- Avoid if you are allergic to chickpeas
- Does not contain MK4
Best vitamin K2 bargain
4. Now Liquid Vitamin D3& MK7
By far the most economical way to get a good dose of vitamin K2 along with vitamin D3 is to purchase Now Brand Liquid Vitamin D3& MK7. Not only is it reasonable, but this brand also has a longstanding excellent reputation for quality and purity. The other major perk of this supplement is that it is suitable for people who don’t like pills or for people who find taking pills too much like taking medicine.
Because this supplement is in a liquid form, it also has zero additives or fillers. It simply contains MCT oil from coconut oil or palm kernel oil.
5 drops per day will give you 2500 IU of vitamin D3 and 100 mcg of MK7 that is from the patented and natural MenaQ7®.
Pros
- By far the best bagain vitamin K2 supplement
- Contains the patented MenaQ7
- Like all vitamin K supplements it is best when taken with a fat-containing meal.
- GMP Quality Assured: NPA A-rated GMP certification means that every aspect of the NOW manufacturing process has been examined, including our laboratory/testing methods (for stability, potency, and product formulation).
- Packaged in the USA
- Longstanding company that is both family owned and operated company since 1968
- Contains 163 servings per bottle
Cons
- Avoid if you are allergic to chickpeas
- Does not contain MK4
Best vitamin K2 gummies
5. Zhou Vitamin D3 & K2 Gummies
Some people simply don’t like taking a pill form of vitamins so gummy vitamin K2 is the way to go for them. The best gummy vitamin K2 is Zhou Gummies D3+K2 brand. This is because it is the most affordable, is all-natural, tastes great, and gets great reviews.
Zhou is a Utah-based supplement company that has lab verification of all incoming ingredients and finished products. It meets the strict criteria of GMP certification as well.
Make sure to take this supplement with a rich meal because vitamin K2 is fat-soluble.
Pros
- Contains 5000 IU (125 mcg) vitamin D3 and 90 mcg menaquinone
- Tastes great
- Gets great reviews
- GMP certified
- Made in the United States
- Contains 60 servings per bottle
- Bargain supplement compared to most brands
- All vegan
Cons
- The source of menaquinone isn’t listed
- Contains sugar but it is only 1 gram of it
6. Mary Ruths D3 & K2 Gummies
Mary Ruth’s D3& K2 Gummies are flavored with peach, mango & apricot with great reviews for taste. The natural vitamin K2 in this product is derived from natto, which is commonly eaten in Japan as a natural source of vitamin K2.
It’s no surprise that most people lack vitamin K2, so this is a great option for anyone who is looking to help maintain heart health and bone health.
The majority of Americans do not get enough K2 in their diet and research shows that both are critical for maintaining strong bones at any age.
*This supplement is appropriate for children who are 2 years or older. As always, consult with your doctor or healthcare professional prior to using any dietary supplement.
Pros
- Highly rated for taste and quality
- Contains 60 servings
- Vegan Formula: each gummy contains vitamin D3 25mcg (1000IU); Vitamin K2 from lichen, 100mg calcium, and 100mcg of vitamin K2 from natto.
- Also contains calcium 100 mg per serving
- Other ingredients include Organic Tapioca Syrup, Organic Cane Sugar, Purified Water, Pectin, Natural Flavor (Peach, Mango, Apricot, French Vanilla), Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Natural Beta Carotene, and Organic Sunflower Oil.
- Free of major allergens including dairy, wheat, and soy
- Safe for children ages 2 and up
Cons
- Contains sugar, but only 1 gram
- Lower dose vitamin D3 so may not meet your needs
Best vegan vitamin K2 supplement
7. Sports Research D3 & K2
Sports Research D3+K2 is a very highly rated vitamin K2 supplement that contains vegan vitamin K2 and vegan vitamin D3 derived from VegaDElight™ lichen and vitamin K2 from MenaQ7®. This form of vitamin K2 is the most validated by research studies to date.
The only other ingredients are Virgin Coconut Oil and a vegan certified PlantGel™ capsule. This means there are no synthetic additives or fillers in this high-quality supplement.
Pros
- Contains 5000 IU (125mcg) of Vegan Vitamin D3 & 100 mcg of Vitamin K2 as MK-7
- Made with VegaDElight™ – a plant based form of Vitamin D3 from lichen and MenaQ7® which is a patent form of vitamin K2 (MK7) from Chickpea
- 100% Plant based – Vegan Certified
- Non-Gmo Verified
- Soy, Gluten, Gelatin & Carrageenan free
- Contains organic Coconut Oil-derived medium chain triglycerides and no additives or fillers
- Manufactured in a cGMP Facility
- Made in the USA
- 90-day money back return policy
Cons
Avoid if you have a chickpea allergy
Honorable mention
8. Doctors Best Natural MK7
Doctor’s Best Natural Vitamin K2 plus D3 is a reputable supplement that contains modest amounts of vitamin K2 as natural vitamin K2 in MK-7 MenaQ7®. This form of vitamin K2 helps inhibit calcification in cartilage and vessel walls to help prevent arterial calcification according to research.
By doing so, it may help protect your body from cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, Doctor’s Best contains a modest dose of supplemental vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which may also help control blood pressure and improve heart function.
This product is a good value and contains a good dose of vitamin K2, but contains more additives and fillers than other products. For this reason, this brand is considered an honorable mention brand.
Pros
- Highly-rated product
- Doctor’s Best is a GMP certified company
- Contains a high ratio of vitamin K2 to vitamin D3
- Uses the dose most frequently researched in clinical trials for vitamin K2 as MenaQ7®
- Contains a 60-day supply
- Vegetarian supplement
- Free of major allergens like gluten and soy
- Preserved with rosemary extract and vitamin C
Cons
- Contains maltodextrin, sucrose, magnesium stearate, and modified food starch
- Avoid if you have a chickpea allergy
Why do you need vitamin K2?
If you are eating leafy greens and believe you are getting all the vitamin K you need to be healthy…..you are only partly right. Vitamin K2 is a newly discovered and critical nutrient that is often missing in Western diets.
Maybe vitamin K is a mystery to you altogether. If so, it is important to know that there are two classes of vitamin K:
- Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2
The most beneficial type of vitamin K from a health standpoint is vitamin K2.
Within the class of vitamin K2, there are several forms of this nutrient. The most well-known types of vitamin K2 are called menaquinone-4 (MK4) and menaquinone-7 (MK7).
On the other hand, vitamin K1 is known as phylloquinone. Its roles in health seem to be limited to help with proper blood clotting.
Where do you get vitamin K2 in foods?
The highest source of vitamin K2 of any food currently known is a fermented soybean product called natto. Unfortunately, most people have never even heard of natto, so they are unlikely to be eating enough vitamin K2 in their diet. Natto contains a specific kind of vitamin K2 called menaquinone 7 (MK7).
Other fermented foods like aged cheese contain small amounts of vitamin K2.
You may get a little bit of vitamin K2 from leafy greens too. This is because small amounts of vitamin K1 get made into vitamin K2 in the gut, but research is still unclear about how much is made.
Vitamin K2 is also found in small amounts in meats and dairy, especially grass-fed meats.
This form of vitamin K2 is called MK4 if it is found in meat or cheese. Find out more about food vitamin K content here.
Factors that affect vitamin K2 levels
The vitamin K family of vitamins is fat-soluble, meaning it absorbs better when eating it with a fatty meal.
Vitamin K2 comes in many forms as mentioned above, including MK-4, MK-7 through MK-11. These are all found naturally in foods.
However, there are many factors that can reduce the effectiveness of vitamin K2 in the body, such as:
- The quality of the food, such as the soil derived it is derived from-changes the amount of vitamin K2 in the food
- Inadequate vitamin D3 levels in your body reduce the effectiveness of vitamin K2
- Poor magnesium intake
- Leaky gut or inflammatory bowel diseases
- Cholesterol medications and other medications like antibiotics
Vitamin K2 bone health benefits
Research shows that vitamin K2 helps build and maintain strong bones.
Osteocalcin, a bone-building hormone, requires vitamin K2 to be made.
And, vitamin K2 is much more effective in increasing osteocalcin than vitamin K2 than vitamin K1. Vitamin K2 supplements increase osteocalcin levels by 7-8 times more than vitamin K1 at identical dosing levels (R).
Vitamin K2 may help bone density and reduce bone fracture risk too.
A rigorous clinical trial of vitamin K2 helped improve bone density as much as drug therapy (R).
Another research trial showed that 45 mg/day of vitamin K2 improved bone mineral content and femoral bone width in postmenopausal women (R).
Of note, this was a large clinical trial that was conducted over three years, which strengthens the validity of the results.
Related post: 5 Reasons Why Kids Need a Vitamin K2 Supplement
Vitamin K2 improves cardiovascular health
Vitamin K2 may have some anti-aging effects when it comes to the cardiovascular system.
For example, a high intake of vitamin K2 is related to reduced levels of cardiovascular calcification, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality in numberous studies (R, R, R).
A study of 215 postmenopausal women receiving vitamin K2 had (R):
- Reduced body fat, specifically visceral fat (harmful fat in your abdominal organ area)
- Reduced body weight
- Improved adiponectin levels (regulates glucose and fat breakdown)
What is more, this was a 3-year study, making it likely that its weight and fat loss benefits may be long-lasting. As you may know, healthy body weight and lower abdominal fat help to reduce your risk of major diseases like heart disease.
How does vitamin K2 help heart health?
Vitamin K2 is responsible for the activation of proteins in the body called gla-proteins.
One of the gla proteins involved in cardiovascular health is matrix gla protein.
Matrix gla protein is involved in aiding a growth factor involved in bone-building, but also regulating vascular smooth muscle cells (R).
Another way of looking at it is that it likely keeps the calcium where it needs to be; in the bones and not in your heart.
More supporting cardiovascular benefits of vitamin K for heart health include:
- Vitamin K2 blocks calcification of blood vessels (vascular smooth muscle cells) (R).
- MK-7 supplementation reduces arterial stiffness markers in postmenopausal women (R).
One small study of patients with severe kidney disease received vitamin K2 (R). Total cholesterol improved as well as a reduction in “bad” or LDL cholesterol was seen.
In early animal research, vitamin K2 also (R):
- Reduced heart disease (in the thoracic aorta)
- Reduced total cholesterol
- The cholesterol content of the thoracic arch was reduced
- Markers of inflammation and excessive clotting were also significantly improved
May reduce the negative effects of statin drugs
Statin drugs inhibit vitamin K function. In theory, supplementation may help reduce some of the negative side effects of these drugs (R).
Vitamin K2 may reduce mitochondrial aging
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of energy production within most cells of the body. Diseases of aging like Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases are related to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Vitamin K2 in the brain mitochondria is highly concentrated, with a high level of activity of MK-4 in brain astrocytes (R).
Vitamin K2 and coenzyme Q10 of the mitochondria share similar structures and both are involved in the health of the mitochondria within each cell.
Why is this important to prevent symptoms of aging and protect mitochondria?
Vitamin K2 is crucial in the formation of energy, or electron transport [R]. This nutrient is an anti-oxidant in the body that helps reduce the aging of mitochondria in virtually all cell types (R).
Recently, high dose vitamin K2 as menatetrenone significantly reduced fracture risk in Alzheimer’s patients. This disorder is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction (R).
Vitamin K2 helps reduce diabetes complications
Type 2 diabetes causes the body to age faster due to the damages of excessive glucose in the body as well as often accompanying elevations in circulating hormones.
Diabetes is multifactorial in nature, but nutrition is a cornerstone to mitigating its effects.
Both vitamin K1 and K2 may reduce the risk of diabetes (R).
A recent study even shows that high Vitamin K2 intake may reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance [R].
Another large Dutch study found that both vitamin K1 and K2 were associated with a reduction in diabetes risk by about 20% (R).
A form of vitamin K2 called menatetrenone at 90 mg a day (that’s a lot) versus placebo increased insulin sensitivity index and carboxylated osteocalcin over a period of 4 weeks, and was well-tolerated (R).
In an animal model, vitamin K2 also helps normalize blood glucose(R).
Vitamin K2 may help prevent kidney disease complications
Vitamin K2 deficiency among severe kidney disease, called end-stage kidney disease, increases the risk of aortic calcification by almost 3 times (R).
Three clinical trials of vitamin K2 given to patients on hemodialysis resulted in improvements in a matrix gla protein, which inhibits calcification.
The first of these found that most hemodialysis patients are deficient in vitamin K (R).
“Pharmacologic” or large doses of vitamin K were safe and helpful related to improving matrix gla protein as well (R).
Another study found the same results: profound vitamin K2 deficiency with improvements in numerous parameters after supplementation at high doses(R).
Vitamin K2 also appears to reduce arterial stiffness in hemodialysis patients(R).
Currently, vitamin K2 is not part of the standard of care in kidney disease patients. Many are on warfarin, so the use of vitamin K2 needs to be discussed with your doctor first.
Vitamin K2 may reduce cancer risk
Several types of cancer risk seem to be reduced with higher intakes of vitamin K2, including a 63% reduction in prostate cancer risk (R).
A high intake of both vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 is related to a reduction in all-cause mortality and reduction in cancer rates (R).
Vitamin K2 may increase survival rates of patients with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and may reduce liver cancer recurrence. and improve survival (R, R, R).
It is important to note that this research is preliminary, but vitamin K2 as part of a healthy lifestyle is likely to reduce the risk of multiple types of cancer.
Vitamin K2 may improve brain health
Low vitamin K intake overall is associated with the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease (R).
This nutrient may be helpful for the brain because vitamin K2 is required for the production of a substance in the brain called sphingolipids. These are involved in making the structure of neurons.
Research conducted in recent years linked sphingolipid to the aging process, including disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease (R).
Vitamin K2 is also involved in the formation of myelin, the protective coating of the nerves.
Animal research indicates that vitamin K2 supplementation may reduce coronary calcification and improve lipid metabolism as above, supporting a beneficial role in brain health.
Natto, which is rich in vitamin K2, reduced the development of B amyloid in the brains of animals (R).
A recent study also showed that K2 reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in rats (R).
While it is too soon to say for sure that vitamin K2 works the same in people, vitamin K2 certainly can’t hurt in the meantime.
Vitamin K2 supplementation and dosing
It is important to remember that no nutrient works in isolation. All nutrients work together better when they are in balance with other nutrients. For example, vitamin K2 works better with adequate amounts of vitamin D and A (R).
For a very thorough description of vitamin K2 forms and dosing, click here, visit Chris Masterjohn’s blog about vitamin K2.
Doses of vitamin K2 in human studies vary widely, typically from tiny doses of 90 micrograms up to big doses of 90 mg; this is a 1000 fold difference in range. All of these doses were safe.
In nature, vitamin K2 occurs in multiple forms.
For the best vitamin K2 supplement, it may be wise to get the kinds that have both MK-4 and MK-7.
Other varieties of menaquinone exist, but they have much less research so far.
Vitamin K2 risks
No toxicity occurs in vitamin K from food or supplements in any of its various forms of vitamin K1 or K2 (R). Therefore, no upper limit for safety for intake has been set.
The recommended daily intake for vitamin K is 90 ug for women and 120 ugs for men: these recommendations do not take into account possible K2 benefits for health except for clotting factors.
If you are on warfarin or other blood-thinning medication, make sure to check in with your healthcare provider first before adding any vitamin K.
Otherwise, vitamin K2 is essentially non-toxic, with no known adverse effects of supplementation. However, if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in vitamin K2 supplements, it’s best to avoid it.
Disclaimer: The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body and is shared for educational purposes only. While The Healthy RD’s posts are backed by research, you are unique, so you must seek care from your own dietitian or healthcare provider. This post is not meant to diagnose or treat any conditions. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement regimen or lifestyle.
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