Vitamins and minerals play an important role in maintaining our overall health; they are essential for proper functioning of the body. This is why it’s important to understand their differences, particularly when different types of vitamins share a letter designation like Vitamin K and K2. These two forms of vitamin K have surprisingly different roles in the body despite having some similarities — but how? Keep reading to find out what’s different between these two versions, as well as why it matters that you know which one your diet is missing (if any!)
What is Vitamin K?
- Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin found in plants and animals. This important compound plays an essential role in helping the body maintain strong bones and healthy blood clotting. Vitamin K can be naturally obtained from foods like spinach, broccoli, fish, and eggs.
- There is also synthetic Vitamin K produced and used for medical treatments. Vitamin K is essential for calcium to bind to bones in the human body, providing support for strong bones and healthy teeth too.
- Without adequate Vitamin K, people are at risk for osteoporosis as well as other long-term health issues. Given Vitamin K’s many benefits, it’s important to ensure that you’re getting enough of this vital nutrient through diet or supplementation if need be.
What is Vitamin K2?
Vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone, is a vital nutrient necessary for overall health and wellness. Vitamin K2 serves many vital functions in the body; it helps maintain healthy bone density by supporting the Vitamin D3 and calcium metabolic process, assists Vitamin D to protect against calcification of organs, helps balance hormones in women, and supports dental health.
Vitamin K2 has been clinically shown to be beneficial for reversing arterial calcification and decreasing inflammation which can decrease the risk of stroke and heart disease. Vitamin K2 works in conjunction with Vitamin D3 to be most effective, so it’s important that those Vitamin K2 deficient individuals supplement both vitamins together.
Difference between Vitamin K and K2
Vitamin K and Vitamin K2 are both essential vitamins for our health, but there is an important distinction between the two. Vitamin K is found in plants, with the main source of Vitamin K being leafy green vegetables like spinach. Vitamin K2, on the other hand, is generally produced by bacteria in our gut and can be found in certain fermented and aged products. Vitamin K helps with blood clotting and calcium balance, while Vitamin K2 promotes bone density and helps protect against cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is important to understand both Vitamin K and Vitamin K2 in order to ensure your body receives all of the necessary nutritional benefits.
Conclusion
Vitamin K is a essential vitamin that helps blood clot, while K2 helps to build strong bones. Both are needed for good health, but many people don’t get enough of either one. Make sure to include both in your diet or supplement regimen.
