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The 9 Best Vitamin K Supplements, According to Dietitians

Vitamin K plays an important role for bone and heart health.

Best Vitamin K Supplements

Verywell Health / Marcus Millan

From blood clotting to bone health to heart disease prevention, Vitamin K plays many important roles in our body. You can find this important nutrient in leafy greens, other fruits and vegetables, some animal foods, and even cheese. Plus, your gut bacteria also produce some vitamin K in the large intestine. While a deficiency is rare, certain groups, like pregnant people, those who eat a limited diet, have had bariatric surgery, or have malabsorptive disorders, may need an extra boost.

Experts are studying Vitamin K's role in boosting bone density and heart health, though more research is needed. But we do know that Vitamin K works synergistically with vitamin D and calcium, so really anyone can benefit from this vitamin, according to Ayla Barmmer, MS, RD, founder of FullWell.

We interviewed registered dietitians who are well-versed in vitamin K supplements and considered the form, dose, any independent or in-house purity and potency testing, and price to get our top recommended vitamin K supplements.

What Registered Dietitians Want You To Know

  • Types of Vitamin K: Vitamin K comes in two main forms: K1 (phylloquinone), found in leafy greens and plant foods, and K2 (menaquinones), produced by gut bacteria and found in fermented foods and animal products like dairy and poultry. K2, particularly in the MK-4 and MK-7 forms, is more bioactive and often featured in supplements due to its harder-to-get nature. K1 and K2 are important for health, so getting them from your diet or supplements is beneficial. Our picks include options with K1, K2, or a combination.
  • What Vitamin K Does: While vitamin K1 is well known for its role in blood clotting and important enzymatic reactions in the body, emerging research suggests that vitamin K2 may play an important role in bone and heart health. According to Sharon Puello, MA, RD, CDN, CDCES, your body can convert K1 to K2 depending on tissue needs, but it's often beneficial to choose a supplement that includes both forms for comprehensive support.
  • Seek Professional Help If: Vitamin K supplements are safe for most people, though it does interact with blood thinners such as Warfarin, so anyone taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner) should discuss supplementation with their healthcare provider first.
Pros
  • Contains K1 & K2

  • Vegan and gluten-free

  • Tested for purity and potency

Cons
  • Large capsule

  • Contains alfalfa powder

Key Specs

Form: Capsule | Type: K1, MK-4 and MK-7 | Dose: 120 mcg K1, 360 mcg MK-4, 90 mcg MK-7 | Independently Verified: No but strong in-house testing | Servings Per Container: 90 

Why We Recommend It

Now Foods MK-7 Plus K1 and MK-4 tops our list as a broad spectrum vitamin K supplement that provides K1 and two forms of K2, which may offer a variety of health benefits. “Each tissue of the body contains a varying proportion of vitamin K1 to vitamin K2, with the heart tissue showing a preference for vitamin K1, while bone and arteries have a preference for vitamin K2. When shopping for a supplement, you ideally want one that contains both vitamin K1 and vitamin K2,” says Puello.

While K1 is the most understood and talked about form of vitamin K, emerging research suggests benefits in supplementing with K2. Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) has been studied in relation to bone health with promising results. Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) has been studied for its potential role in reducing arterial calcification, therefore this form of vitamin K may potentially help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Now Foods completes comprehensive purity and potency testing to ensure that their products don’t contain harmful contaminants and contain the amount of each nutrient listed on the label. The supplement is also vegan, gluten-free, and doesn't contain any of the top eight allergens. 

Keep In Mind

Because this supplement contains all three types of vitamin K, note the capsule is a larger size to swallow. It also contains some alfalfa powder, which may interact with certain medications.

Pros
  • Independently verified

  • Adequate dose of MK-7

  • Non-GMO ingredients

Cons
  • Not vegan

  • Only contains one source of vitamin K

Key Specs

Form: Softgel | Type: MK-7 | Dose: 100 mcg | Independently Verified: Yes | Servings Per Container: 180

Why We Recommend It

If you’re looking for a quality yet affordable vitamin K supplement, we recommend Healthy Origins vitamin K2 as MK-7. It provides 100 micrograms of vitamin K2 from natto, which is more than 100 percent of the adequate intake (AI) for women and 83 percent of the AI for men. We like that this supplement is independently verified for purity, is affordably priced, and has a small amount of oil in the softgel, which may enhance absorption since vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin.

While it only contains MK-7 (one type of K2), it may be adequate for many people since K1 is readily available in food. “Supplementing with K2, given its bioavailability, will likely be sufficient to ensure overall adequate intake,” says Barmmer.

Keep In Mind

Healthy Origins Vitamin K2 as MK-7 is suitable for those following a vegetarian diet (but not vegan, as it contains beeswax). It’s non-GMO and is not manufactured with any of the major allergens or gluten. However, if you do have an allergy, it may be wise to reach out to the company to learn more about their processes for ensuring the products are gluten—and allergen-free.

Pros
  • Certified gluten-free and vegan

  • Contains MK-4 and MK-7

  • No artificial flavors or colors

Cons
  • Some may not like the stevia taste

Key Specs

Form: Chewable | Type: K2 as MK-4 and MK-7 | Dose: 500 mcg | Independently Verified: No | Servings Per Container: 60

Why We Recommend It

For those who have trouble swallowing pills, Country Life Vegan K2 is a good alternative. It contains 500 micrograms of K2 and is a mix of MK-4 and MK-7. This is higher than the established AI of 90–120 micrograms, but some studies suggest that higher doses from either food or supplements may be helpful for heart health.

While not independently verified, Country Life is committed to producing quality supplements in its NSF-GMP-certified facility by checking in-house for quality and purity at each stage of the production process. This K2 chewable is certified gluten-free and vegan and contains no artificial colors or flavors.

Keep In Mind

While it doesn’t contain any added sugar, it is sweetened with stevia, which may not suit everyone’s taste preferences.

Pros
  • In house testing for purity and potency

  • Gluten-free and Non-GMO

  • Budget-friendly

  • High-dose

Cons
  • Not vegan

Key Specs

Form: Softgel | Type: K1 and K2 as MK-4 and MK-7 | Dose: 1,500 mcg K1, 1,000 mcg MK-4, 100 mcg MK-7 | Independently Verified: No | Servings Per Container: 90

Why We Recommend It

We recommend the Life Extension Super K for its broad spectrum coverage, quality in-house testing, and budget-friendly price point. Super K contains a blend of K1, and two types of K2 — MK-4 and MK-7—giving you everything you might need from a vitamin K supplement. The softgel also contains olive oil which may support the absorption of this fat-soluble vitamin. With 2,600 micrograms of vitamin K, the dose is significantly higher than the AI of 90 to 120 micrograms, but there are no known risks of higher doses of vitamin K, and absorption rates may be as low as 30 to 40 percent for vitamin K supplements.

Life Extension takes quality seriously by testing raw materials and the final product to ensure it contains what’s on the label. They also ensure there aren’t any harmful levels of heavy metals or microbes in the raw materials and offer a certificate of analysis for each product if you want to see it. As an NSF-certified GMP facility, their labs are regularly audited for safety. 

Keep In Mind

Super K is gluten-free and non-GMO, though it contains beeswax, so it is not suitable for a vegan diet. Of note, it contains a small amount of vitamin C, which is safe for most people. However, always check with your healthcare provider to ensure it doesn’t interact with any medications you are taking.

Pros
  • Independently verified

  • Vegan and gluten-free

  • Budget-friendly

  • Free of common food allergens

Cons
  • Only has K1

Key Specs

Form: Caplet | Type: K1 | Dose: 100 mcg | Independently Verified: Yes | Servings Per Container: 100

Why We Recommend It

If you don’t eat many vegetables, especially leafy greens, a K1 supplement may be helpful to meet your vitamin K needs. With 100 micrograms of K1, Blue Bonnet Vitamin K1 is adequate for both men and women. Blue Bonnet’s vitamin K is a quality, budget-friendly option and is independently verified. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, allergy-friendly, and Kosher, making it a good option for anyone with special dietary requirements.

Keep In Mind

Because it only contains K1, and at a relatively low dose, it may not be the best supplement for those looking to improve bone density or reduce the risk of heart disease with vitamin K. The supplement itself doesn’t contain a source of fat, so it may be best taken with a high-fat food to increase absorption of this fat-soluble vitamin.

Pros
  • USP Verified

  • No artificial flavors or colors or preservatives

  • Gluten-free

Cons
  • Only contains MK-7

  • May not be high enough dose for some benefits

Key Specs

Form: Softgel | Type: K2 as MK-7 | Dose: 100 mcg | Independently Verified: Yes | Servings Per Container: 30

Why We Recommend It

Nature’s Made K2 is a good option for those looking to supplement specifically with MK-7. This form may help reduce arterial stiffness and calcification, which can help lower the risk of heart disease. With 100 micrograms, it is an adequate dose for most people to meet the AI levels, and the MK-7 form is known to be better absorbed and stay in the body for longer than other forms of vitamin K.

We like that Nature's Made K2 is USP verified—a reputable independent organization that tests for harmful contaminants like heavy metals and microbes and ensures it contains the exact ingredients listed on the label. It’s also gluten-free and does not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Keep In Mind

The best dose for vitamin K and benefiting heart health is still unclear, and higher amounts than a serving of this supplement may be beneficial.

Pros
  • Independently verified

  • Contains K1 and K2

  • Gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free

Cons
  • Not everyone may want the high dose

Key Specs

Form: Capsule | Type: K1, & K2 as MK-4 & MK-7 | Dose: 1,000 mcg K1, 5,000 mcg MK-4 & 90 mcg MK-7 | Independently Verified: Yes | Servings Per Container: 60

Why We Recommend It

Thorne Vitamin K is a quality supplement that contains a blend of K1 and K2 (including both MK-4 and MK-7). Studies have linked higher intakes of vitamin K in both forms with better bone density. In addition, more research is suggesting that MK-4—which is not as common in supplements as the other two forms—may be particularly helpful in improving bone density, especially in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Thorne’s Vitamin K is independently verified, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, and, as with all Thorne supplements, undergoes comprehensive in-house quality testing.

Keep In Mind

While this is a very high-dose supplement, there are no known risks to doses at these levels, and there is no established tolerable upper intake level (UL) given the fact that excess vitamin K is excreted within hours or days (depending on the form) from the body. Even so, some may not want the higher dose amount of this supplement.

Pros
  • In house testing for purity and potency

  • Contains form of vitamin K aligned with heart health research

  • Certified gluten-free

Cons
  • Expensive

Key Specs

Form: Capsule | Type: K2 as MK-7 and D3 | Dose: 240 mcg vitamin K, 25 mcg (1,000IU) vitamin D | Independently Verified: No but strong in-house testing | Servings Per Container: 60

Why We Recommend It

If your reason for supplementing vitamin K is to support heart health, Pure Encapsulations Pure Heart K2D is a good choice. It contains 240 micrograms of K2 in the form of MK-7, which some research suggests has potential heart health benefits. When it comes to supporting your heart, there may also be a synergistic effect between vitamins D and K. However, more research is needed; not all studies show the benefit of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes. However, this supplement may be a convenient way to take these two nutrients together, especially if you are deficient in vitamin D.

Pure Encapsulations Pure Heart K2D is gluten-free and non-GMO. This reputable supplement brand employs rigorous in-house testing for purity and potency.

Keep In Mind

Note that this supplement is more expensive than others on this list because of the addition of vitamin D.

Pros
  • Independently verified

  • Budget-friendly

Cons
  • Dose may not be high enough for some people

Key Specs

Form: Capsule | Type: K2 as MK-7 and D3 | Dose: 45 mcg vitamin K, 25 mcg (1,000IU) vitamin D | Independently Verified: Yes | Servings Per Container: 120

Why We Recommend It

If you’re looking for a combination product to help you meet both your vitamin D and vitamin K needs, we recommend Now Foods D3 + K2. Now Foods not only does extensive in-house testing for purity and potency, but is also independently verified. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly

Vitamin D is commonly paired with vitamin K2 because they work together to support bone health. “Vitamin K2 assists with vitamin D homeostasis, allowing us to maintain strong and healthy bones and help to prevent conditions like osteoporosis,” says Barmmer.

Keep In Mind

The one downside to this product is that it is a relatively low dose of both vitamins. While most people probably don’t need a high dose vitamin K supplement, some studies suggest that 1,000 IU of vitamin D may not be enough for maintaining normal levels of vitamin D for some people.

Benefits of a Vitamin K Supplement

Caroline Thomason, RDN, LDN, CDE, suggests vitamin K is found in various foods. “Plants create Vitamin K1, and it’s very easy for us to obtain from our diet. You can find vitamin K1 in collard greens, kale, broccoli, spinach, and turnip greens,” says Barmmer. Vitamin K2 is found in small amounts in fermented foods, meat, cheese, eggs, chicken, and pork. It’s also produced by the bacteria in the large intestine.

A vitamin K supplement may offer benefits to the following people: 

  • Pregnant people. “Pregnancy is a vital time to consider a prenatal that contains vitamin K. During pregnancy, a baby's skeletal development demands more nutrients from maternal stores and intake, and we know that vitamin K2, in particular, is harder to obtain from diet alone (unless you are a big fermented food lover),” says Barmmer.
  • People who eat a limited diet. You may benefit from a vitamin K supplement if you don’t eat many vegetables and eat a limited amount of animal products or fermented foods.
  • People who have had bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery increases risk for many micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin K, because your body absorbs less from food.
  • People with malabsorptive disorders. People with Crohn’s, colitis, short bowel syndrome, or cystic fibrosis may not absorb enough vitamin K and could benefit from a supplement.
  • Prolonged antibiotic use. Antibiotics can decrease the amount of helpful, good bacteria in the gut that support vitamin K production (K2 specifically). Chronic use—several weeks or more—may put someone at risk for vitamin K deficiency, at least until the gut bacteria is reestablished.

How We Select Supplements 

We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products. We prioritize products that are independently verified and certified by one of three independent certifiers: USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.com. 

To get our top picks for Vitamin K supplements, our team reviews the latest research on vitamin K supplements, absorption, dosing, and who can best benefit from taking a supplement. We interview experts to get their recommendations on specific products and input on taking supplements. You can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here

Ingredients to Pay Attention to

It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to determine which ingredients are included and how much of each ingredient is included relative to its recommended daily value. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.

The main interaction concern with vitamin K is with blood thinner medications. If you take medications, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting a vitamin K supplement.

Emerging research suggests that vitamin D and K have a synergistic relationship in supporting bone and heart health, and there may be benefits to taking the two together. However, it’s important to evaluate your own needs with your healthcare provider. Not everyone needs a vitamin D supplement, and there are potential downsides to high amounts of vitamin D if you don’t need it. It’s recommended you have your vitamin D levels checked before starting a supplement. 

If you’re getting adequate vitamin K through diet and do need a vitamin D supplement, there may still be a benefit to taking one with K, though more research is needed. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen. 

How Much To Take

The Adequate Intake of vitamin K is 90 micrograms for women (including those who are pregnant and breastfeeding) and 120 micrograms for men. However, some studies suggest that the amount needed to gain the potential bone health benefits may be higher—particularly in the form of MK-4. More research is needed to determine the best dose for each health outcome.

If you’re relying on a supplement to meet your daily vitamin K needs, it is important to take it daily. In addition, studies looking at the benefits of vitamin K supplements on health outcomes typically use daily supplementation. 

There is no established tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin K as there are no known adverse outcomes from taking high levels of vitamin K. However, more is not necessarily better, so work with your healthcare provider to determine the right amount for you.

Our Experts

We interviewed the following experts to get their take on the best forms of vitamin K, who can benefit from vitamin K supplements, and who can most benefit from them.

  • Ayla Barmmer, MS, RD, Registered Dietitian and founder of FullWell
  • Sharon Puello, MA, RD, CDN, CDCES, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
  • Caroline Thomason, RDN, LDN, CDE, Registered Dietitian, Nutrition Coach, and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist

Why Trust Verywell Health

Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN is a registered dietitian with a master's degree in nutrition communication from the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She owns a private practice in the suburbs of Boston, where she helps her clients ditch diets and learn to eat foods that help them feel their best and achieve optimal health. As a writer for Verywell Health, she lends her expertise in translating research on a wide variety of nutrition topics into relatable and approachable recommendations for consumers.

Shushy Rita Setrakian, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian passionate about converting nutrition science into meaningful dietary recommendations. She has an eye for spotting the latest nutrition trends, research, and breaking down what that can mean for your supplement and food choices. Shushy received her M.S. in Nutrition Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and later established her own nutrition and fitness practice, where she helps clients reach individual goals through education and skill development. Alongside her practice, she is a nutrition and supplement editor for Verywell Health and spent hours combing the research on vitamin K.

13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin K: fact sheet for health professionals.

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  6. Simes DC, Viegas CSB, Araújo N, Marreiros C. Vitamin K as a diet supplement with impact in human health: current evidence in age-related diseases. Nutrients. 2020;12(1):138. doi:10.3390/nu12010138

  7. Knapen MH, Braam LA, Drummen NE, Bekers O, Hoeks AP, Vermeer C. Menaquinone-7 supplementation improves arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women. a double-blind randomised clinical trial. Thromb Haemost. 2015;113(5):1135-1144. doi:10.1160/TH14-08-0675

  8. Akbulut AC, Pavlic A, Petsophonsakul P, et al. Vitamin K2 needs an RDI separate from vitamin K1. Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1852. doi:10.3390/nu12061852

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  10. Barbarawi M, Kheiri B, Zayed Y, et al. Vitamin D supplementation and cardiovascular disease risks in more than 83000 individuals in 21 randomized clinical trials. JAMA Cardiol. 2019;4(8):765. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2019.1870

  11. Singh G, Bonham AJ. A predictive equation to guide vitamin D replacement dose in patients. J Am Board Fam Med. 2014;27(4):495-509. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2014.04.130306

  12. Mladěnka P, Macáková K, Kujovská Krčmová L, et al. Vitamin K – sources, physiological role, kinetics, deficiency, detection, therapeutic use, and toxicity. Nutr Rev. 2021;80(4):677-698. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuab061

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By Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RD
Sarah is a private-practice registered dietitian nutritionist with a Master's in Nutrition Communication from the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She completed her dietetics training at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a teaching hospital of Harvard University.