Vitamin K, one of the essential nutrients, was discovered by chance in 1929. Since then, researchers have explored the role of vitamin K in both human and animal health. From their research, the debate of vitamin K1 vs K2 was born.

While both vitamins have a variety of health benefits, there are differences between them that can influence how you take them. It’s important to know these differences so you can make sure your body is getting what it needs.

Read on to learn more about how these two vitamins can affect your health.

What Is Vitamin K?

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in blood clotting and bone formation. It also works as an antioxidant, which helps prevent cellular damage.

Adults require about 1 microgram of vitamin K daily for every kilogram of body weight.

Vitamin K1 vs K2

Vitamin K comes in two forms: K1 and K2. Although they have similar functions, they don’t always work the same way in the body. Below are some similarities and differences between the two forms.

Sources

If you’re trying to get your daily intake of vitamin K1, leafy greens like spinach and broccoli are the way to go.

Vitamin K2 is in animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy products. These sources can be more difficult for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. However, there are some plant-based options available if you don’t eat meat:

• Vegan kimchi
• Sauerkraut
• Natto

Bioavailability

Vitamin K2 is more bioavailable than vitamin K1. That means that your body absorbs vitamin K2 faster than vitamin K1. Vitamin K2 also stays in your body longer than vitamin K1 does.

Vitamin K2 is better absorbed when ingested with fat. If you’re taking it in supplement form from a ritual vitamins subscription box, take the supplement with a meal that contains some fat.

Benefits

Both K1 and K2 improve heart health and maintain healthy blood clotting. However, there are other vitamin K1 benefits you can reap from the supplement. Vitamin K1 helps reduce inflammation in the body, leading to a decrease in pain.

Vitamin K2 is an important nutrient for maintaining healthy skin. It may lead to fewer wrinkles and frown lines when you get older.

More research is needed before we can say with certainty that one form of vitamin K is better than another for your overall health.

Get the Vitamins Your Body Needs

We hope this article has helped shed light on the question of vitamin K1 vs K2. You need both types of vitamin K for normal blood clotting and healthy bones. However, they have different functions in the body.

Vitamin K1 helps more with inflammation, while vitamin K2 is better for your skin.

If you’re looking for an easy way to eat your vitamins, we’ve got some great ideas for you. Our blog covers a variety of health topics that will help you take control of your nutrition. Check it out!