Science

Vitamin K1 vs. K2: Which Form Should Be In a Multivitamin?

2 min read

This often overlooked vitamin is no basic nutrient; Vitamin K’s many complex forms provide a myriad of support for functions throughout your body.*

How Vitamin K lends support

In addition to potentially supporting normal blood clotting, K partners with calcium to help support bone health.*

Vitamin K1 vs. K2

There are two main forms of K: Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2 aka menaquinone (MK). K1 and K2-MK function similarly in our bodies, but there is evidence that K2-MK hangs around in circulation longer than K1. More importantly, Vitamin K2 supplementation has been shown to support bone health.*

Finding the right molecule

Vitamin K is complex. Here’s where it gets interesting. Vitamin K2 has several individual sub-forms. These sub-forms have different molecular lengths and are found in different foods. For example, MK-4 is found mostly in animal-based fats like egg yolks and butter, while MK-7 (a larger molecular form) is mostly in cheese and fermented soy.

Out of all the forms of vitamin K, we went with vegan, soy-free K2-MK7 for Ritual.*

Meet our Expert

Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi, PhD, RD, VP of Scientific Affairs at Ritual

Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and is a Registered Dietitian. She received her training from Penn State University and University of Connecticut where she researched dietary patterns, chemosensory perception and community nutrition. Her dietetic work is focused on promoting healthy eating habits by translating the science of nutrition into practical information for the public.

Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi, PhD, RD, VP of Scientific Affairs at Ritual

Meet the Author

Victoria Hoff, Writer

Victoria Hoff is an accomplished writer, journalist, and former wellness editor who has covered a wide variety of health, nutrition, and wellness topics during her tenure. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from New York University, and after writing for Vogue, Elle, Byrdie, The/Thirty, and more, channeled her editorial skills into a marketing career.

Victoria Hoff, Writer