How do vitamins K1 and K2 work?

Vitamin K activation plays a role in blood clotting, calcium metabolism, and heart health.

One of its most important functions is to regulate calcium deposition. In other words, it promotes calcification of the bones and prevents calcification of the blood vessels and kidneys.

Some scientists suggest that vitamins K1 and K2 act completely differently, and many argue that they should be classified as separate nutrients entirely.

Animal studies have shown that vitamin K2 (MK-4) reduces vascular calcification, while vitamin K1 does not.

Controlled studies in people have also found that vitamin K2 supplementation generally improves bone and heart health, while vitamin K1 supplementation has no significant benefit.

But more human studies are needed to fully understand the functional differences between vitamins K1 and K2.