Vitamin K2: When to Take It & How to Track It
Also called: Menaquinone, MK-7, Vitamin K
By MagdaLast updated
What is Vitamin K2?
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin the body needs for blood clotting and healthy bones. It comes in two main forms: vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) from leafy green vegetables, and vitamin K2 (menaquinones), found in some fermented and animal foods. Vitamin K2 is often sold on its own or paired with vitamin D. Vitamin K has not been shown to cause harm, but it directly affects how the blood thinner warfarin works. For anyone on warfarin, the steady, day-to-day pattern of vitamin K intake matters more than the time of day, which makes consistent tracking useful.
When to take Vitamin K2: general timing information
If you take warfarin, the NIH says to keep the amount of vitamin K from food and supplements about the same every day. A sudden change can cause bleeding (less vitamin K) or clots (more vitamin K). [1]
Vitamin K is fat-soluble, so conditions that reduce fat absorption can lower vitamin K status. [2]
Long-term antibiotic use can reduce vitamin K made by gut bacteria. [2]
Talk to your provider before starting or stopping any multivitamin or supplement that contains vitamin K if you take a blood thinner. [3]
How to set a Vitamin K2 reminder in Pillzy
Tap + in Pillzy and add your vitamin K2 product (or your D3 and K2 combination) with the dose on the label.
Set Meal Timing to During meal and choose Once daily.
If you take warfarin, add a note so every clinician who reviews your list sees it.
Mark each dose taken; a steady record helps your anticoagulation clinic if your results change.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take vitamin K2 if I'm on warfarin?
Vitamin K changes how warfarin works. The NIH advises keeping vitamin K intake steady and talking to your provider before starting any supplement with vitamin K, so do not add K2 without their agreement.
Why is vitamin K2 often sold with vitamin D3?
Both vitamins are involved in bone health and both are fat-soluble, so manufacturers often combine them. Whether you need the combination is a question for your doctor or pharmacist.