Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. It gets its name from the German word for clotting, which is "koagulation."[1] There is a group of K vitamins, but the only one used in the United States is K1 (phytonadione). Other forms of vitamin K are not considered as safe or effective.[1]
Uses
Vitamin K is primarily used as a coagulant to aid blood clotting. It is often administered to counteract the undesirable effects of blood-thinning medications. Also, it's used as a supplement in newborns lacking adequate amounts of the vitamin to prevent clotting problems.[1, 2]
Other uses
Vitamin K is also used for:
- Deficiency prevention and treatment
- Osteoporosis
- Itching (for those with biliary cirrhosis, a liver disease)
- Burns
- Scar removal
- Spider veins
- Rosacea (skin condition that causes facial redness and pimples)
- Bruise prevention
- Skin healing
Dosage
Blood tests are used to set the proper dosage of vitamin K. The tests, which determined how long it takes for blood to clot, are known as the International Normalized Ratio (INR) and Prothrombin Time (PT) tests. Generally, 2.5mg to 25mg are prescribed for bleeding disorders, while 1mg to 5mg is the preferred dose to counteract bleeding due to taking too much anticoagulant.[2]
Does vitamin K work
According to research, vitamin K seems to be effective for treating and preventing deficiency of the vitamin as well as for preventing blood clots. There isn't enough evidence for its use to treat other conditions, such as heart disease, brittle bones and swelling.
Interactions
Do not mix vitamin K with warfarin (Coumadin), which is a blood thinner. The vitamin may reduce the effectiveness of the drug. As for other interactions, do not take vitamin K with:[1, 2]
| Drug/Supplement | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Interferes with vitamin K's ability to aid clotting in animals. The effect on people isn't known. |
| Vitamin E | Taking more than 800 units daily can adversely affect vitamin K's clotting ability. It also can increase the chance of bleeding in those who are on Warfarin or who don't get a lot of vitamin K in their diet. Avoid high doses. |
| Tiratricol | It interferes with vitamin K's clotting ability. |
| Coenzyme-Q10 (CoQ10) | Also a clotting aid, taking them at the same time can increase the intensity of their effects. |
| Antibiotics | These may lower the amount of vitamin K in the body or make it less effective. |
If you're taking any medication, consult your healthcare provider before taking vitamin K.
Safety
- It's generally safe to take vitamin K in recommended doses, even if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.[1]
- Don't alter vitamin K intake when taking blood thinners. Keep it consistent daily.[2]
- Do not use too much vitamin K if you're on dialysis for kidney disease.[1]
- If you have clotting issues related to severe liver disease, excessive amounts of vitamin K could worsen the problem.[1]
Vitamin K sources
Examples of foods containing vitamin K are:
- Green leafy vegetables -- spinach, kale, Swiss chard
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Avocado
- Raw berries (black and blue)
- Peas
- Tuna (canned in oil)
Forms
The vitamin is also available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form, as part of a multivitamin or by itself. Vitamin K can be injected for patients with clotting disorders.
References
- MedlinePlus; "Vitamin K;" Reviewed 2012
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Drug-Nutrient Interaction Task Force; "Important Information to Know When You Are Taking: Warfarin (Coumadin) and Vitamin K;" September 2012
Vitamin K News on PricePlow
-
Oct 23, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Force Factor MK-7 Vitamin K2 was created.
Category: Vitamin K2 -
Sep 24, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Healthy Origins Vitamin K2 as MK-7 was created.
Category: Vitamin K2 -
Apr 16, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Swanson Vitamin K1 was created.
Category: Vitamin K -
Mar 26, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Nature Made Vitamin K2 has new variations: Category: Vitamin K2 -
Mar 16, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Nature Made Vitamin K2 was created.
Category: Vitamin K2 -
Mar 06, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Swanson Vitamin K Cream with Menaquinone-7 was created.
Category: Vitamin K -
Mar 05, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Swanson Vitamin K2 was created.
Category: Vitamin K2 -
Mar 03, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Swanson Real Food K2 was created.
Category: Vitamin K2 -
Feb 22, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Leviathan Nutrition Vitamin K2 + D3 was created.
Categories: Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2 -
Feb 18, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Thorne Research Vitamin K was created.
Category: Vitamin K -
Feb 02, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Vitacost Vitamin K Complex was created.
Categories: Vitamin K, Vitamin K2 -
Feb 02, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Vitacost Ultra Vitamin K was created.
Categories: Vitamin K, Vitamin K2 -
Feb 01, 2023 ![]()
YouTube Video
A Multivitamin with MitoPrime, SAMe, & Boron! Glaxon Multi+ -
Jan 16, 2023 ![]()
Product News
Vitacost Vitamin K2 was created.
Category: Vitamin K2 -
Nov 01, 2022 ![]()
YouTube Video
Why Split Vitamin D and Vitamin K? Dose Ratios! Revive MD -
Oct 10, 2022 ![]()
TikTok Video
@Revive MD -
Oct 06, 2022 ![]()
Blog Post
Revive MD Vitamin K2: Why Split from Vitamin D3?
Revive MD has split up their Vitamin D3 and K2 supplements – in this article we discuss why, and how they're using three forms of K2. -
Sep 16, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Natural Factors Vitamin K2 was created.
Category: Vitamin K2 -
Sep 15, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Revive MD Vitamin K2 was created.
Category: Vitamin K2 -
Sep 12, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Olympian Labs Vitamin K2 + D3 was created.
Categories: Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2 -
Aug 14, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Superior Source Vitamin K1 was created.
Category: Vitamin K -
Jun 18, 2022 ![]()
Product News
KAL Balanced K2 Plus D-3 was created.
Categories: Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2 -
Jun 17, 2022 ![]()
Product News
KAL Vitamin K-2 MK-7 was created.
Categories: Bone Supplements, Vitamin K2 -
Jun 17, 2022 ![]()
Product News
KAL Vitamin K was created.
Category: Vitamin K -
Jun 17, 2022 ![]()
Product News
KAL Vitamin K-2 was created.
Category: Vitamin K2 -
Mar 10, 2022 ![]()
Product News
Solaray Vitamin K-2 Menaquinone-7 was created.
Category: Vitamin K2 -
Feb 08, 2022 ![]()
YouTube Video
Increase Testosterone WITHOUT TRT | MAXIMUS | Dr. Cameron Sepah -
Feb 07, 2022 ![]()
Blog Post
MAXIMUS: Testosterone Enhancement with Dr. Cameron Sepah | PPP #062
Dr. Cameron Sepah of Maximus joins to talk about boosting testosterone without TRT using his new telemedicine and coaching practice and ENCLOMIPHENE! -
Jan 22, 2021 ![]()
YouTube Video
Revive MD HEART Ingredient Breakdown!
Sign up for future Vitamin K news!
Click the button below to sign up for future Vitamin K news, deals, coupons, and reviews!
Vitamin K Price Alerts
The following price alerts are still active:
- Dec 04, 2023Force Factor MK-7 Vitamin K2 60 Vcaps dropped by 11.1% to $15.99 at Muscle and Strength
- Oct 29, 2023Superior Source Vitamin K-2 60 Tablets (only 100mcg MK-7) dropped by 8.1% to $11.29 at AllStarHealth
- Oct 25, 2023Swanson Vitamin K1 100 Tablets dropped by 6.1% to $3.41 at iHerb.com
- Oct 25, 2023Swanson Real Food K2 30 Softgels dropped by 17.7% to $10.56 at iHerb.com
- Oct 16, 2023KAL Vitamin K 100 Vegetarian Tablets (only 100mcg) dropped by 15.6% to $4.55 at iHerb.com
- Oct 16, 2023KAL Vitamin K-2 60 Vcaps dropped by 20% to $18.23 at iHerb.com
- Oct 16, 2023Olympian Labs Vitamin K2 + D3 60 Capsules dropped by 20% to $9.87 at iHerb.com
- Oct 16, 2023Solaray Vitamin K 100 Tablets dropped by 20% to $5.31 at iHerb.com
- Oct 16, 2023KAL Vitamin K-2 MK-7 60 Tablets dropped by 10.3% to $12.91 at iHerb.com
- Oct 16, 2023Solaray Vitamin K-2 Menaquinone-7 60 Vcaps dropped by 20% to $13.67 at iHerb.com
- Aug 30, 2023Swanson Vitamin K Cream with Menaquinone-7 2 Oz. dropped by 80.5% to $6.64 at iHerb.com
- Aug 16, 2023Jarrow Formulas MK-7 90 Softgels dropped by 25% to $26.62 at VitaCost.com
- Aug 15, 2023Revive MD Vitamin K2 30 Vcaps dropped by 19.9% to $10.40 at ReviveSups.com
- May 31, 2023Carlson Vitamin K2 180 Capsules dropped by 10.8% to $49.68 at Best Price Nutrition
- May 28, 2023Source Naturals Vitamin K2 60 Tablets dropped by 42.2% to $13.29 at eVitamins
- Aug 14, 2022Superior Source Vitamin K1 90 Tablets dropped by 20.5% to $15.89 at VitaCost.com
- Mar 10, 2022Solaray Vitamin K-2 Menaquinone-7 30 Vcaps (only 150mcg) dropped by 30.6% to $11.79 at AllStarHealth
Sign up for future Vitamin K deals and coupons!
Click the button below to sign up for future Vitamin K deals, news, and coupons!
Vitamin K Reviews & Videos
-
Feb 01, 2023A Multivitamin with MitoPrime, SAMe, & Boron! Glaxon Multi+
![A Multivitamin with MitoPrime, SAMe, & Boron! Glaxon Multi+]()
-
Nov 01, 2022Why Split Vitamin D and Vitamin K? Dose Ratios! Revive MD
![Why Split Vitamin D and Vitamin K? Dose Ratios! Revive MD]()
-
Oct 10, 2022@Revive MD
![@Revive MD]()
-
Feb 08, 2022Increase Testosterone WITHOUT TRT | MAXIMUS | Dr. Cameron Sepah
![Increase Testosterone WITHOUT TRT | MAXIMUS | Dr. Cameron Sepah]()
-
Jan 22, 2021Revive MD HEART Ingredient Breakdown!
![Revive MD HEART Ingredient Breakdown!]()
Subscribe for more Vitamin K news and alerts!
Subscribe to PricePlow on YouTube, follow PricePlow on Instagram or click the button below to sign up for our latest Vitamin K news and reviews!
