Vitamin K was initially discovered as a nutrient involved in blood clotting. There are two forms: K1 (found in plant foods) and K2 (found in animal and fermented foods).

A higher intake of vitamin K2 is strongly associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Vitamin K1 appears to be less useful or ineffective.

Vitamin K2 plays an essential role in bone metabolism, and studies suggest that it can help prevent osteoporosis and fractures.

It’s believed that vitamin K2 may play a critical role in dental health, but human studies showing the benefits of supplements in this area are currently lacking.

Vitamin K2 has been found to improve survival in patients with liver cancer. Men who consume the highest amounts of K2 appear to have a lower risk of advanced prostate cancer.