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Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board

Vitamin K

MODERATE EVIDENCEVitaminLast updated April 5, 2026

SCAN DOSE SUMMARY

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting, bone metabolism, and vascular health. K1 (phylloquinone) comes from leafy greens; K2 (menaquinone) comes from fermented foods and meat. Our research, from 24 RCTs, 13 meta-analyses, and 30,302 participants, shows it improves bone mineral density markers. The critical safety fact: vitamin K directly counteracts warfarin. If you're on blood thinners, vitamin K supplementation without medical supervision is dangerous.

EVIDENCE GRADES

Bone Mineral DensityModerate
B
Vascular Calcification markersModerate
B
Fracture Risk
Limited/Mixed evidence

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

  • AI (adult males): 120 μg/day; Females: 90 μg/day
  • For bone health (K1): 100-5,000 μg/day
  • For bone health (K2 as MK-4): 15-45mg/day (used in Japanese osteoporosis treatment)
  • For bone health (K2 as MK-7): 100-375 μg/day
  • No established UL (insufficient data, not proof of safety at any dose)
  • Best form: MK-7 (menaquinone-7) — longer half-life, more bioavailable than K1
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DRUG INTERACTIONS

Warfarin and vitamin K antagonistsSevere

Counteracts drug effect

DO NOT supplement without doctor supervision if on warfarin.

SAFETY PROFILE

Side Effects

  • Oral: Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea (uncommon)
  • IV/IM (medical settings): Anaphylactoid reactions, skin flushing, BP changes, dyspnea

Drug Interactions

Nutrient Depletions

  • Orlistat — may reduce K absorption (fat-soluble). Take K 2+ hours before/after orlistat.
  • Bile acid sequestrants — may reduce K absorption. Take 4+ hours apart. Monitor long-term.
  • Broad-spectrum antibiotics — prolonged use may deplete K by killing gut bacteria that synthesize it.
  • Rifampicin — may reduce K-dependent coagulation factors.

Precautions

  • Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Safe at recommended intake.
  • Warfarin users: Critical interaction. Must coordinate with prescriber.

WADA Status

Not Prohibited.

WHO SHOULD BE CAREFUL

HOW SCAN DOSE SCORES THIS

Present at 90-200 μg (K1 or MK-7):✅ Green flag — supports bone and cardiovascular health
Combined with vitamin D:✅✅ Excellent pairing — synergistic for bone health
Patient on warfarin:🔴 Red flag — life-threatening interaction
No form specified:⚠️ Yellow flag — K1 vs K2 (MK-4 vs MK-7) have different kinetics

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Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated: April 5, 2026

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

Safety

Vitamin K: Drug Interactions

Vitamin K is the direct pharmacological antagonist of warfarin. Supplementing without cardiology supervision can cause dangerous clots.

Mechanism: Vitamin K is the direct antidote to warfarin. It activates the clotting factors warfarin inhibits, so it literally reverses warfarin's mechanism of action. Even dietary changes (more leafy greens) can destabilize INR.

Do not combine

Dangerous interactions. Talk to your prescriber before using this supplement if you take any of these.

  • Warfarin (Coumadin)

    Vitamin K reactivates clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, directly opposing warfarin.

    RiskBlood clots, stroke, pulmonary embolism, or DVT from reduced anticoagulation.
    ActionKeep vitamin K intake consistent (do not suddenly increase or decrease). Do not supplement vitamin K without cardiologist approval.

    Source: FDA label, clinical standard

Educational information only. This is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Talk to your prescriber before starting, stopping, or combining any supplement with prescription medication.

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