Where Can You Buy Liquid Vitamin K2 Supplements?
Vitamin K is not routinely heralded as the vitamin of necessity or the vitamin to prevent all undesirable illnesses.
However, its use is implicated in many essential process of the body and its absence would be detrimental to our survival as a healthy individual.
Vitamin K is a family of fat soluble vitamins; some of which occur naturally and some that are synthesized by the body. Vitamin K1 is the one most commonly spoken about; it is synthesized by plants and is most commonly found in our diet. Vitamin K2 refers to the group of K vitamins called menaquinones. These are synthesized by the microbes in our gut and can be found in fermented foods and animal products.
There are limited sources for Vitamin K2 supplements as the form which is most widely available on the market is Vitamin K1. However, as vitamin K2 has been gaining traction, liquid K2 has found its niche on the market.
Why is Vitamin K2 important?
There are proteins in the body that are necessary for processes like blood coagulation, bone metabolism, breakdown of blood vessels and regulation of various cellular functions which depend on Vitamin K. In other words, they are Vitamin K dependent proteins; they cannot work without it.
The current recommended daily allowance (RDA) guidelines are based on the Vitamin K1 only. Studies regarding Vitamin K2 have been ongoing and it has been found that it may be more effective in activating the proteins necessary in the process mentioned above more than Vitamin K1. Studies have even linked Vitamin k2 to the prevention of osteoporosis, though work on this area is still being done.
Ok, now you have my attention, where can I find Vitamin K2?
Recall that earlier, we mentioned that vitamin K2 can be synthesized in our gut? Well it turns out that this is one of the main sources of Vitamin K2.
Other sources include bacterially fermented food like mature cheeses, curd, yogurt, small amounts in meat (chicken and beef) and eggs.
If you’re a fan of Japanese food then you’re in luck. A particular traditional Japanese food composed of fermented soybeans called natto, has been implicated as the food source with the highest amount of Vitamin k2.
Alright, that sounds great, but I’m really here to find out about the liquid K2. Can I just purchase any Vitamin K on the market?
Well, no. Earlier, we mentioned that the current RDA guidelines are based on Vitamin K1, so any vitamin K supplement you purchase on the market will ultimately be Vitamin K1.
Currently, if you would like to purchase liquid K2, it will come in conjunction with liquid D in droplet form. You can find it on Amazon, Vitacost and iHerb.
For the liquid K2 soft gels, you can check GNC, Amazon, CVS and Walmart. If by chance you are not particularly keen on the liquid K2, then you can purchase regular vitamin K2 supplements at any of the above stores as well.
I keep seeing MK-4 and MK-7 on these supplement bottles. What does it mean?
Earlier, we mentioned that K2 is referred to the group of K vitamins called menaquinones. The ‘M’ in MK-4 and MK-7 refer to ‘menaquinone’ and the numbers refer to the side chain residues in their chemical structure.
MK-4 is unique because of its tissue distribution. It is most abundant in the brain, kidney, fat and reproductive organs—and it is derived from Vitamin K1.
MK-7 is the most studied Vitamin K2 supplement. It also remains in the body longer for several days, indicating that its chance of absorption by the necessary tissues is higher.
Do I need to worry about side effects?
As with any product, you must stay within the recommended range of dosage.
Considering Vitamin K2 supplements specifically, it is safe if you stay within the RDA. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have diabetes, kidney or liver disease, especially if you are taking anticoagulants (Warfarin/Coumadin), then you should be sure to consult your doctor prior to starting any liquid K2 regimen.
So, what’s the take home message?
The benefits of Vitamin K2 on the diet are still being researched and at the end of the day, supplements are meant to be used in addition to a healthy balanced diet. They are generally recommended when your diet, for whatever reason, falls short of the particular supplement that you are considering for consumption.
So, maintain a healthy diet and if you feel that you still need to add liquid K2, then discuss it with your doctor, nutritionist or any qualified expert you feel comfortable speaking to, especially if you happen to fall within any of the categories listed above.
Let us know if you have any questions about the information presented above. Don’t hesitate to comment!
Other Sources:
British Journal of Nutrition
Oregon State University–Linus Pauling Institute
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