Dietary Sources and Health Implications of Vitamin K2

Primary Food Sources

Fermented cheeses are a major source of vitamin K2, as bacterial cultures used in fermentation synthesize menaquinones 1
Dairy products contain vitamin K2, especially full-fat varieties and fermented dairy 2

Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is found in green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, asparagus, prunes, peas, and parsley 3, 4

The production of vitamin K2 depends heavily on bacterial fermentation processes 1
Fermented dairy products (yogurt, cheese) may provide cardiometabolic benefits partly through their vitamin K2 content, which may improve insulin sensitivity 1
Current dietary guidelines often lack specific recommendations for vitamin K2, focusing only on total vitamin K (primarily K1) 3, 4
Patients on warfarin therapy should maintain consistent vitamin K intake, as variations can affect anticoagulation control, according to the American College of Cardiology 5, 6