Vitamin K is not only present in one, but in several forms. The two most important are vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 (as MK-7).
The function of vitamin K as an important factor for blood coagulation has long been the focus of attention. Therefore the name: K stands for coagulation (blood clotting). Since vitamin K1 is the most effective form of vitamin K1, it has been regarded as the most important form of vitamin K until recently.
In recent years, however, the importance of vitamin K has also been the focus of healthy bones and arteries. Vitamin K activates proteins such as osteocalcin, which transports calcium from the arteries into the bones. This prevents, or even prevents, calcification of the arteries (arteriosclerosis). At the same time, vitamin K improves bone density as more calcium is absorbed into the bones.
Vitamin K2 is absorbed better than K1 from the intestine and remains significantly longer in the blood, where it promotes the transport of calcium from the arteries into the bones. Vitamin K1, on the other hand, acts mainly in the liver and supports the coagulation of the blood. Vitamin K2 exerts both functions.
Vitamin K1 occurs in nature in green vegetable varieties and some vegetable oils, so most people take up enough of it. Vitamin K2, on the other hand, is rare. With the normal diet, it is hardly possible to absorb significant amounts. For this reason, it is useful to supplement with vitamin K2.
Vitamin K2 is available in various chemical forms. The most effective is MK-7 in the naturally occurring form. For this vitamin K2 (all-trans-MK-7) the positive effects are confirmed by studies. FormMed uses vitamin K2 only as all-trans-MK-7.
