Talk to me about Vitamin K

In particular, vitamin K2. A recent x-ray suggests that I have “moderate demineralization” of the pelvis, probably the result of taking cortisteroids. My doctor is recommending, among other things, 1 to 2 milligrams of vitamin K2 MK-7 per day. In reading about it, I have seen dosage recommendations of as little as 100 micrograms per day to as much as 45 milligrams (!) per day. That’s a HUGE range. I admit I haven’t dug very deeply, but the few research materials I’ve seen so far are all from companies with a vitamin K product to sell. They claim that the MK-4 type of vitamin k is the one that works and, of course, they have the perfect product. Call me suspicious but I doubt their objectivity.

So, anyone know about this or had first-hand experience with it? Thanks for your responses.

Wikipedia says its next to impossible to OD on Vitamin K[sub]1[/sub] or K[sub]2[/sub], so just do what your doctor recommends and take the dosage.

As for the marketing of vitamins, it’s all usually just BS. Buy what seems reasonable after doing some homework (which it looks like you’ve done plenty).

People who are taking blood thinner medications (such as coumadin) have to be careful to maintain a relatively constant level of vitamin K in the diet. I assume you’re either not taking a blood thinner, or if so, that you’ve discussed it with your doctor.

Chris Masterjohn of the Weston A. Price foundation has a superb overview of Vitamin K2 here:

http://www.westonaprice.org/fat-soluble-activators/x-factor-is-vitamin-k2

Holy cow! I only barely knew of Vitamin K, and now you say there’s a Vitamin K1 and K2? :eek: