The Role of Vitamin K2 in Bone Strength and Fracture Prevention
Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
28 September, 2025
Bones are the structural building blocks of the skeleton and help in providing a solid framework- to which muscles and other connective tissue bind- and that is how we can move in specific ways which we tend to take for granted on most days. Bones need adequate nutrition for them to grow, to be dense and strong and for them to not break down or fracture with minor injuries. Most of us know that Vitamin D is very important for good bone health, but how many of us know that Vitamin K2 is just as important, if not more, in the grand scheme of things? Let us learn more about what Vitamin K2 is and how it can help your bones perform better in the long term.
What is Vitamin K2?
Vitamin K is normally associated with the ability of blood to clot properly and thus aid in wound healing. But, there are 2 different forms of this vitamin-
- Vitamin K1- Phylloquinone, which is present in plant greens.
- Vitamin K2- menaquinone, which is produced by gut bacterium and present in fermented foods and animal organ meats.
Vitamin K2 can further be divided into different subtypes, of which MK-4 and MK-7 are very important for bone and heart health. Vitamin K2 mainly works by shunting calcium reserves to the bones from the bloodstream, thus helping reduce the formation of calcium rich plaques, which are otherwise common in individuals with hypercholesterolemia. As Vitamin K2 helps in calcium deposition in general, it is beneficial for improving and retaining bone and dental health.
Role Of Vitamin K2 In Osteoporosis Treatment
Vitamin K2 helps activate osteocalcin- a protein that helps in mineralisation of bones. This is why it is especially helpful for individuals with degenerative conditions,like osteoporosis. Vitamin K2 stays for long in the body as it is absorbed much slowly, when compared to its K1 counterpart. Vitamin D, K and calcium – altogether work in synergy to keep your bones strong and healthy. Some hospitals even provide MK4 supplementation as a form of treatment for osteoporosis.
Nutrition Tips For Bone Health With Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 is generally found in organ meats and fermented foods, though K1 is easier to get in your diet- as it is present in leafy greens. Most of the Vitamin K1 you consume will be converted to K2 by gut bacteria. Egg yolks are a good source of both vitamins, along with a few cheeses or natto (which smell funky but are good for you). Since Vitamin K is involved in coagulation or clotting of blood, supplementing with this vitamin while you are on blood thinners may not be a good idea.
Conclusion
Bone health needs to be assessed annually and master health checkup packages in Hyderabad including bone tests can be used to understand how well your bones are holding up, over these years. Simple bone density scans – like DEXA can help you understand if you are at risk of developing osteoporosis or suffering from fractures in the future. Bone mineral density tests are especially important for women, as bone loss is much more pronounced once they hit their menopause. Walk in to KIMS Sunshine for a DEXA scan to check bone mineral density, as we are one of the top 40 licensed DEXA scan centres in the country. Talk to our orthopaedic specialists about supplementation with Vitamin K and other cutting edge treatments for osteoporosis and related bone loss disorders.
