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A few studies have found that taking vitamin K supplements improves bone strength and the chances of breaking a bone, but other studies have not. Some research shows that people who eat more vitamin K-rich foods have stronger bones and are less likely to break a hip than those who eat less of these foods. Vitamin K is important for healthy bones. Here are some examples of what this research has shown. Scientists are studying vitamin K to understand how it affects our health. What are some effects of vitamin K on health? Vitamin K deficiency might reduce bone strength and increase the risk of getting osteoporosis because the body needs vitamin K for healthy bones. Severe vitamin K deficiency can cause bruising and bleeding problems because the blood will take longer to clot. What happens if I don't get enough vitamin K?

Also, bacteria in the colon make some vitamin K that the body can absorb. Most people in the United States get enough vitamin K from the foods they eat. Common forms of vitamin K in dietary supplements are phylloquinone and phytonadione (also called vitamin K1), menaquinone-4, and menaquinone-7 (also called vitamin K2). Vitamin K is also available in supplements of vitamin K alone or of vitamin K with a few other nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and/or vitamin D.

Vitamin K is found in multivitamin/multimineral supplements. You can find links to more food sources of vitamin K in the last section of this fact sheet, Where can I find out more about Vitamin K? What kinds of vitamin K dietary supplements are available?
