Vitamin K2 and Kidney Health: FAQs Answered by Dr. Hashmi

🔍Vitamin K2 plays an essential role in preventing vascular calcification, which is of particular concern for people with kidney disease.

🥦Animal sources such as liver, eggs, and butter contain MK4, while fermented foods like natto and sauerkraut are rich in MK7, both forms of vitamin K2.

💊Supplementation with vitamin K2 is often recommended to ensure adequate intake, especially for individuals with limited dietary sources or specific health conditions.

⚖️Finding the right balance is key. While higher doses of vitamin K2 may interfere with blood thinners, an intake of up to 45-50 micrograms per day is generally considered safe.

🔬Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and potential interactions of vitamin K2 with other supplements or medications.

Can vitamin K2 interact with blood thinners like Coumadin?

—Yes, higher doses of vitamin K2 can interfere with blood thinners. Consult with your doctor and pharmacist to find the right balance and adjust the therapeutic index of your medication if necessary.

What are the food sources of vitamin K2?

—Animal sources such as liver, eggs, butter, and dark meats contain MK4, while fermented foods like natto, sauerkraut, miso, and kefir are rich in MK7.

Is it necessary to supplement with vitamin K2?

—Supplementation with vitamin K2 is often recommended, especially for individuals with limited dietary sources or specific health conditions. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if supplementation is necessary for you.

What is the safe dosage of vitamin K2?

—While the optimal dosage is still being studied, current research suggests that a daily intake of up to 45-50 micrograms of vitamin K2 is generally considered safe.

Are there any potential interactions with other supplements or medications?

—More research is needed to fully understand the potential interactions of vitamin K2 with other supplements or medications. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplementation regimen.

00:00Dr. Hashmi and Michelle Crossmer address common questions about vitamin K2 and kidney health.

01:16Higher doses of vitamin K2 can potentially interfere with blood thinners like Coumadin, and the risk depends on the dosage and the specific blood thinner category.

03:10Animal sources like liver, eggs, and butter contain MK4, while fermented foods like natto and sauerkraut are rich in MK7, both forms of vitamin K2.

07:50Supplementation with vitamin K2 is often recommended, especially for individuals with limited dietary sources or specific health conditions.

08:33While the optimal dosage is still being studied, a daily intake of up to 45-50 micrograms of vitamin K2 is generally considered safe.

10:50More research is needed to understand the potential interactions of vitamin K2 with other supplements or medications. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen.