Meet Vitamin K2
The Unsung Hero: Why Vitamin K2 Deserves More Attention
When we talk about our favorite band, most people know the lead singer and have no idea who the drummer is, even thought they work synergistically to make the songs we love. In this case, Vit D3 is the lead singer and Vit K2 is the drummer. Most people have heard about vitamin D3 for strong bones and a healthy immune system—but few realize there’s another nutrient that helps D3 do its job properly: vitamin K2. Think of D3 and K2 as a power duo working behind the scenes to keep your body balanced, energized, and protected.
How Vitamin K2 and D3 Work Together
Vitamin D3 helps your body absorb calcium from the food you eat or the supplements you take. But that’s only half the story—once calcium is in your bloodstream, your body has to know where to put it. This is where vitamin K2 steps in.
K2 acts like a traffic director for calcium, guiding it into the bones and teeth, where it strengthens structure, and keeping it out of soft tissues like your arteries, joints, and organs—where calcium can cause stiffness or plaque buildup over time. Without enough K2, the calcium D3 you absorb can end up in the wrong places, leading to arterial calcification and poor bone density.
In simple terms:
Vitamin D3 helps you absorb calcium, and Vitamin K2 tells your body where to put it.
More Benefits of Vitamin K2
K2 isn’t just about bones and arteries—it supports several key systems that keep you feeling vibrant:
Stronger Bones and Teeth
K2 activates a protein called osteocalcin, which helps bind calcium into the bone matrix, improving bone strength and reducing fracture risk—especially as we age.Heart and Artery Health
K2 helps prevent calcium from building up in artery walls, keeping them flexible and healthy. Research shows people with higher K2 intake have a lower risk of arterial stiffness and heart disease.Improved Energy and Mitochondrial Health
K2 supports the function of mitochondria—the tiny “power plants” inside your cells that produce energy. Better mitochondrial function means steadier energy levels and less fatigue.Supports Brain and Nervous System
Vitamin K2 plays a role in making ‘sphingolipids’, a special type of fat that helps protect brain cells and supports clear thinking and focus.Synergy with Gut and Liver Health
Your gut bacteria actually make small amounts of K2 naturally, and a healthy liver helps store and distribute it. This is another reason why gut and liver balance are so central to functional wellness!
Where to Get Vitamin K2
You can find vitamin K2 in certain animal and fermented foods, including:
Grass-fed butter or ghee
Egg yolks from pasture-raised hens
Aged cheeses (like Gouda or Brie)
Fermented foods like natto (a traditional Japanese soybean dish rich in K2)
Supplements that combine D3 + K2, which work beautifully together for bone, immune, and cardiovascular health.
The Functional Medicine View
In functional medicine, we look at how nutrients interact—not just in isolation, but as part of a whole system. Vitamin K2 is a perfect example of how one nutrient can impact bone health, cardiovascular function, hormone balance, and even inflammation.
When you support your body with D3 + K2, a nutrient-dense diet, movement, sleep, and gratitude—you’re giving your system the tools it needs to stay in balance and thrive.