Author Identifier
Montana Dupuy: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6708-403X
Nicola P. Bondonno: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5905-444X
Pratik Pokharel: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5815-5927
Jonathan Hodgson: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6184-7764
Marc Sim: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5166-0605
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Food Science and Nutrition
Volume
13
Issue
6
Publisher
Wiley
School
Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute / School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
82153
Funders
Royal Perth Hospital Career Advancement Fellowship (CAF 130/2020) / Western Australian Future Health and Innovation Fund / Department of Health (WA) (EL2021) / National Health and Medical Research Council / Independent Research Fund (10.46540/3101-00054B), Denmark
Grant Number
NHMRC Number : APP1159914
Abstract
Vitamin K refers to a group of lipid-soluble vitamins that exist in two natural isoforms; phylloquinone (PK, vitamin K1) and menaquinones (MKs, vitamin K2). Phylloquinone, the primary dietary source, is found abundantly in green vegetables and plant oils. Menaquinones (MK-4 through MK-13) are synthesized by anaerobic bacteria and may be obtained through the diet from fermented foods and animal products (e.g., meats, dairy and eggs). Originally recognized for its role in blood coagulation, vitamin K is an essential cofactor for the posttranslational carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs), which are implicated in various physiological processes including; blood coagulation, calcium homeostasis, as well as metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Therefore, vitamin K has attracted considerable research interest for its potential implications in several diseases. While promising, the specific roles of vitamin K in various health conditions, the quantity of vitamin K (both PK and MKs) required for the function of various VKDPs, and the influence of genetics on vitamin K metabolism, remain unclear. This review aims to (i) provide an overview of the structure, dietary sources, metabolism, and physiological roles of vitamin K, including those relating to; cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, respiratory conditions, musculoskeletal health and cancer; (ii) discuss the impact of genetic factors on vitamin K status and how such factors modulate the role of vitamin K in the aforementioned chronic diseases; and (iii) outline key directions for future research.
DOI
10.1002/fsn3.70431
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Dupuy, M., Bondonno, N. P., Pokharel, P., Linneberg, A., Levinger, I., Schultz, C., Hodgson, J. M., & Sim, M. (2025). Vitamin K: Metabolism, genetic influences, and chronic disease outcomes. Food Science & Nutrition, 13(6). https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.70431