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.

RAS ID

82153

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

6-1-2025

Volume

13

Issue

6

Funding Information

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

School

Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute / School of Medical and Health Sciences

Grant Number

NHMRC Number : APP1159914

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Publisher

Wiley

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

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.1002/fsn3.70431