For years, vitamins C and B have dominated conversations around immunity, energy and overall wellness. But health experts now want the spotlight to shift to a lesser-known nutrient that could play a crucial role in strengthening bones and protecting the heart: vitamin K2. Dietitians are encouraging people to reconsider what they put on their plates and include more leafy greens and fermented foods to improve long-term health.

The insights come from an article published by Prevention, featuring registered dietitian Avery Zenker and dental specialist Sandip Sachar.

What Makes Vitamin K2 Different

According to Prevention, vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone support, found naturally in foods like kale, broccoli, figs, olive oil and other leafy vegetables. However, “vitamin K” is not a single nutrient but a family, with K1 and K2 serving separate functions.

“Vitamin K1 and K2 are similar but different in a number of ways,” registered dietitian Avery Zenker told Prevention. She explained that K1 mainly supports blood clotting, while K2 plays a more complex role in bone health and cardiovascular protection.

The Unexpected Benefits for Bones, Teeth and the Heart

The report highlights expert insights pointing to how vitamin K2 may help safeguard the heart by directing calcium to where it is needed, rather than letting it accumulate dangerously in blood vessels. As quoted in Prevention, Sandip Sachar explained, “K2 activates key regulators that help bind calcium to bone and teeth, while preventing calcification in blood vessels.”

Sachar also noted that insufficient K2 may affect dental stability, adding that poor intake has been linked to bone loss, enamel problems and slower healing.

Research cited in the report further supports its cardiovascular advantages, noting a long-term study where participants with higher K2 intake showed reduced risk of peripheral arterial disease, especially among individuals with diabetes or hypertension. Vitamin K1 did not demonstrate the same level of benefit.

Where to Find Vitamin K2 in Everyday Foods

Zenker advised that increasing K2 consumption is possible through simple dietary additions. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, natto and miso, along with liver, egg yolks, cheese, butter and chicken, can help meet daily requirements. She suggested discussing supplementation with a healthcare provider, particularly for individuals on blood thinners.

Both experts also emphasized combining adequate vitamin D intake alongside K2 for optimal bone and metabolic support.

While people often rush to supplements or trendy health ingredients, dietitians suggest that meaningful improvements could begin with familiar items on the dinner plate. Increasing green vegetables and fermented foods may naturally boost vitamin K2 levels, helping support stronger bones, healthier teeth and a protected cardiovascular system.