What Foods Contain Vitamin K1 and K2?

Most of us can easily identify the benefits of Liposomal Vitamin C for immunity or Vitamin D for bone health. However, Vitamin K often flies under the radar, despite being a critical player in how our bodies manage calcium and support blood health. Understanding what foods contain Vitamin K1 and K2 is more than just a nutrition trivia exercise. It is a fundamental part of building a diet that supports long-term skeletal and cardiovascular wellness.

At Cymbiotika, we believe that wellness starts with trust and education. We want to help you understand not just which nutrients you need, but how to ensure your body actually absorbs them. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble nutrient, meaning its effectiveness depends heavily on how it is delivered and what it is eaten with.

This article will break down the specific food sources for both Vitamin K1 and K2. We will also explore the science of bioavailability—how well your body can use these nutrients—and how to structure your daily routine to get the most out of every bite. If you want a deeper look at the nutrient itself, our guide on what Vitamin K2 does for your body and health is a helpful companion read.

Vitamin K is not a single nutrient. It is a family of fat-soluble compounds that share a similar chemical structure but behave differently once they enter your system. The two primary forms you will find in your diet are Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2.

Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)

Vitamin K1 is the most common form of this nutrient in the average human diet. It is primarily found in plant-based foods, particularly dark, leafy greens. In plants, K1 is involved in photosynthesis. In the human body, its primary role is supporting healthy blood clotting. When you consume K1, it mostly travels to your liver, where it helps activate the proteins responsible for stopping bleeding.

Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone)

Vitamin K2 is found in animal-sourced foods and fermented products. While K1 focuses on the liver, K2 is more "extra-hepatic," meaning it circulates more widely in the body to support tissues like your bones and blood vessels. K2 is often divided into subtypes based on the length of its side chains, such as MK-4 and MK-7.

Quick Answer: Vitamin K1 is primarily found in green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach. Vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods like natto and sauerkraut, as well as animal products like egg yolks, organ meats, and certain cheeses.