During a recent group meeting, questions were raised regarding supplementing with Vitamin K1 or Vitamin K2 along with anticoagulant treatment. The table below provides a generalized summary of the Vitamin K1 and K2. The forms of Vitamin K in dietary supplements may differ depending on the supplement and the choice of the supplements may affect their absorptive behavior. This creates a challenge in regulating lab values, especially in patient who require anticoagulation therapy.

K1_K2_Table 

There is a lot of evidence that distinguishes between the vitamin K1 and K2 and their respective function with Cognition , Skeletal Muscle Energy Metabolism and the flexibility of the arterial wall.

In summary K1 and K2  counteract the function of the anticoagulant medications. You should consult the physician prescribing the anticoagulant before taking any vitamin K1 or K2. Even as we think of K2 having less to do with coagulation pathways, it is recommended that the patients do not take any vitamin K supplements unless cleared by their physician, since K2 may also affect the anticoagulation treatment.  As a patient who is prescribed anticoagulation treatment you should make your prescribing physician aware of ANY changes in your medications or supplements either over the counter or prescribed.

Here are several other blog posts on Vitamin K1 & K2.