Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)
Also known as: phylloquinone, phytonadione, phytomenadione, vitamin K1
Phylloquinone is the plant form of vitamin K found in leafy greens and the main dietary form. Supplements use either natural phylloquinone or synthetic phytonadione, which NIH ODS lists as well absorbed. It is the cofactor for the enzyme that activates clotting proteins and bone proteins such as osteocalcin, and it is used in bone formulas, multivitamins, and products for people whose diets are low in greens. Because it is the form most directly antagonized by warfarin, consistent intake matters for anyone on that drug.
Research summary
Cofactor for gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, which activates clotting factors II, VII, IX, X and bone matrix proteins; converted in tissues to MK-4.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 mcg | 90–200 mcg | 5,000 mcg | — |
Doses are mcg phylloquinone. Adequate Intake is 120 mcg for men and 90 mcg for women; DV 120 mcg. No UL was set because no adverse effects from food or supplements have been reported. A 2-year trial in older women used 200 mcg/day with vitamin D3 and calcium, a randomized trial in warfarin patients used 200 mcg/day to steady anticoagulation control, and the ECKO trial gave 5 mg (5,000 mcg)/day to postmenopausal women with osteopenia for 2 to 4 years. Fat-soluble; take with food.
Standardization: ≥98% phytonadione (USP) or 1% to 5% dilution on a carrier
Source material: synthetic phytonadione (also available from alfalfa)
As supplied: Typically a 1% to 5% dry dilution on a carrier; 0.1 mg per mcg assumes a 1% grade and is supplier dependent
Forms of Vitamin K
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone) | 90–200 mcg | — | Capsule, Tablet, Powder, Softgel, Gummy, Liquid | low |
| Vitamin K2 (MK-7) | 90–200 mcg | — | Capsule, Softgel, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid, Powder | mid |
| Vitamin K2 (MK-4) | 100–1,500 mcg | — | Capsule, Softgel, Tablet, Powder, Liquid | mid |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Light-sensitive; protect from UV. Oil grades suit softgels, dry dilutions suit tablets and powders.
Formulation notes
Antagonizes warfarin and related vitamin K antagonists; any product with meaningful vitamin K needs a label caution for anticoagulant users. Commonly paired with vitamin D3 and calcium in bone formulas.
- Notable drug interactions
Sources
- Vitamin K — Health Professional Fact SheetNIH ODS
- Two-year randomized controlled trial of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin D3 plus calcium on the bone health of older women. (Bolton-Smith C, 2007)PubMed
- Vitamin K supplementation in postmenopausal women with osteopenia (ECKO trial): a randomized controlled trial. (Cheung AM, 2008)PubMed
- Effect of 200μG/day of vitamin K1 on the variability of anticoagulation control in patients on warfarin: a randomized controlled trial. (Majeed H, 2013)PubMed
Related ingredients
Vitamin K2 (MK-7)
VitaminMenaquinone-7 is the long-chain vitamin K2 originally isolated from natto and now made by Bacillus fermentation or synthesis.
Typical: 90–200 mcg
Cod Liver Oil
Fatty acidCod liver oil is pressed from the livers of Atlantic cod.
Typical: 1,000–2,000 mg
Vitamin K2 (MK-4)
VitaminMenaquinone-4 is the short-chain vitamin K2 that the body itself makes from phylloquinone and the form present in meat, eggs, and dairy.
Typical: 100–1,500 mcg
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
VitaminThe form of vitamin D the body makes from sunlight and the most effective supplemental form for raising blood levels.
Typical: 1,000–2,000 IU
Fish Oil (EPA/DHA Concentrate)
Fatty acidFish oil concentrate is a refined marine oil enriched in the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Typical: 500–2,000 mg