Vitamin K Oil Uses and Benefits for Heart, Brain, Bones and More

What is Vitamin K Oil?

Vitamin K oil refers to oil that has been infused or enriched with vitamin K. The most common types of oils used are vitamin K1 oil derived from plants and vitamin K2 oil which tends to come from animal or fermented sources.

Sources of Vitamin K Oils

Some of the main food and supplemental sources of vitamin K oil include:

• Extra virgin olive oil - infused with vitamin K1 from leafy greens
• Coconut oil - made with added vitamin K2 MK-7
• Black cumin seed oil - naturally high in vitamin K1
• Fish oils - enriched with vitamin K2 MK-4 from animal sources
• Supplement oils - various vitamin K forms added depending on purpose

Benefits of Vitamin K Oil

Using vitamin K oil over regular cooking or supplement oils offers several advantages:

• Increases total vitamin K intake which most people do not get enough of
• Boosts absorption compared to supplements alone based on the oil solubility
• Provides flexibility to use in cooking, topically, or directly as a supplement
• May allow vitamin K to better reach targeted areas like skin, arteries or bones

The Different Types of Vitamin K

There are a variety of forms that vitamin K comes in. The main ones used in dietary and topical oils include:

Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)

• Found in plant sources like leafy greens, broccoli, soybeans, avocados and plant-based oils
• The primary form of vitamin K in most diets
• Offers cardiovascular and bone support along with blood clotting functions

Vitamin K2 (Menaquinones)

• Bioactive forms found in animals and fermented foods
• The types MK-4 and MK-7 are used in supplements
• Believed to be more bioavailable and targeted to vital organs and arteries

Key Roles of Vitamin K in the Body

Before looking at specific vitamin K oil health benefits, it helps to understand the critical functions vitamin K plays in the body:

Blood Clotting

Vitamin K is essential for the production of prothrombin and other clotting factors responsible for platelet formation and bone metabolism.

Bone Mineralization

Research shows vitamin K improves osteocalcin activity enhancing the mineralization process and bone density, especially in those low in K2.

Heart Health

Vitamin K prevents calcium buildup in arteries while directing it into bones and other tissues, reducing plaque and cardiovascular risks.

Cell Support

Studies link adequate vitamin K levels with lower inflammation, improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced nerve conduction and better overall cellular communication.

Potential Vitamin K Oil Health Benefits

The unique compatibility of vitamin K with dietary oils allows for targeted delivery. This opens up possibilities for vitamin K oil health benefits like:

Heart and Artery Health

Pairing vitamin K with omega fats may provide compounded benefits for cardiovascular health. The oil solubility appears to help vitamin K accumulate in arterial walls preventing calcification while also allowing the heart protective omega fats better access to organs and tissues.

Bone Strength

Topically applied vitamin K oil may help increase localized nutrient levels in bones and tissues. Early lab research shows improved K2 bioavailability over just supplements when paired with oils. This has implications for osteoporosis and injury recovery.

Brain Function

The MK-4 form of K2 in particular may cross the blood-brain barrier more readily when transported via dietary fats. Emerging research links adequate K2 levels with improved cognition, learning and memory while lowering inflammation and oxidative stress on neurons.

Nerve Health and Regeneration

Vitamin K is important for the myelin sheath and glial cell function. Myelin aids communication while glial cells provide nerve structure and protection. Vitamin K deficiency is linked with neuropathy. Supplementation shows promise for diabetic neuropathy and injury nerve regeneration.

Skin Health

Used topically, vitamin K oil may improve skin hydration, collagen development, tone and overall appearance. It helps cut down on bruising which can benefit both skin health and appearance.

Inflammation Reduction

Human and animal research indicates vitamin K can lower chronic inflammation levels throughout the body. This helps explain improvements seen in conditions like arthritis. More study is still needed, but the oil carrier effect may boost these outcomes.

What Foods Have High Levels of Vitamin K?

While using enriched oils can help increase vitamin K intake, eating whole vitamin K foods regularly provides a variety of forms for balance. Good dietary sources include:

• Kale, spinach, collard, turnip and mustard greens
• Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and asparagus
• Avocados, kiwi and blueberries
• Soybeans, chickpeas, lentils and other legumes
• Fermented foods like natto, sauerkraut, kefir and some cheeses
• Grass-fed butter, egg yolks, chicken, goose liver
• Black cumin, pumpkin seed, olive and wheat germ oil

How to Use Vitamin K Oil

There are several ways vitamin K oil can be incorporated:

In Cooking

Vitamin K enriched cooking oils like olive, coconut or black cumin seed oil provide an easy way to boost daily intake. Use for sauting, stir fries, salad dressings, roasting vegetables, etc.

Topically

Apply vitamin K oils like coconut or black cumin seed directly to skin to increase nutrition for areas like bruises, scars, calluses, rashes or wrinkles. Can use alone or combine with other beneficial oils.

As a Supplement

The oil carrier makes vitamin K more bioavailable than capsules or tablets alone. Common supplemental oils include fish, evening primrose, olive and medium chain triglyceride oil.

How Much Vitamin K Oil Should You Take?

There are no established dietary recommendations for vitamin K oil itself. Adequate total daily vitamin K intake goals set by health organizations for general health include:

• Adult females: 90 micrograms (mcg)
• Adult males: 120 micrograms (mcg)
• Lactating females: 90 micrograms (mcg)

Therapeutic doses used in research studies tend to range from 100-500 mcg of vitamin K2 specifically. Its best to speak with your healthcare provider to determine your individual needs.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Vitamin K oil is generally safe when used appropriately, especially forms derived from whole food sources. Potential side effects can include:

• Interactions with blood thinning medications - speak to your doctor
• Allergic reaction - stop use
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting - lower dose or discontinue

High doses have more risks. Intakes above 1000 mcg per day require medical supervision.

Key Takeaways on Vitamin K Oils

• Vitamin K oils provide a more bioavailable form than capsules alone that can be used in cooking, topically or as supplements.
• Vitamin K1 oils come from leafy green plants while vitamin K2 oils are animal/fermented-based.
• Potential benefits target the arteries, bones, brain, nerves, skin, inflammation and more.
• Pairing vitamin K with other beneficial oils like omega-3s may have an enhanced, synergistic effect.
• Get professional guidance to find your optimal vitamin K oil dose and form for your needs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.