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Understanding Your VKORC1 Genotype and Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that plays key roles in blood clotting, bone health, and cardiovascular function. It comes mainly as Vitamin K1 found in green leafy vegetables and Vitamin K2 found in fermented foods and some animal products. The VKORC1 gene produces an enzyme that recycles Vitamin K into its active form. Variations in VKORC1 can change how efficiently your body reactivates Vitamin K, which may influence your dietary needs and how you respond to certain medications.

How VKORC1 Affects Vitamin K Biology

  • VKORC1 enzyme converts inactive Vitamin K back to its active form so it can be used for essential functions like making clotting proteins and supporting bone mineralization.
  • Reduced VKORC1 activity means slower recycling of Vitamin K and potentially higher dietary needs to maintain the same active level.
  • Vitamin K is fat soluble. Eating K rich foods with healthy fats improves absorption.
  • If you take blood thinning medications that target the Vitamin K cycle, VKORC1 variation can change how you respond to those drugs. Always consult your clinician before changing diet or supplements.

Practical Dietary Recommendations

  • Prioritize consistent intake of Vitamin K rich foods rather than large intermittent doses.
  • Focus on K1 sources: spinach, kale, collards, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and other leafy greens.
  • Include K2 sources: natto, certain aged cheeses, fermented foods, and some animal products like egg yolks and liver.
  • Combine Vitamin K foods with healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, or fatty fish to increase absorption.
  • If you use supplements, keep your clinician informed because Vitamin K can interact with anticoagulant medications.

Supplement, Lifestyle, and Monitoring Considerations

  • Supplements: Consider Vitamin K2 supplements only after consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you take blood thinners.
  • Medications: If you take anticoagulants, do not adjust Vitamin K intake without clinical guidance. VKORC1 variation can affect dosing needs.
  • Bone health: Maintain adequate calcium, vitamin D, protein, and weight bearing exercise to support bone strength along with Vitamin K intake.
  • Lifestyle: Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular health and bone density. Avoid extreme diets that eliminate green vegetables without medical reason.
  • Blood tests: Routine labs can include coagulation profiles if you are on blood thinners, and bone density scans if clinically indicated. Discuss testing with your clinician based on your health history.

What Your Genotype Means

2 effect alleles — TT genotype

If your genotype is TT at rs9923231 you carry two copies of the effect allele associated with reduced VKORC1 enzyme activity. This means your body may recycle Vitamin K more slowly and could need more consistent Vitamin K intake to maintain normal function in blood clotting and bone health.

  • Diet: Eat steady, regular servings of K1 and K2 rich foods. Include leafy greens daily and fermented or aged foods several times per week as tolerated.
  • Absorption: Always consume Vitamin K foods with a source of healthy fat to improve absorption.
  • Supplements: Only consider Vitamin K supplements after consulting your healthcare provider. If you take anticoagulants, genetic status may affect medication sensitivity and dosing.
  • Monitoring: Talk with your clinician about appropriate lab monitoring if you are on blood thinners, and discuss bone health screening if you have other risk factors.
  • Lifestyle: Support bone and heart health with resistance training, weight bearing exercise, adequate protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
1 effect allele — CT genotype

If your genotype is CT at rs9923231 you carry one copy of the effect allele and may have moderately reduced VKORC1 enzyme activity. Your Vitamin K recycling may be less efficient than typical, so maintaining consistent dietary intake is a practical step to support normal function.

  • Diet: Regularly include leafy greens and K2 sources such as natto, fermented foods, eggs, and cheese. Aim for consistent portions spread across the week.
  • Absorption: Pair these foods with healthy fats at meals to maximize uptake.
  • Supplements: Discuss any supplement plans with your healthcare provider, especially if you take blood thinning medication.
  • Monitoring: If you have other health concerns or are on medications that interact with Vitamin K, work with your clinician to determine if testing or closer monitoring is needed.
  • Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet and active lifestyle to support bone and cardiovascular health.
0 effect alleles — CC genotype

If your genotype is CC at rs9923231 you carry two copies of the non effect allele and have typical VKORC1 enzyme activity. Your Vitamin K cycle functions at standard efficiency and most people with this genotype can meet needs through regular diet.

  • Diet: Continue eating a variety of Vitamin K rich foods including leafy greens and occasional fermented or animal sources for K2.
  • Absorption: Consume these foods with healthy fats to optimize absorption.
  • Supplements: No special supplementation is generally required based on VKORC1 status alone. Consult your clinician if you are considering supplements or have other medical conditions.
  • Monitoring: Follow routine health care guidance. If you are on anticoagulants, maintain consistent Vitamin K intake and coordinate with your clinician.
  • Lifestyle: Keep a balanced diet, exercise program, and bone supportive habits.

When to Talk to a Healthcare Professional

  • If you take anticoagulant medication such as warfarin or similar agents, discuss your VKORC1 result with the clinician managing your medication before changing diet or supplements.
  • If you are considering high dose Vitamin K supplementation, seek medical advice to confirm safety and appropriate dosing.
  • If you have bleeding disorders, a history of blood clots, osteoporosis, or other conditions related to clotting and bone health, review your genetic findings with a clinician to tailor care and testing.

PlexusDx provides genetic information to help you understand potential predispositions and inform conversations with your healthcare team. This information is educational only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, or medication based on genetic results.