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Vitamin K, VKORC1, and What Your Genotype Means for Health

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in blood clotting, wound healing, and bone health. It comes mainly in two forms. Vitamin K1 is abundant in green leafy vegetables. Vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods and some animal products. The VKORC1 gene makes an enzyme that recycles Vitamin K after it activates clotting proteins, keeping active Vitamin K available for ongoing needs. Variants in VKORC1 can reduce recycling efficiency, which may lower active Vitamin K levels and change how well your body uses dietary Vitamin K.

How VKORC1 Affects Vitamin K Function

  • The VKORC1 enzyme converts inactive Vitamin K back into its active form so it can be reused.
  • If VKORC1 activity is reduced, less active Vitamin K may be available for important processes such as clotting and activating bone proteins.
  • Genetic differences do not necessarily mean a deficiency. They indicate how efficiently your body may recycle and use Vitamin K.
  • Maintaining a consistent intake of Vitamin K rich foods and pairing those foods with healthy fats improves absorption.

Practical considerations

  • Keep Vitamin K intake consistent from day to day. Sudden large changes in Vitamin K intake can affect blood clotting balance.
  • Eat a mix of Vitamin K1 and K2 sources: leafy greens, broccoli, natto, fermented vegetables, and modest amounts of animal products.
  • Consume Vitamin K foods with healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, or seeds to enhance absorption.
  • If you are taking blood thinning medications, talk with your healthcare provider before changing Vitamin K intake or starting supplements.
  • Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and smoking avoidance support bone and cardiovascular health and complement Vitamin K benefits.
2 effect alleles — AA genotype (rs9934438)

If you have the AA genotype, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This is associated with reduced VKORC1 activity, meaning the enzyme that recycles Vitamin K may not work as efficiently. As a result, your body might have less active Vitamin K available for blood clotting and activation of bone proteins.

What this means for you

  • Your body may be less efficient at utilizing dietary Vitamin K, so consistent intake of Vitamin K rich foods is especially important.
  • This does not necessarily indicate a severe deficiency. Most people with this genotype can maintain healthy Vitamin K status through diet and lifestyle.
  • Consult your healthcare provider before taking Vitamin K supplements, especially if you are on blood thinners.

Recommended actions

  • Focus on daily servings of leafy greens such as kale, spinach, chard, and collards for Vitamin K1.
  • Include fermented foods like natto, tempeh, or fermented vegetables for Vitamin K2 where appropriate.
  • Eat Vitamin K rich foods with a source of dietary fat to improve absorption.
  • Consider periodic testing of relevant blood markers with your provider if you have bleeding concerns or are on anticoagulants.
1 effect allele — AG genotype (rs9934438)

If you have the AG genotype, you carry one copy of the effect allele and one non effect allele. This is associated with a modest reduction in VKORC1 activity. Your enzyme may recycle Vitamin K somewhat less efficiently than typical.

What this means for you

  • You may have slightly lower availability of active Vitamin K under some circumstances, so maintaining steady dietary intake is helpful.
  • Most people with one effect allele do well with dietary strategies rather than routine supplementation.
  • Discuss any supplement use with your healthcare provider if you take blood thinning medications.

Recommended actions

  • Make leafy greens and vegetables a regular part of your meals. Aim for a consistent pattern rather than occasional large amounts.
  • Add fermented foods or small portions of animal products for Vitamin K2, if these fit your diet.
  • Pair plant sources with fats like olive oil or avocado to aid absorption.
  • If you have clinical concerns such as easy bruising or family history of clotting disorders, discuss targeted testing with your provider.
0 effect alleles — GG genotype (rs9934438)

If you have the GG genotype, you carry two copies of the non effect allele. This is associated with typical VKORC1 activity and normal recycling of Vitamin K. Your body is likely to maintain active Vitamin K levels effectively when you eat a balanced diet.

What this means for you

  • You are expected to recycle and use Vitamin K normally, supporting healthy clotting and bone protein function.
  • Continue to include Vitamin K rich foods as part of a balanced diet and follow general lifestyle recommendations for bone and cardiovascular health.
  • No special genetic based interventions are typically necessary, but consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Recommended actions

  • Maintain regular servings of leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and fermented foods.
  • Keep dietary patterns steady, especially if you start medications that affect clotting.
  • Monitor bone health and cardiovascular risk through routine care and preventive health measures.

Diet, Supplement, and Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Diet: Prioritize a variety of Vitamin K1 sources such as kale, spinach, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Include K2 sources like natto, fermented vegetables, and moderate amounts of cheese or other animal products if they fit your diet.
  • Fat for absorption: Always consume Vitamin K rich vegetables with a source of fat to improve uptake. A small amount of olive oil, nuts, seeds, or avocado with your salad or cooked greens is effective.
  • Supplements: Talk to your healthcare provider before starting Vitamin K supplements. They may be appropriate in specific situations but require medical oversight if you use blood thinning medications or have bleeding disorders.
  • Exercise: Weight bearing and resistance exercises support bone health and work together with Vitamin K dependent proteins to maintain bone strength.
  • Alcohol and smoking: Avoid heavy alcohol use and smoking, both of which negatively impact bone and cardiovascular health.

Blood Tests and When to Consult Your Provider

  • If you take anticoagulant medications, regular monitoring of clotting tests and medication dosing is essential. Do not change Vitamin K intake or supplements without medical guidance.
  • If you experience unexplained bruising, prolonged bleeding, or other bleeding symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.
  • Your provider may order tests such as clotting studies or nutrient assessments if clinically indicated.

Important Notice

PlexusDx provides education about genetic predispositions only and does not provide medical advice. This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, starting supplements, or changing medications, especially if you are taking blood thinners or have a medical condition that affects clotting or bone health.