Vitamin E and Vitamin K2: Can You Take Them Together?

Notable interaction — adjust timing

Vitamin E and Vitamin K2 can interact. Vitamin E at supplement doses measurably lowered vitamin K status in adults with normal clotting. Menaquinone is taken to carboxylate osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein — the very reaction high-dose vitamin E impairs — so the two work against each other. Keep vitamin E at or below 400 IU/day if you are also taking K2, and separate them by a few hours to reduce absorption competition. Do not use this pairing to self-manage clotting: if you are on an anticoagulant, both belong in a conversation with the prescriber.

What the evidence says

moderateconflict· moderate evidence

High-dose alpha-tocopherol interferes with vitamin K-dependent gamma-carboxylation, and its quinone metabolite competes with vitamin K in that pathway. The two are also fat-soluble vitamins competing for the same absorption route.

What to do: Keep vitamin E at or below 400 IU/day if you are also taking K2, and separate them by a few hours to reduce absorption competition. Do not use this pairing to self-manage clotting: if you are on an anticoagulant, both belong in a conversation with the prescriber.

Dose matters: >400 IU/day vitamin E. Minimal risk: <200 IU/day vitamin E.

Vitamin E

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Vitamin K2

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Related interactions

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Frequently asked questions

Can you take Vitamin E and Vitamin K2 together?: Vitamin E and Vitamin K2 can interact. Vitamin E at supplement doses measurably lowered vitamin K status in adults with normal clotting. Menaquinone is taken to carboxylate osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein — the very reaction high-dose vitamin E impairs — so the two work against each other. Keep vitamin E at or below 400 IU/day if you are also taking K2, and separate them by a few hours to reduce absorption competition. Do not use this pairing to self-manage clotting: if you are on an anticoagulant, both belong in a conversation with the prescriber.
Do Vitamin E and Vitamin K2 interact?: Vitamin E at supplement doses measurably lowered vitamin K status in adults with normal clotting. Menaquinone is taken to carboxylate osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein — the very reaction high-dose vitamin E impairs — so the two work against each other. High-dose alpha-tocopherol interferes with vitamin K-dependent gamma-carboxylation, and its quinone metabolite competes with vitamin K in that pathway. The two are also fat-soluble vitamins competing for the same absorption route.
Should you separate Vitamin E and Vitamin K2?: Keep vitamin E at or below 400 IU/day if you are also taking K2, and separate them by a few hours to reduce absorption competition. Do not use this pairing to self-manage clotting: if you are on an anticoagulant, both belong in a conversation with the prescriber.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.

What the evidence says

moderateconflict· moderate evidence

Dose matters: >400 IU/day vitamin E. Minimal risk: <200 IU/day vitamin E.

Frequently asked questions

Can you take Vitamin E and Vitamin K2 together?

Do Vitamin E and Vitamin K2 interact?

Vitamin E at supplement doses measurably lowered vitamin K status in adults with normal clotting. Menaquinone is taken to carboxylate osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein — the very reaction high-dose vitamin E impairs — so the two work against each other. High-dose alpha-tocopherol interferes with vitamin K-dependent gamma-carboxylation, and its quinone metabolite competes with vitamin K in that pathway. The two are also fat-soluble vitamins competing for the same absorption route.

Should you separate Vitamin E and Vitamin K2?

Keep vitamin E at or below 400 IU/day if you are also taking K2, and separate them by a few hours to reduce absorption competition. Do not use this pairing to self-manage clotting: if you are on an anticoagulant, both belong in a conversation with the prescriber.