K2 or K1 or both?

Hi, you smart people,

Can anyone explain to me (as simply as possible) the differences in properties and effects between vitamins K2 and K1?

Do you usually take one or the other or both?

I know that it/they help to transport calcium from the blood to the bones but that's as far as my knowledge goes and I would love to hear what you lovely people recommend.

Thanks.

Tickled

I'm a nutritionist, so this one I can answer (like it when I can remember things and help someone else): K1 is the undigested form of K which we get from food and the body converts to K2 to store and use it. This is how we get our K naturally. K2 is the form of K that animal bodies usually store - it is what our bodies convert K1 to. This form is not one you find in nature on its own. I don't take vitamin pills because they are often synthetic (not like whole food supplements like Standard Process) and my body isn't, so I personally get my K1 from foods like kale, spinach, collards, swiss chard, mustard greens, turnip greens, brussel sprouts, cabbage or asparagus. I make a shake for myself everyday in my Vita-Mix (picked it up second hand) with 1 cup water, a handful of sprouted almonds (sprouted by soaking overnight, then draining off the water and keeping them refrigerated. They stay good for 5 days), 1 banana, 1 cup pineapple and 4 to 6 cups spinach. It tastes great and is packed with nutrients. Not only will you get the nutrients, but by using a blender rather than a juicer you get all of the pre-biotics which your body needs to build healthy flora in your gut. Especially important if you are taking antibiotics.

I hope that made sense. I had to read it several times through to make sure I got everything. Stupid neuro lyme stuff...