Vitamin E + Vitamin K2

Can you take Vitamin E and Vitamin K2 together?

NoteStrong evidence

Yes at moderate doses; at high vitamin E doses, K status can suffer.

What to do. Keep vitamin E moderate (≤ ~400 IU / 268 mg).

Dose matters. At ≈1,000 IU (670 mg) of vitamin E, a trial showed impaired vitamin K status.

Mechanism

High-dose vitamin E antagonizes vitamin K

In a randomized trial, 1,000 IU/day of vitamin E for 12 weeks increased a marker of vitamin K insufficiency (PIVKA-II). This may add to bleeding risk in people on anticoagulants.

Evidence: Strong evidence — Randomized trials or authoritative reviews (e.g. NIH ODS).

  1. 01Booth SL et al. Effect of vitamin E supplementation on vitamin K status in adults with normal coagulation status. Am J Clin Nutr 2004.
  2. 02NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Vitamin E Fact Sheet for Health Professionals

Timing

A day with Vitamin E and Vitamin K2

  1. 08:00

    Breakfast

    with meal

Taking more than these two?

Add the rest of your stack and your medications for a complete check.

Check my full stack

Buying guide

What to look for on the label

  • Vitamin E

    • Natural d-alpha-tocopherol or mixed tocopherols
    • Moderate doses — the SELECT trial linked 400 IU/day to higher prostate cancer risk

  • Vitamin K2

    • MK-7 (long half-life)
    • Often sold combined with D3

Related

Other interactions

Vitamin C + Vitamin E

Vitamin C recycles vitamin E

Synergy→

Omega-3 (Fish Oil) + Vitamin E

Vitamin E protects omega-3s from oxidation

Synergy→

Selenium + Vitamin E

Complementary antioxidant systems

Synergy→

Ginkgo + Vitamin E

Two supplements that affect bleeding

Note→

Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K2

D3 makes calcium-binding proteins; K2 activates them

Synergy→

Calcium + Vitamin K2

K2 helps direct calcium into bone

Synergy→

Learn more about Vitamin E and Vitamin K2.