What is the Difference Between Phylloquinone and Menaquinone?

Phylloquinone and menaquinone are two forms of vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting, bone health, and heart health. The differences between phylloquinone and menaquinone can be summarized as follows:

1. Source: Phylloquinone, also known as vitamin K1, is primarily found in plant foods like leafy green vegetables, making up about 75-90% of all vitamin K consumed by humans. Menaquinone, also known as vitamin K2, is found in fermented foods and animal products, and is also produced by gut bacteria.
2. Absorption: The absorption of phylloquinone by the body is lower compared to menaquinone. This is because plant materials are harder for the body to degrade, while fermented food and animal-derived food items are more easily degraded, making menaquinone easier to absorb.
3. Circulation: Vitamin K1 has a shorter circulation time in the blood compared to vitamin K2. Vitamin K1 survives in the blood for several hours, while vitamin K2 exists for several days. This longer circulation time allows vitamin K2 to be better used in tissues.
4. Structure: Phylloquinone contains a phytyl side chain with 4 prenyl units, while menaquinones contain an unsaturated aliphatic side chain with a variable number of prenyl units. Menaquinones have several subtypes, ranging from MK-4 to MK-13.

Despite these differences, both forms of vitamin K share the same function in carboxylation of proteins and have been associated with reduced risks of certain health issues, such as type 2 diabetes.

Comparative Table: Phylloquinone vs Menaquinone

Phylloquinone and menaquinone are two forms of vitamin K, which plays an important role in blood clotting and other physiological processes. Here is a table summarizing the differences between phylloquinone and menaquinone:

Phylloquinone is the main dietary form of vitamin K and is present primarily in green leafy vegetables. Menaquinones, on the other hand, are predominantly of bacterial origin and are present in various animal-based and fermented foods. Menaquinones have unsaturated isoprenyl side chains and are designated as MK-4 through MK-13 based on the length of their side chain. Limited research suggests that long-chain menaquinones may have higher absorption rates than phylloquinone.