Can I buy K2 at Walmart? Your Complete Guide to Vitamin K2 Supplements

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

While Vitamin K is famously known for its role in blood clotting, the lesser-known but equally vital Vitamin K2 plays a key role in directing calcium to the bones and away from arteries. For those looking to supplement, the question arises: can I buy K2 at Walmart? The answer is yes, and this guide provides everything you need to know before you shop.

Quick Summary

This article explores the availability of Vitamin K2 supplements at Walmart, detailing the different forms like MK-4 and MK-7, their unique roles, and health benefits for bone and cardiovascular well-being. It offers a comparison table and practical tips for selecting the right supplement to support your nutrition goals.

Key Points

Availability at Walmart: Vitamin K2 supplements can be purchased at Walmart, both in-store and online, from various trusted brands like Spring Valley and Nature Made.
MK-7 vs. MK-4: Most K2 supplements contain Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a form with high bioavailability and a long half-life, whereas Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) has a shorter half-life and is found mainly in animal products.
Synergy with Vitamin D3: Vitamin K2 is often paired with Vitamin D3 in supplements because they work together to ensure calcium is directed to the bones and not deposited in arteries.
Bone and Cardiovascular Health: K2 activates proteins (osteocalcin and MGP) that support bone mineralization and prevent arterial calcification, respectively, linking it to both bone density and heart health.
Check for Third-Party Verification: To ensure quality and potency, look for supplements with seals from third-party verifiers, such as USP, which verifies that the product contains what the label claims.
Take with Fat: As a fat-soluble vitamin, K2 is best absorbed when taken with a meal that contains some fat.
Dietary Sources: Although supplements are common, K2 is naturally found in fermented foods like natto, certain cheeses, and egg yolks, but often not in sufficient quantities in a modern Western diet.

Navigating the Supplement Aisle: Finding K2 at Walmart

For individuals seeking to incorporate Vitamin K2 into their diet, the good news is that supplements are readily available at major retailers like Walmart. You can find a variety of products on their website and in the vitamin and supplement aisle of your local store. The selection includes different brands, dosages, and combinations, most commonly paired with Vitamin D3, as these two fat-soluble vitamins work synergistically. By searching online first, you can confirm stock availability and choose the most convenient purchasing option, whether it's for in-store pickup or home delivery. Popular choices often include Walmart's in-house brand, Spring Valley, alongside well-known names like Nature Made and Now Supplements.

Understanding the Forms of Vitamin K2: MK-4 vs. MK-7

Vitamin K2 isn't a single compound but a group of related substances called menaquinones (MKs). The two most common and extensively studied forms available in supplements are menaquinone-4 (MK-4) and menaquinone-7 (MK-7). Understanding the differences between these forms is crucial for making an informed decision about your supplement purchase.

Menaquinone-4 (MK-4)

MK-4 is the short-chain form of Vitamin K2. Unlike other menaquinones, it is not produced by bacteria but can be converted in the body from Vitamin K1. MK-4 has a very short half-life, meaning it doesn't stay in the bloodstream for long. It is found in animal products, with good sources including egg yolks, liver, and some hard cheeses. While its short half-life makes it less suitable for a once-daily supplement, it does play a role in certain tissues.

Menaquinone-7 (MK-7)

MK-7 is a long-chain form of Vitamin K2, primarily produced by bacteria during the fermentation process. It is highly bioavailable and, importantly, has a much longer half-life than MK-4, allowing it to remain in circulation and benefit extra-hepatic tissues like bones and blood vessels. The richest dietary source of MK-7 is natto, a traditional Japanese fermented soybean food. Due to its superior bioavailability and longer-lasting effects, most K2 supplements available at Walmart and elsewhere contain MK-7.

MK-4 vs. MK-7 Comparison Table


Feature	Menaquinone-4 (MK-4)	Menaquinone-7 (MK-7)
Half-Life	Short	Long
Bioavailability	Lower	Higher
Primary Source	Animal products (eggs, meat)	Fermented foods (natto, some cheeses)
Common Supplement Form	Less common as a standalone supplement due to short half-life	Widely available due to high bioavailability and long half-life
Main Role in Body	Localized tissue activity	Systemic (whole-body) activity

The Critical Role of Vitamin K2 in Nutrition

Vitamin K2 plays a vital role in the body by activating key proteins that regulate calcium, supporting bone and cardiovascular health.

Bone Health: K2 activates osteocalcin, a protein produced by bone-forming cells. Activated osteocalcin is essential for binding calcium into the bone matrix, improving bone mineral density and strength. Studies show that adequate K2 intake may reduce the risk of fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Cardiovascular Health: One of K2's most important functions is activating Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), which helps prevent calcium from depositing in arteries and blood vessels. Without sufficient K2, MGP remains inactive, allowing calcium to accumulate and contribute to arterial stiffness and cardiovascular disease. This mechanism explains the potential benefits of K2 for heart health.
Synergistic Effect with Vitamin D: Vitamins K2 and D3 are often called a dynamic duo. While Vitamin D3 facilitates the absorption of calcium into the bloodstream, K2 ensures that calcium is properly utilized and guided to the bones, where it belongs, rather than building up in soft tissues.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin K2

While supplements offer a reliable way to ensure adequate intake, a balanced diet is always the best foundation for good nutrition. The challenge with K2 is that its richest food sources are not staples of the typical Western diet. Foods containing meaningful amounts of K2 include:

Natto (fermented soybeans) is the most potent source of MK-7.
Certain hard and soft cheeses, like Gouda, Edam, and Brie, contain MK-8 and MK-9.
Egg yolks and dark poultry meat are good sources of MK-4.
Other fermented foods like sauerkraut also contain some K2.

What to Consider When Buying a K2 Supplement

When you're ready to buy a K2 supplement, a few key factors can help you choose the best option for your needs.

Form (MK-7 or MK-4): Due to its higher bioavailability and longer half-life, MK-7 is the most recommended form for supplementation, as it provides sustained benefits.
Combined with Vitamin D3: Most supplements available at Walmart combine K2 with D3, offering a convenient way to get these synergistic nutrients together. This is particularly beneficial as Vitamin D deficiency is also common.
Third-Party Verification: Look for products with seals from reputable third-party verifiers like United States Pharmacopeia (USP). This confirms that the supplement contains what the label says it does and is produced according to quality standards.
Dosage: While there's no official Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for K2, many studies showing benefits used dosages in the range of 100-300 mcg per day. Check with a healthcare provider for the right dose for you.
Fat for Absorption: Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. For maximum absorption, it should always be taken with a meal containing some fat.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice at Walmart

So, can I buy K2 at Walmart? Absolutely. Walmart offers a wide selection of Vitamin K2 supplements, either alone or combined with Vitamin D3, from several trusted brands. By understanding the different forms, particularly the superior bioavailability of MK-7, and checking for third-party verification, you can confidently choose a product that best suits your nutritional needs. A high-quality K2 supplement can be a powerful addition to your diet, working in tandem with Vitamin D to support long-term bone density and cardiovascular health. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Visit the NIH for more information on the critical roles of Vitamin K in the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Walmart carries several brands of Vitamin K2 supplements. These include their store brand Spring Valley, as well as products from Nature Made, Now Supplements, and other manufacturers.

K2 and D3 work synergistically, with D3 aiding calcium absorption and K2 directing it to the correct place. Therefore, many experts and brands recommend taking them together, and most supplements at Walmart include both.

MK-7 has a longer half-life and higher bioavailability, meaning it stays in the body longer and is more effective at reaching extra-hepatic tissues. For this reason, MK-7 is the more common and often preferred form for supplementation.

To assess quality, look for products with third-party verification seals from organizations like USP (United States Pharmacopeia), which confirms the supplement's ingredients, potency, and manufacturing process meet certain standards.

It can be difficult to obtain sufficient Vitamin K2 from diet alone, as its richest sources, like natto and some specific cheeses, are not common in many diets. Your body can also inefficiently convert some K1 to K2.

Yes, K2 gummies can be effective as long as they contain the correct dosage and form, typically MK-7. However, be aware that some gummies may contain sugar, and capsules or softgels are often a cleaner option.

Vitamin K2 helps activate a protein called Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) that inhibits calcium from depositing in soft tissues like your arteries. This process helps prevent arterial stiffness and calcification, supporting cardiovascular health.

Yes, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have blood clotting issues, as Vitamin K can interact with blood thinners.

Yes, as a fat-soluble vitamin, K2 is best absorbed when taken with a meal that contains some fat. Taking it with food ensures optimal absorption and effectiveness.

Vitamin K2 activates osteocalcin, a protein that plays a crucial role in bone metabolism. Activated osteocalcin facilitates the binding of calcium to the bone matrix, promoting stronger and healthier bones and increasing mineral density.