Your post was the first time that I have seen mentioned that the body can convert K1 into K2, so I did some research last night. Apparently, this is true, but from what I could find that this conversion is a hit or miss situation and not very good even when there is a conversion. Below are links to four articles written by Dr. Mercola that cover many of the questions raised recently in this thread. For example; the differences between the forms of K2 (MK4 vs MK7), how K2 is not present in all (or even many) fermented vegetables, how K2 works inconjection with Vitamin D, and many other K1/K2 subjects.Jay Aitchsee wrote:Re: Vitamin K discussion.
For what seems to be a fairly good overview, see the wiki.
It does suggest that K2 can be converted from K1 in the gut of healthy individuals and dietary K1 is relatively plentiful in dark green veggies.
I know that some do not like Dr. Mercola for a variety of reasons, but these articles were the best at summing up what I found at several other sites. One thing also mentioned is that there are no known side effects of taking K2, nor is there a recommended dosage. As mentioned, K2/MK7 has a 1/2 life of three days, where other versions of K2 and K1 are passed quickly through the GI system. Even though no side effects are noted, I seem to have trouble taking K2 any more than once every three days. For some reason, it seems to affect my sleep in the wrong direction. I have taken as little as 10mcg and have the same problem (even at that low dose, with a 3-day half life, it builds up). I always seem to be a test case for side effects of all drugs either OTC or Rx.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/artic ... efits.aspx
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/artic ... k1-k2.aspx
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/artic ... efits.aspx
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/artic ... in-k2.aspx