Is vitamin k2 vegan?

Vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone, is a fat-soluble vitamin commonly added to fortified foods and dietary supplements. Commercially, it is produced through the bacterial fermentation of plant-based substrates or via chemical synthesis. A common natural production method utilizes Bacillus subtilis bacteria fermenting soybeans or chickpeas to yield the MK-7 subtype, while synthetic processes produce menaquinone through laboratory chemical reactions. Products that list this ingredient include fortified plant milks, breakfast cereals, meal replacement powders, and standalone vitamin capsules.

Vitamin K2 is classified as vegan because commercial manufacturers derive the isolated nutrient exclusively from microbial fermentation or synthetic pathways rather than animal sources. The bacterial cultures used during fermentation are grown on plant-derived nutrient media, ensuring that no meat, dairy, or other animal byproducts are used in the manufacturing process. Because the ingredient does not rely on animal extraction, added vitamin K2 meets vegan dietary standards.