By Fiona Chin N.D. 
Did you know that up to 88% of people on dialysis may have coronary artery calcification, and that vitamin K could play an important role in supporting both heart and bone health in chronic kidney disease?
In this episode of The Kidney Coach Podcast, Naturopath Fiona Chin is joined by renowned renal dietitian Lindsey Zirker from the Kidney Nutrition Institute to explore the science behind vitamin K, one of the most overlooked nutrients in kidney health. Together they discuss the different forms of vitamin K (K1, MK-4, and MK-7), how vitamin K works alongside vitamin D, the role of vitamin K in vascular calcification and bone metabolism, and why deficiency may be more common in people living with CKD.
They also cover food sources, supplementation considerations, testing challenges, medication interactions, and emerging research on vitamin K’s potential impact on cardiovascular health. Whether you’re living with chronic kidney disease, supporting a loved one, or a healthcare practitioner seeking to stay current with the latest kidney health research, this episode provides valuable insights into an important yet often misunderstood nutrient.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction & Lindsey’s Cantonese surprise
02:29 What is Vitamin K? Types, functions & food sources
06:39 Vitamin K1 vs K2 (MK-4 & MK-7) explained
09:37 Vitamin K and Vitamin D: why they work together
10:35 Vitamin K deficiency in CKD
12:33 Vascular calcification and cardiovascular risk
16:45 Research on Vitamin K supplementation in CKD
20:15 Can you test for Vitamin K deficiency?
23:39 Medication interactions & supplementation considerations
26:36 Current research, dosing insights & practical takeaways
28:16 Risk factors for deficiency (gut health, binders, gallbladder removal)
31:30 Next episode preview: Vitamin A
32:02 Subscribe & final thoughts
