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The Importance of Taking D3 and K2 in Combination

09/19/2024|Physicians Preference Vitamins|,

Vitamins D3 and K2 have gained significant attention in recent years for their complementary roles in supporting optimal health. Individually, these vitamins contribute to various aspects of well-being, but research has shown that their benefits are enhanced when taken together. This synergistic combination plays a critical role in bone and cardiovascular health, ensuring that calcium is used efficiently and directed to the right places in the body. Understanding how these two vitamins work together can help you make informed decisions about your supplementation routine.

The Role of Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is the natural form of vitamin D that the body produces when exposed to sunlight. It is crucial for maintaining several aspects of health.

  • Bone and Teeth Health: One of vitamin D3’s primary functions is to help the body absorb calcium, a mineral that is essential for the maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Without sufficient vitamin D, calcium cannot be effectively absorbed in the intestines, which can lead to weak bones over time.
  • Cardiovascular Health: Research also indicates that vitamin D plays a role in maintaining cardiovascular health by helping to regulate blood pressure and inflammation within blood vessels.
  • Immune System Support: Vitamin D is recognized for its ability to modulate the immune system. It enhances the pathogen-fighting effects of monocytes and macrophages, two key types of white blood cells, and decreases inflammation.

The Role of Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2, or menaquinone, is essential for directing calcium to the correct areas of the body, particularly the bones and teeth. Here are the key roles that K2 plays:

  • Bone Health: Vitamin K2 activates osteocalcin, a protein that helps bind calcium to the bone matrix, ensuring that bones remain strong and healthy. Without adequate K2, calcium may not effectively be incorporated into the bones, increasing the risk of fractures over time.
  • Cardiovascular Health: Vitamin K2 also plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular health. It activates matrix Gla-protein (MGP), which prevents calcium from being deposited in the arteries and other soft tissues.

The Synergistic Effects of Vitamin D3 and K2

While both vitamins are essential on their own, their effects are significantly enhanced when taken together. The combination of vitamin D3 and K2 is more effective than taking each vitamin individually for several reasons.  First, vitamin D3 increases calcium absorption from the gut, but without sufficient K2, this calcium may be deposited in the wrong places, such as the arteries or kidneys. Vitamin K2 ensures that the absorbed calcium is directed to the bones and teeth, where it is needed most.

Second, without adequate vitamin K2, increased vitamin D3 levels can cause issues related to excess calcium buildup in the body. For instance, studies suggest that supplementing with high levels of vitamin D without K2 may contribute to vascular calcification. The combination of D3 and K2 helps avoid this risk by ensuring that calcium is properly managed in the body (7). 

Finally, both vitamins work in tandem to improve bone health. Vitamin D3 enhances calcium absorption, while K2 activates the proteins responsible for integrating calcium into the bones. A study published in Osteoporosis International found that the combination of D3 and K2 led to significantly improved bone mineral density in postmenopausal women (8).

Practical Benefits of Combining D3 and K2

Given the synergistic relationship between these two vitamins, taking them in combination offers a range of health benefits:

  • Optimal Bone Health: By improving calcium absorption and directing it to where it’s needed most, the D3 and K2 combination supports stronger bones.
  • Improved Cardiovascular Health: The combination of D3 and K2 reduces the risk of arterial calcification.
  • Enhanced Overall Calcium Management: By ensuring that calcium is properly utilized throughout the body, the D3 and K2 combination can prevent both calcium deficiency and excess calcium buildup, providing a balanced approach to bone and cardiovascular health.

Consider our VITAMIN D3 WITH K2

Vitamin D3 and K2 are essential nutrients that play critical roles in maintaining bone and cardiovascular health. While they are beneficial on their own, research shows that taking them together provides a more balanced approach to calcium. For anyone looking to optimize their supplement regimen, the combination of D3 and K2 is a powerful duo that should not be overlooked.

Physician’s Preference Vitamins offers VITAMIN D3 WITH K2 in capsules and softgels. Each formulation contains 5000 IU of vitamin D3 and 180 MCG (capsules) or 200 MCG (softgels) of vitamin K2.  Our form of vitamin K2 is unique: K2VITAL® MK-7 is a bioavailable form that plays a critical role in arterial health through its ability to support proper calcium metabolism in blood vessels and arteries.  Importantly, VITAMIN D3 WITH K2 contains no dairy, eggs, gluten, or soy. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals with dietary restrictions and/or sensitivities.

We Are Here for You

At Physicians Preference Vitamins, we are here for you. If you have questions about supplements to help with bone and teeth health, cardiovascular health, or any other health concerns, please call our Certified Holistic Nutritionists and Vitamin Consultants today at 281-646-1659. It will be our privilege to serve you!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Research

1. Holick, Michael F. “Vitamin D Deficiency.” The New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 357, no. 3, 2007, pp. 266-281.  

2. Kunadian, Vijay, et al. “Vitamin D deficiency and coronary artery disease: A review of the evidence.” American Heart Journal, vol. 161, no. 3, 2011, pp. 501-509.  

3. Martineau, Adrian R., et al. “Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections: individual participant data meta-analysis.” BMJ, 2017, doi:10.1136/bmj.i6583.  

4. Schurgers, Leon J., et al. “Vitamin K–containing dietary supplements: comparison of synthetic vitamin K1 and natto-derived menaquinone-7.” Blood, vol. 109, no. 8, 2007, pp. 3279-3283.  

5. Gast, Gerard C.M., et al. “A high menaquinone intake reduces the incidence of coronary heart disease.” Journal of Nutrition, vol. 136, no. 11, 2006, pp. 3032-3036.  

6. Schurgers, Leon J., et al. “Vitamin K2 supplementation improves arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women.” Thrombosis and Haemostasis, vol. 109, no. 6, 2013, pp. 1249-1255.  

7. Brandenburg, Vincent M., et al. “Slowing the progression of cardiovascular calcification with vitamin K2: review of preclinical and clinical studies.” Atherosclerosis, vol. 265, 2017, pp. 230-238.  

8. Knapen, Marjo H.J., et al. “Vitamin K2 supplementation improves hip bone geometry and bone strength indices in postmenopausal women.” Osteoporosis International, vol. 18, no. 7, 2007, pp. 963-972.