The Synergy Between D3 + K2

What is Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a type of vitamin D that is synthesised in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. It can also be obtained from dietary sources such as fatty fish, eggs, and fortified foods.

Vitamin D3 is important for several physiological processes in the body, including the regulation of calcium and phosphorus absorption in the intestines, the maintenance of bone health, and the modulation of immune function. It is also thought to play a role in reducing the risk of certain diseases such as osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, and some types of cancer.

The body can convert vitamin D3 into its active form, calcitriol, which then binds to vitamin D receptors in various tissues throughout the body, regulating gene expression and impacting various cellular processes.

Vitamin D3 deficiency is common, particularly in areas with limited sunlight exposure or in individuals who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. In such cases, supplementation with vitamin D3 may be necessary to maintain adequate levels of this important nutrient.

What is Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone, is a type of vitamin K that is found in certain foods, particularly in fermented foods such as natto, cheese, and sauerkraut. It can also be produced by bacteria in the gut.

Vitamin K2 plays an important role in the body's blood clotting process by activating specific proteins that help to clot blood. However, it also has other important functions, including supporting bone health by regulating the metabolism of calcium and promoting the deposition of calcium in bones, as well as supporting cardiovascular health by helping to prevent the calcification of arteries.

There are several forms of vitamin K2, with different lengths of the side chain. The most studied form of vitamin K2 is MK-7, which is believed to have a longer half-life in the body and therefore may have more sustained effects on bone and cardiovascular health.

Vitamin K2 deficiency is rare, but can occur in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as malabsorption disorders, or in individuals taking certain medications that interfere with vitamin K metabolism. While vitamin K1 is found in green leafy vegetables and is important for blood clotting, it is not as effective as vitamin K2 in supporting bone and cardiovascular health. Therefore, obtaining adequate amounts of vitamin K2 from dietary sources or supplementation may be beneficial for overall health.

Why D3 + K2 is superior

Taking vitamin D3 and K2 is superior to taking them separately because these two vitamins work together synergistically to support various physiological processes in the body.

Vitamin D3 is important for calcium absorption and bone health, but it needs vitamin K2 to help direct the calcium to the bones and prevent it from depositing in soft tissues, such as arteries, where it can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin K2 activates a protein called osteocalcin, which helps to deposit calcium into bones and teeth, while also inhibiting the production of another protein, Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), that would prevent the calcium from depositing in the arteries.

Research has also shown that taking vitamin D3 and K2 together may have additional benefits for cardiovascular health, including a potential reduction in arterial stiffness and improved endothelial function.

Additionally, both vitamins may work together to support immune function, with some research indicating that vitamin D3 enhances the activity of immune cells while vitamin K2 helps to regulate the inflammatory response.

While taking vitamin D3 and K2 separately can still be beneficial for overall health, taking them together in a supplement may provide synergistic effects that can further support bone health, cardiovascular health, and immune function.

In Stamina and Remedy we use this superior combo. We use patented versions of both K2 and D3 which assures the highest quality.

The K2 we use is K2VITAL® DELTA from Kappa Bioscience.

The D3 we use is Vita-algae D3® from Cambridge Commodities.