Vitamin D3 and K2 are two important vitamins that play different roles in the body.
Supplementing vitamin D3 and K2 comes with all the benefits of vitamin D and K, but also some unique health benefits that are only unlocked when these two vitamins are used together, like anti-aging. New research reveals this game-changing pair of vitamins and their effect on our hearts, bones, and blood sugar.
Individually, Vitamin D3 and K2 contribute to promoting a healthy lifestyle. When combined, their beneficial effects may be even more potent.
How is D3 Different?
Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight. It can also be obtained from certain foods, such as fatty fish and egg yolks, or supplements. Vitamin D3 is important for bone health, as it helps the body absorb calcium and maintain proper levels of phosphorus in the blood. It also plays a role in regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Vitamin D1 is not a single compound but a mixture of compounds mistakenly identified as a single vitamin. As a result, the term vitamin D1 is no longer in use.
On the other hand, vitamin D2 is a true form of vitamin D found in plants and is cheaper to mass-produce. It is commonly added to vitamin D-fortified foods.
However, vitamin D3 is a more effective compound than D2, which may explain why most vitamin D supplements are specifically D3 supplements. Also known as cholecalciferol, vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin naturally produced in the body. As a result, dietary vitamin D3 is better at increasing the body’s vitamin D levels. Vitamin D3 is essential for calcium absorption in the body.
Vitamin K2, specifically in the form of menaquinone-7, is produced in small amounts by bacteria in the gut. It can also be obtained from animal products such as fatty fish, grass-fed beef, and fermented foods like natto.
K1 and K2 are essential for the body’s blood clotting process, but K2 may be more effective. K2 is important for the efficient use of calcium, which significantly impacts bone and dental health. Women are taking this supplement and vitamin D3 to help their bones ‘look younger’ in the face.
K2 can also lower calcium levels in soft tissues, promoting healthy blood vessels and kidneys. Although a K1 deficiency has short-term effects, a K2 deficiency, common in most people, can lead to chronic diseases and symptoms.
It is important for bone health as it helps to activate proteins that promote bone mineralization and also plays a role in regulating blood clotting and preventing the calcification of the arteries.
Extraordinary Health Benefits
- Improved bone health: Vitamin D3 helps the body absorb calcium and maintain bone density, while vitamin K2 activates proteins that promote bone mineralization.
- Reduced risk of osteoporosis: Improving bone density, vitamin D3, and K2 may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.
- Cardiovascular health: Vitamin K2 has been shown to prevent calcification of the arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease. Vitamin D3 may also have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.
- Immune system support: Vitamin D3 regulates the immune system and reduces inflammation, which may help protect against infections and autoimmune diseases.
- Mood and cognitive function: Low vitamin D3 has been linked to depression and cognitive decline, and supplementation may help improve mood and cognitive function.
- Dental health: Vitamin K2 has been shown to support dental health by promoting the growth of dentin, the hard tissue that makes up teeth.
- It’s important to note that while vitamin D3 and K2 have many potential health benefits, more research is needed to understand their effects on the body fully. Additionally, supplementation should always be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Side Effects
High doses of vitamin D, without vitamin K to temper it, can cause high calcium levels (called hypercalcemia) in your blood. This leads to blood vessel calcification, leading to heart disease or stroke.
Too much vitamin K may be harmful if you receive dialysis due to kidney disease. Also, very high vitamin D levels have led to kidney failure.
Vitamin D toxicity can also lead to bone loss since vitamin D takes calcium from your bones and sends it into your bloodstream. Too much vitamin D equals too much calcium taken from your bones.
Vitamin D3 and K2 are important for overall health and should be obtained through a balanced diet or supplementation when necessary.