The so-called sunshine vitamin is the cold season's hot topic pretty much everywhere in the media. We're warned of vitamin D deficiency and Seasonal Affective Disorder (or ‘the winter blues’). 

That’s why the NHS recommends 10 micrograms per day when the sun gets scarcer, reducing the skin's natural ability to synthesise the vitamin. [1]

But the effects of vitamin D3 are much more far-reaching. 

Healthy bones come in handy—whether you’re a sports person, a recreationist, or you want to be able to run after your grandkids.

But it’s not only about maintenance of your bones. 

D3 regulates mood, supports the function of the immune system and affects the health of your teeth.  

But it’s when you have vitamin K2 tucked up your sleeve that the health effects of D3 can really take off (not that K2 doesn't bring health benefits in its own right).

Vitamin D3 and K2 is a successful duo that balances calcium for improved bone and cardiovascular health. 

Want to learn more about how vitamin D3 and K2 can improve your overall health? We’ve gleaned some of the most relevant resources for you.

What Is Vitamin D3 Good For?

Vitamin D has been found to bring multiple health benefits. It:  

• Supports bone health. It regulates body levels of calcium and plays a vital part in bone mineralization.  

• Boosts mood and energy. Having normal vitamin D levels in your blood can help with mood swings and sleep disorders. Some clinical trials state that vitamin D supplementation can curb symptoms of depression, but more research is needed in this area. [2]

• Contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Vitamin D has long been known for its immunomodulatory effects. A growing body of research suggests optimal serum vitamin D levels can help ward off viral and bacterial infections [3].  

• Can prevent cancer. Although additional research is needed to confirm the link between higher vitamin D levels and lower risk of cancer, some data is indicating it can prevent breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer [4]. 

If you search for ways to make the most of your vitamin D3 supplementation, the D3 and K2 combo gives you a fair shake to do so. 

And This Is Where Vitamin K2 Comes In

As most of us know, vitamin D promotes calcium absorption [5]. But without the K2 vitamin, D3 vitamin alone can increase the risk of hardening of the arteries.  

Vitamins D3 and K2 both play a role in calcium metabolism, contributing to bone mineralisation and maintenance of normal bones.  

Yet, they work differently in terms of distribution. 

• Vitamin D is found to improve calcium absorption into blood [6]. It helps the body form the hormone calcitriol, otherwise known as the “active vitamin D” (which your body cannot synthesise fully on its own).

• Vitamin K2 allocates where that calcium will be used. It does it by activating helpful proteins—matrix GLA protein and osteocalcin (see the chart below).
  

And here’s the interesting part. You’re fine as long as you maintain normal blood calcium levels. But as soon as they drop, vitamin D may pull the calcium from your bones [7] to restore balance. 

The solution? 

Vitamin K2 comes in to help incorporate calcium into your bones, right where you want it to be. At the same time, it prevents calcium deposits on your blood vessel walls [8], as you can see in the chart below.

 (Source: www.ch.cam.ac.uk)

Vitamin D3 And K2 Work Magic Together 

They Support Bone Health  

66% of Europe’s adult population use their daily dose of vitamin D to improve their health, fitness, and quality of life. 

Yet, a 2017 study suggests that these health effects can be amalgamated with the addition of K2 vitamin. D3 and K2 are proven more effective when used in a combined formula than when taken separately. [9]

How the two elements work together is not yet fully discovered. There is evidence, though, that suggests they increase bone mineral density and curb detrimental effects of age-related bone deterioration.

Studies suggest that the combined use of vitamin D and vitamin K helps improve bone mineralisation in postmenopausal women. [10]

Info Box: Vitamin K2 also supports teeth health. It activates osteocalcin which in turn triggers the formation of dentin, the calcified tissue in teeth.  

They Promote Cardiovascular Health

Vitamins D3 and K2 work together to prevent the calcification of blood vessels. Vitamin D3 does it by improving calcium absorption into the bloodstream, and K2 by activating matrix GLA protein. [11]

Vitamin K2 pulls mineral deposits from blood vessel walls and arteries into the bone matrix, preventing them from sticking to preexisting fatty deposits.  

By doing so, it prevents serious vascular and heart diseases such as stroke, heart attack, and dementia.

A 3-year follow-up study of menopausal women showed substantially better effects of vitamin D3/K2 on carotid artery health compared to supplementation with vitamin D3 only. [12]

(Source: YouTube) 

They Support the Immune Function 

The “magical duo” seems to be kicking it out of the park beyond bone and cardiovascular health. Vitamins D3 and K2 both have a hand in supporting the immune system.  

It’s not a secret vitamin D is helpful in lowering the risk of falling ill from acute respiratory infections. A study conducted at the University of Queen Mary London showed it can help the human body fend off common infections such as colds and flu. [13]

But there are indications that vitamin K can boost the innate and adaptive immune response too. 

Researchers found that the vitamin does it by modulating the cell signalling complex, known as nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB). [14]  

When Should I Take Vitamin D3/K2 Capsules?

Taking D3 and K2 vitamins in the form of capsules is recommended for people who have vitamin D and vitamin K2 deficiency. 

Yet, getting optimal blood levels of vitamin D gets increasingly difficult for the majority of the population as colder months approach.  

Add to this the fact that the sunshine vitamin is found in limited food sources, making it even harder to meet your daily intake.   

Think about supplementing your diet if you're an older adult or if you’re overweight. According to some sources these populations have an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. [15]

Also, consider taking vitamin K if you’re: 

• A vegetarian. Taking your vitamin K only from plant-based sources might not be enough to cover for the recommended daily intake. 

• You’re on a low-fat diet. Vitamin K2 is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it’s more easily absorbed in the presence of dietary fat. If you cut animal fats from your nutrition, you may be a suitable candidate for supplementation. 

Vitamin D3 + K2 Capsules 

Get your D3 + K2 supplement today   Add to basket (worldwide delivery)

If you’re in search of D3/K2 capsules to boost your nutrition, physical condition, and health in the most natural way, K2VITAL is a good option.

What comes packed in a regular dose of 1 capsule daily are carefully chosen ingredients:

• K2Vital® Delta Powder - lab-tested, highly stable form of vitamin K2

• Highest quality Vitamin D3 Cholecalciferol

• MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) powder - a healthy fat that aids absorption of fat-soluble D3 and K2 vitamins 

• Vegetable capsule (suitable for vegetarians) 

D3/K2 Love Life supplement is a formula that brings you 60 days worth of honest-to-goodness calcium absorption.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This supplement is not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

As always, before you place your trust in any supplement, it’s good to check some customer reviews first. 

“I’ve noticed an improvement in my general wellbeing and better circulation.”
Phillip Paynor, a verified buyer

Turn Your Vitamin Supplementation Up a Notch

In a nutshell, taking vitamins D3 and K2 together is suitable for those who prioritise their health and fitness. Each vitamin comes in to complement the other and take your supplementation to another level. 

When you’re in search of a supplement, the most important part is to be able to consume it whilst knowing it’s healthy and natural. 

Here at Love Life Supplements, we understand this and it’s why we offer only products manufactured to the highest possible standards in the UK (GMP). No nasties added. 

Our D3/K2 vegetarian capsules are no different.

Shop today and if you’re a new customer get 15% off your first order, and if you’re based in the UK, get free delivery too (for orders over £30).  

References

[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908269/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/

[4] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/vitamin-d-fact-sheet

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3405161/

[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24335055/

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56060/

[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11374034/

[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5613455/

[10] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11886767/

[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5613455/

[12] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14961167/

[13] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170216110002.htm

[14] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26968890/