Land Art Organic Vitamin D3 250iu & K2 30mcg (Orange) - 13.5ml

vitamin D
By: Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.) 

We are understanding more and more the importance that vitamin D is playing in supporting immune function. Vitamin D has the ability to modulate the immune response, rather than simply strengthen it. In cases of immune dysregulation (autoimmune disorders, psoriasis) it serves to balance the response, therefore decreasing the dangerous over-reaction to our own cells and tissues that is seen in many of these conditions. Research studying the use of vitamin D in influenza and various respiratory tract infections, has also showed some promising results. It is now considered one of the top supplements to use during cold and flu season to ward off the offending viruses and bacterium. Vitamin D deficiencies have been associated with an increased risk of influenza, as well as the common cold. The fat soluble vitamin has been shown to dramatically stimulate the expression of potent anti-microbial peptides, which exist in neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer cells, and in epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract. These cells play a major role in protecting the lung from infection.

Vitamin D has heart protective effects, as well. It has been shown to lower high blood pressure and is useful in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D is also being used in the management of Type II diabetes, as it has been shown to be involved in insulin secretion and glucose tolerance. Many mental disorders are now being correlated with vitamin D deficiency and supplementation is proving beneficial for many individuals suffering from depression, schizophrenia, seasonal effective disorder, manic/bipolar disorder and autism.

Vitamin K2 – Menaquinone (MK)

Vitamin K2 has a number of subtypes that are characterized by the number of side-chains (isoprenoid units) they contain. The two most common subtypes are menaquinone-4 (MK4) and menaquinone 7 (MK7). The MK4 form of vitamin K2 can be converted from vitamin K1 by certain tissues in our body, such as the testes, pancreas and arterial walls. The MK7 form, on the other hand, requires certain species of bacteria present in the gut to convert vitamin K1. The role MK7 form of vitamin K has not yet been determined althought it has been found to alter proteins in bone structure. MK4 has been shown to decrease the risk of fractures by up to 87%. Vitamin K2 has been shown to prevent bone loss and/or fractures in a variety of circumstances including: postmenopausal osteoporosis, anorexia nervosa, and corticosteroid use.

Building Bone
Simply put, by enhancing osteocalcin, vitamin K attracts calcium to bone tissue, playing a role in the formation, remodeling and repair of bone. This is especially important for menopausal women or those with a history of osteoporosis in their family. Osteoporosis is the term used to describe a low mineral bone density or bone mass due to a progressive deterioration of bone. This loss of bone density leaves the bones fragile and can increase susceptibility to debilitating fractures, such as hip and spine fractures. The Framingham Heart Study found that women ingesting higher vitamin K amounts had a significantly lower risk of hip fracture. Vitamin K2 is the only form found to be beneficial to bone health at this time. It is possible, vitamin K1 will also be of benefit in those with proper gut flora, but further research is required.

Blood Clotting
Vitamin K also plays an integral role in blood clotting. It is responsible for the manufacturing of clotting factors, such as prothrombin and clotting factors VII, IX and X. These clotting factors play an essential part of hemostasis (blood coagulation), the innate physiologic process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels by first plugging and then repairing the damage. Ineffective coagulation and hemostasis can lead to uncontrolled bleeding (hemorrhage) and can be life threatening.

Role of Gut Bacteria
Individuals currently taking, or those who previously took large amounts of antibiotics, tend to have an altered gut flora. Because gut flora is responsible for the conversion of vitamin K1 in the gut, incorrect gut flora can cause a deficiency in vitamin K2. In fact, broad-spectrum antibiotics can reduce vitamin K production in the gut by nearly 74%. See our other article for more information on probiotics for restoring gut flora. The risk of vitamin K deficiency is also present in those with damage to their small intestine, impairments in fat absorption, significant liver damage or disease and those taking vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant drugs like Warfarin.

Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K deficiency results in impaired blood clotting, usually demonstrated by laboratory tests that measure clotting time (PTT, PT, etc.). Symptoms of this include easy bruising and bleeding that may be manifested as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the urine, blood in the stool, tarry black stools, or unusually heavy menstrual bleeding. In infants, a vitamin K deficiency may result in possibly life-threatening bleeding within the skull called intracranial hemorrhage.