Vitamin K + D - 360 Softgels

Vitamin K & D features vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (MK-7), an advanced, fat-soluble form of vitamin K that serves multiple functions in the body. The K family consists of a trio of vitamins: K1 (phylloquinone), found naturally-occurring in leafy green vegetables and plant oils; K2 (menaquinone) which is present in butter, cows liver, eggs, certain cheeses and natto, a fermented soybean food; and K3, a synthetic form of the vitamin. K3 has been shown to have toxic effects on the liver and K1 doesn't have adequate benefits on calcium metabolism to dramatically improve osteoporosis or atherosclerosis. Only K2 in the form of MK-7 has been shown to offer 24-hour protection from a single daily dose. Other commercially-available subtypes of K2, such as MK-4, only last four to six hours in the body and are required in much larger dosages to be effective.

Vitamin D has long been considered a classic nutrient for bone metabolism. It supports bone development and is needed for calcium absorption. Vitamin K & D uses vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), a natural form of vitamin D that is safer and more biologically active than D2 (ergocalciferol), a synthetic form of vitamin D. Evidence shows that vitamins K2 and D3 work synergistically to improve bone density. Many of the clinical trials examining the effects of K2 on bone density found a much greater effect when vitamins K2 and D3 were given together as opposed to either nutrient alone.

Vitamin D is required for the absorption of minerals such as calcium while vitamin K is needed to direct the minerals to the right place, preventing an inappropriate calcification of soft tissues. Likewise, cells only produce osteocalcin and the matrix Gla protein (MGP) in the presence of vitamin D, but vitamin K is necessary to activate those proteins to do their jobs. There is even evidence to suggest that the safety of vitamin D is dependent on adequate vitamin K and that vitamin D toxicity (which is extremely rare with the D3 form) is actually an induced deficiency of vitamin K2.

Bone Health

Most people do not think about bone health until they are in their later years. This is a mistake because significant increases in bone density can only be made in childhood or early adulthood (up to age 30). For the remainder of our lives the goal is to maintain our bones.

Osteoporosisis a loss of bone density. The bony matrix is of normal composition but decreased amounts because more bone is being broken down than is being produced. Testosterone and estrogen maintain bone density by promoting bone building and slowing bone removal. This is one reason why bone density decreases as we age

Stay active to increase your bone health. Immobility and insufficient weight bearing exercise cause bone loss. Gravity puts a stress on the bone and the body responds by increasing the density of the bone. Exercising in youth actually increases bone density above normal and exercise throughout life protects against bone loss. Maintain appropriate weight because people that are underweight also are at a greater risk for osteoporosis. Their bones are not stressed as much as the bones of people who are of normal weight.

A healthy diet, with sufficient protein intake, is one protective factor against bone loss. Dietary deficiencies of protein cause bone loss because the bone is constantly remodelling itself. Up to 7% of our bone mass is turned over every week. Choose lean meats, fermented dairy products and legumes to fill your daily protein requirements. Supplement with protein powder or amino acid complex if you cannot consume enough protein.

There are a multitude of minerals that form the matrix of the bone. Deficiency in any one of these nutrients can lead to bone loss. Minerals can be lost in the cooking process so eat your vegetables and fruits raw or lightly steamed. Drink filtered or spring water. If you drink reverse osmosis or distilled water replace the missing minerals with a supplement. Vitamin D helps bring calcium into the bone. It is one of the fat-soluble vitamins that are poorly absorbed through the digestive process as we age. In areas away from the equator, skin production of vitamin D is limited during certain times of the year. Eating vitamin D rich foods like fish and egg yolks, and taking vitamin D supplements, will maintain your bone density.