Vitamin D3 + K2 50mcg / 75mcg

Why should you combine D3 + K2?

It’s no surprise: The best way to increase vitamin D levels in the body is through sun exposure. Unfortunately, this is not possible for everyone, especially during the winter season and/or if you live in northern countries with limited sunlight. In such cases, supplementing with vitamin D3 can be a beneficial solution.

In recent years, more has been discovered about the synergistic effects of vitamin D3 and K2. Scientific research has repeatedly shown that combining these two nutrients optimizes their effectiveness.

Why is K2 important when taking D3?

Vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in supporting calcium and vitamin D. Both vitamins are essential for the production of Gla-proteins, such as osteocalcin and matrix Gla-protein (MGP). Together, vitamin D and K2 help ensure that calcium from food is properly utilized in the body. MGP is found in tissues such as blood vessels, cartilage, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and bone tissue.

Effect of D3 and K2 on MGP and Osteocalcin

Osteocalcin (bone-Gla protein) is an essential protein regulated by vitamin K2 and is produced in bone and dental tissue.

Below, this process is explained in detail.

Matrix Gla-protein (MGP) contains glutamic acid residues that must undergo carboxylation (a chemical reaction in which a carboxyl group is added) to become active. Vitamin K2 works together with the enzyme gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, which converts glutamic acid into gamma-carboxyglutamate (Gla). This gamma-carboxyglutamate is necessary to activate MGP. Once MGP is activated, it can bind to calcium ions.

Additionally, vitamin K2 helps transport calcium to the right place: the bones. K2 activates osteocalcin, a protein that binds calcium and incorporates it into the bone matrix. Calcium is essential for bone formation, but this process functions optimally only when calcium is properly directed to where it is needed.

The synergistic action of D3 and K2

Which form of Vitamin D3 and K2 is best?

Vitamin D belongs to a group of fat-soluble compounds, with D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol) being the most common forms. Cholecalciferol is produced in the skin under the influence of sunlight (UVB radiation), which is why vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin.”

It is important to note that vitamin D2 and D3 are not equally effective in maintaining vitamin D levels in the body. Both are efficiently absorbed into the bloodstream, but the liver processes them differently.

Vitamin D2 is converted into 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, while vitamin D3 is converted into 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, also known as calcidiol. The amount of calcidiol in the blood is used as a key measure of vitamin D status in the body. Research shows that D3 is significantly more effective than D2 in increasing calcidiol levels. In a study involving 32 women, a single dose of vitamin D3 was found to be nearly twice as effective as D2. For optimal absorption and effectiveness, vitamin D3 is therefore the preferred choice.

Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) consists of different subtypes, including short-chain forms (such as menaquinone-4; MK-4) and long-chain forms (such as MK-7, MK-8, and MK-9). MK-7 is the most effective form of vitamin K2 due to its long half-life, allowing it to remain active in the body for an extended period. For this reason, this supplement contains vitamin K2 in the MK-7 form for optimal efficacy.

Approved health claims

Vitamin D3

✔ Promotes normal calcium levels in the blood
✔ Supports calcium metabolism
✔ Increases calcium absorption in the bones
✔ Contributes to a normal cell division process
✔ Has a positive influence on the immune system
✔ Supports dental health
✔ Helps maintain strong muscles

Vitamin K2

✔ Contributes to normal blood clotting
✔ Helps ensure calcium is properly absorbed into the bones

Calcium

✔ Helps maintain strong bones
✔ Supports blood clotting
✔ Plays a role in cell renewal processes
✔ Supports a normal energy-yielding metabolism
✔ Essential for maintaining healthy teeth
✔ Supports muscle function
✔ Contributes to normal digestion
✔ Important for the nervous system

Important information

Due to legal restrictions, not all details about this dietary supplement can be provided. For further inquiries, please contact us at +31 (0)70 345 0290.