D3/K2 Power

Vitamin D deficiency is a current epidemic in our society today affecting 90% of our world`s population. According to Vitamin D expert Michael Holick, `We estimate that vitamin D deficiency is the most common medical condition in the world (1). It is clear that most people are not getting enough healthy sun exposure.

As a clinician, I see very serious health problems associated with long-term vitamin D3 deficiencies. Vitamin D3 deficiency will impact the development and stability of the immune system, the nervous system, and the endocrine system. 

 How is Vitamin D more Hormone than Vitamin?

Vitamin D more resembles a hormone than a vitamin by function. Hormones are chemical messengers that interact with cell receptors to produce specific biological responses. Calcitriol, the active form of Vitamin D, is arguably the most powerful hormone in the body. It has the ability to activate over 1,000 genes (2), which is roughly 5-10% of the human genome.

Vitamin D3 is also shown to boost glutathione production in the neuronal cells and protect them from damage inflicted by oxidative stress. Vitamin D also helps to modulate the immune system to reduce inflammation throughout the body (4).

Vitamin D3 levels are most often understated. In the medical world, levels below 32 ng/ml are considered sufficient. However, much research has shown this level is only sufficient to prevent the development of rickets but not sufficient enough for optimal function (5). Functional medicine doctors use the following ranges for optimal vitamin D3 levels. 

What unique benefits does Vitamin K have?

Vitamin K1 is necessary for blood coagulation and is produced by green leafy vegetables. The best sources include kale, spinach & collard greens. This form of vitamin K helps assist in the formation of anticoagulant factors protein C & S.

Vitamin K2 is necessary to convert a critical bone-building protein called osteocalcin. Osteocalcin is a necessary protein that helps maintain calcium homeostasis in bone tissue. It works with osteoblast cells to build healthy bone tissue. Inadequate K2 inhibits osteocalcin production and reduces calcium flow into bone tissue. This leads to reduced bone mass and a weakened bone matrix (6).

Vitamin K2 is found in fermented grass-fed dairy, fermented soy (natto), and some fermented veggies. Additionally, if one has leaky gut syndrome or bad microbial balance in their gut (dysbiosis) they will be unable to synthesize enough vitamin K2 (7). Most people are not are not getting adequate vitamin K2 levels due to a diet deficient in fermented foods and the above mentioned digestive challenges. 

How are D3 and K2 Critical for Calcium Metabolism?

Vitamin D3 and K2 play an essential role in calcium uptake into skeletal bone tissue. Several studies have shown a synergistic effect of vitamin K2 and D3 (8). These studies show that this combination enhanced osteocalcin accumulation in bone cells greater than any one of these nutrients alone. This increased osteocalcin formation significantly improved bone mineral density (9).

Vitamin K and vitamin D work to increase a substance called Matrix GLA protein (MGP). This protein protects the blood vessels from calcification by congregating around the elastic fibers of the arterial lining and guarding against calcium crystal deposition (10). Some researchers believe that MGP is the most powerful inhibitor of soft tissue calcification presently known.

How does Vitamin K affect Cardiovascular and Joint Health?

Vitamin K and Vitamin D also play a very important role in cardiovascular and joint health. When soft tissues such as the arterioles are damaged due to oxidative stress the body responds with an inflammatory process. This process results in the deposition of calcium into the damaged tissues. This creates plaque buildup in arterioles and degenerative bone spurs in joints.

The Rotterdam study in 2004 demonstrated that people with the highest intake of vitamin K2 had a 50% lower risk of death from heart-related complications than people with the lowest rates of K2 (13).

What is the ratio Between Vitamin D3 and K2?

Too much vitamin D3 without the right amount of vitamin K2 has been shown to be hazardous. Vitamin D3 increases the demand for K2 as well as the potential to benefit through the bone building proteins osteocalcin and Matrix GLA protein (MGP). These proteins activate calcium channels to pull calcium into the bone and out of soft tissue structures. Be sure to consume these vitamins D3 and K2 together for optimal bone and cardiovascular health.

Organ transplants create a stress response within the body that leads to significant decreases in bone mineral density. Individuals who have had organ transplants have a 34 times greater risk for fractures. Vitamin K2 has been shown to prevent this bone loss in organ transplantees. (14)

Why does Dr. Jockers love this Vitamin D3 & K2 combination? 

It is essential to maintain healthy vitamin D3 and K2 levels throughout all stages of life, from fetal development to old age. These nutrients help support a number of important systems in the body, including healthy bones, immunity, and cardiovascular function.

It is important to have the ideal ratio between these two nutrients.  I no longer recommend vitamin D3 supplementation without supportive K2 supplementation with it. If these nutrients are out of proportion to each other it can cause possible health problems.

What is the recommended dosage? 

This product is a 2-6 month supply of Vitamin D3 and K2.  If you are severely deficient (less than 30 ng/ml) than take 1 capsule per day for 2 months or as directed by your health care practitioner.  If you are using it for maintenance purposes, then I recommend 1 capsule every 2-3 days or as directed by your health care practitioner. 

“MK-7 supplements containing more than 50 mcg/d may interfere with oral anticoagulant treatment (blood thinners), whereas doses of at least 50 mcg are not likely to affect the INR value in a relevant way. (20)” Nonetheless, practitioners should closely monitor patients taking anticoagulants.

FAQs:

How should I begin taking this product?

When introducing a new supplement, we recommend beginning with 1 at a time and/or the lowest dose for 2-3 days. As tolerated, increase the dose until you have reached the recommended normal or advanced guidelines. Reduce to a tolerable dosage if adverse effects occur. 

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† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.