These two supplements may not be on your radar just yet. Still, they are slowly rising in popularity as Dr Fauci has been discussing them extensively since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. But don’t be fooled, medical professionals have favoured these two Vitamins since World War II.
Let’s break each one down and discuss why these two vitamins should be added to your daily Vitamin list.
Vitamins are families of nutrients that share similar biological structure and have been ‘grouped’ together based on this (Vit B, D, K) and then assigned identifying numbers to catalogue their individuality (B12, D3, K2).
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that supports bone health by regulating the absorption of calcium. It has also shown to promote immune health and aid in weight loss.
Our bodies can produce Vitamin D3 when our skin is exposed to sunlight and it can be found in foods such as; fatty fish, egg yolk and butter. Nevertheless, it can be quite difficult to meet the daily recommended requirements of D3 with sunshine and diet alone which is why many people use supplements.
As Vitamin D3 is fat-soluble, liquid and oil-based supplements will provide the best absorption.
Vitamin D3 is found predominately in animal and animal by-products but there are natural sources of it available in some plants, such as Lichen, that are vegan friendly.
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for blood coagulation and calcium metabolism. It also promotes heart health by preventing the calcification of blood vessels and supporting healthy kidney function.
Our bodies (specifically the bacteria in our gut) can produce a small amount of Vitamin K2. Like so many other vitamins, food is the greatest sources of them, but we very really get enough of them through our diets. Vitamin K2 can be sound in animal proteins and fermented foods such as;
Beef
Pork
Egg yolk
Sauerkraut
Natto (fermented soybeans)
Vitamin D3 and K2 Combined
Studies have shown that, when combined, Vitamin D3 and K2 may reduce the risk of osteoporosis and improve bone health. They also support healthy heart function, reduce blood glucose levels and aid in weight management.
Vitamin D3 and K2 are one of the fastest-growing pairing formulations in the world because they are both essential core vitamins required by our bodies throughout our entire life and Vitamin K2 actually helps ensure that the calcium Vitamin D3 is transporting through the body can be absorbed effectively.
Osteoporosis & Bone Health
Osteoporosis accurately means ‘porous bones’, it is more prevalent in older women and increases the risk of bone fractures as it causes bone to weaken.
When we’re younger our bones are growing in both size and density until we’re about 25-years old. Between 25 and 50, they start to breakdown, luckily though, they are living tissue so as they breakdown, they rebuild and repair themselves. For many 50+ year old’s, bones begin to breakdown faster than they can repair and rebuild themselves.
Both Vitamin D3 and K2 play an essential roles in metabolising calcium but activating the proteins that work as binding agents. These proteins support your bodies ability to repair and rebuild bone density and strength.
Rheumatoid Arthritis & Joint Health
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the joints by causing inflammation and swelling of the tissue. When left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the joint cartilage and eventually the bones.
Joints are the connections between our bones and structure our skeleton, allowing it to move. They’re made up of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, fluids and tissues. Inflamed joints can cause considerable pain and discomfort and reduced mobility which can greatly hinder our ability to perform even the simplest daily tasks.
Studies have shown that a Vitamin D deficiency may increase the likelihood of suffering from joint pain and has been linked to people who have rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin D3 plays an important role in regulating inflammatory cytokines which supports the immune system. A study has suggested that taking a Vitamin K2 supplement may reduce the symptoms of joint pain as proteins found within our joint cartilage and tissues depend on Vitamin K2 to function.
Heart & Blood Health
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia and is an umbrella term used to describe conditions that affect your heart and include blood diseases, cardiovascular disease and heart defects.
Our heart is a muscle and as we age, like our other muscles, our heart changes. There are some controllable factors in maintaining a healthy heart such as diet and lifestyle. Eating healthy, staying active, managing stress and controlling your bloody pressure and cholesterol have all shown to promote heart health and reduce the chance of heart related diseases.
Vitamin D3 and K2 support heart health by regulating the amount of calcium in your blood vessels while also supporting our kidneys in filtering our blood. One study suggests that Vitamin K2’s blood coagulate properties are essential for maintaining a healthy heath and support all organs within the body that blood flows to (YUP – That’s ALL of them!).
Weight Management
We all know the importance of maintaining a healthy weight due to the myriad of health issues linked to obesity. In fact, weight effects all three of the health concerns we have just discussed above.
Now, there is a lot of conflicting data on exactly where the line between overweight and obese lies and it is important to remember that being overweight doesn’t mean unhealthy.
Studies have shown that there is a correlation between people who are obese and deficient in Vitamin D. Vitamin D3 supports glucose metabolism and reduces insulin resistance which may support the body in weight management. A current study is being conducted to see if Vitamin K2 may prevent fat from accumulating in the abdominal area.
Add Them To Your MUST HAVE List
Although Vitamin D3 and K2 may not be talked about, or promoted excessively, their importance to maintaining healthy body function is undisputable. Remember that because Vitamin D3 and K2 are fat-soluble, be sure to source a liquid or oil based supplement.
Where possible, include vitamin rich foods into your daily diet. If you find this hard, look for a natural supplement to avoid deficiencies and any associated health issues.
Please Note: This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Results may vary from individual to individual.
