We all know about the role of vitamin D in maintaining health. bone health But a little-known fact that many of us overlook is that it’s essential to take vitamin D in combination with another important nutrient, vitamin K. Both vitamins have unique functions in the body, and their combination contributes to maximum health. Here’s why vitamin D and vitamin K are essential for health.
Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption, while vitamin K promotes calcium absorption
Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption. Helps the intestines absorb calcium from food and supplements. But without vitamin K, it can end up in the wrong places, including soft tissues, arteries, and kidneys. Vitamin K activates proteins that direct calcium to where it is needed most (bones and teeth) and prevents calcium from accumulating in blood vessels and organs.
Vitamin D increases calcium levels, so vitamin K is needed to deposit calcium where it’s needed. Vitamin K helps activate osteocalcin, a protein in bones that binds calcium and promotes its deposition into the bone matrix. Therefore, these two vitamins not only increase your calcium intake, but also help physically strengthen your bones over time.
A lack of vitamin K causes irregular calcium deposition, weakens bones, and increases the likelihood of arterial calcification. For this reason, health experts recommend taking both vitamin D and vitamin K at the same time. Vitamin D and vitamin K combined have a significant impact on bone density. This strong partnership plays a key role in preventing bone loss and reducing fracture risk.
Supports heart health and artery health
Beyond their role in bone health, vitamins D and K also play a positive role in bone health. heart health In the same way. Vitamin K prevents calcification of the arteries, which can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin D generally maintains overall cardiovascular function, while vitamin K directs calcium from building up within the blood vessels, preventing plaque buildup, and thus generally hardening and narrowing of these arteries. Collectively, they work towards a healthier heart with a better circulatory system.
Vitamin D and Vitamin K are essential for immune function
Vitamins D and K improve bodily functions beyond bone and cardiovascular health. Vitamin D improves the regulation of the immune system to fight infections. Vitamin K supports immune cells and prevents chronic diseases by helping them to avoid excessive inflammation in the body.
While each vitamin has a unique function in the body, working together symbiotically provides benefits ranging from strong bones to a healthy heart. Both nutrients play important roles in preventing bone loss, reducing cardiovascular risk, and strengthening immune function. And of course, the best advice is to consult your health care provider first before using any supplement program to find the right dosage for you.
2022 study by Indian researchers focuses on synergy between vitamin D and vitamin K
A review study by researchers from Amity Institute of Food Technology and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology found evidence of a synergistic relationship between vitamin D and K status on bone and cardiovascular health. They found that vitamin D and vitamin K work synergistically and play an important role in preventing bone fractures, low BMD, and cardiovascular disorders.
Easy ways to increase your vitamin D intake
Doses of vitamin K1 supplements in studies varied from 200 μg to 1000 μg per day. In contrast, doses of vitamin K2 supplements ranged from 50 μg to 90 μg.
“This study supports the theory that vitamin K and vitamin D (both vitamins) act synergistically to prevent bone loss. Vitamin K2 independently manages osteoporosis management and fracture avoidance. “In some studies included in this systematic review, joint supplements may also improve cardiovascular health.” They say:
