Vitamin D3 K2

What is vitamin D?

Vitamin D is produced by our bodies when we get sufficient sunlight. It is also found in certain foods and can be taken as a dietary supplement.

Among other things, vitamin D helps to strengthen our immune system and to keep our bones stable. Although vitamin D is one of the most well-researched nutrients, scientists believe the importance of the “sun vitamin” is much greater than previously thought. Vitamin D receptors have now been identified in almost every human tissue. It is also thought that the vitamin is essential for the regulation of numerous gene expressions in the body.

At adequate dosages, vitamin D improves fertility, promotes the health of mother and baby during pregnancy, reduces inflammation, supports weight control, protects against infectious diseases, helps prevent depression, stroke and dementia, strengthens the immune system, boosts concentration and memory and regulates bone health. Vitamin D deficiency also plays a role in the development of cancers.

Hardly any essential nutrient can be more versatile. In Germany, sunlight is fairly limited in winter, and supplementation is recommended especially during the darker months from October to April.

Vitamin D or D3?

Vitamin D is an umbrella term for a group of natural compounds known in science as calciferols. All calciferols are fat-soluble and can be produced partly by the body.

When we talk about vitamin D, we usually mean vitamin D3, also called cholecalciferol. Cholecalciferol is converted by the liver into calcitriol in the body and can then be utilised. There is also vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), which occurs in some plant foods and is converted by the body into vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 can be metabolised by the body better than vitamin D2. Its bioavailability is therefore higher.

The health benefits of vitamin D3

• Supports the immune system

• Contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth

• Contributes to normal muscle function

• Contributes to normal cell division

• Contributes to the normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus

• Contributes to normal immune system function

• Contributes to the maintenance of normal blood values

• Contributes to the maintenance of normal skin

• Contributes to normal regulation of cell growth

Vitamin D deficiency

A deficiency in vitamin D can arise from insufficient intake from the diet or from a lack of sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency can occur in both adults and children and has various effects on health.

Symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, joint pain, depression and increased susceptibility to infections. Prolonged vitamin D deficiency can also lead to osteomalacia (softening of the bones) or osteoporosis (bone loss).

People particularly at risk include those with darker skin, older people, those with limited mobility, people who spend little time outdoors and people who spend a lot of time outdoors but use sunscreen to protect against harmful UV-B radiation. People with malabsorption disorders for certain nutrients or with liver or kidney disease are also at increased risk of deficiency. Vitamin D is closely linked to parathyroid hormone, which is secreted by the parathyroid glands. If this is lacking, the vitamin cannot be metabolised into its active form.

It is important that vitamin D deficiency is detected and treated early to avoid possible health consequences. Regular monitoring of your vitamin D level with test strips is sensible; alternatively you can have the test performed by your GP.

What is vitamin K?

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin and is mainly found in foods such as vegetables, cheese, eggs and meat. It helps ensure that calcium is properly incorporated into our bones. Like vitamin D, vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin.

Besides its importance for bone health, vitamin K plays a central role in blood clotting, where it stimulates the formation of clotting factors. Vitamin K is abundant in dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, kale, eggs and meat. It is not heat-sensitive, but it reacts to light exposure and should, like all vitamins, be stored as cool and dark as possible.

Vitamin K, K1 or K2?

Vitamin K is also a collective term for different forms of this vitamin. While vitamin K1 is mainly found in plant foods, animal products predominantly contain vitamin K2. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is important for blood clotting and helps prevent arterial calcification, while vitamin K2 (menaquinone) primarily supports the bones by promoting bone mineralisation and bone density. K2 can also be produced in the gut by the bacteria of the gut flora, with fermented foods supporting this important function.

What does "all trans" mean?

"All trans" refers to the specific chemical configuration of vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 exists in different forms that differ in their biological activity. One common form is menaquinone-7 (MK-7). MK-7 indicates that the side chain of the vitamin is made up of seven units. The designation "all trans" shows that all the double bonds of the vitamin are arranged on the same side, creating a relatively straight chain. This arrangement on one side significantly influences the bioavailability of the vitamin. MK-7 "all trans" has a longer half-life in the body and higher bioavailability than other forms of vitamin K2.

Health benefits of vitamin K2

1. Contributes to the maintenance of normal bones

2. Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

3. Contributes to normal blood clotting

4. Contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth

5. Contributes to the maintenance of normal bones

6. Contributes to the maintenance of normal blood vessels

7. Contributes to the maintenance of normal bone mineralisation

8. Contributes to the maintenance of normal protein synthesis

9. Contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function

10. Contributes to normal cell division

Why should vitamin D3 and K2 be taken together?

Taking vitamin D3 and K2 together is important to optimally support overall health and especially bone health. The two vitamins work closely together to carry out important functions in the body.

Vitamin D regulates the calcium level in the blood and is of great importance for bone health because it ensures that the mineral is absorbed and transported to the bones. Vitamin K2 additionally activates specific proteins that are responsible for the incorporation of the mineral into the bone matrix. These proteins — technically called osteocalcin-dependent proteins — play a major role in bone mineralisation and strength. Without sufficient amounts of vitamin K2, calcium can be deposited in blood vessels and soft tissues, which can lead to dangerous calcifications.

Vitamin K2 also plays an important role in heart health. It helps prevent the formation of calcium deposits in the arteries and thus reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

It is therefore important that vitamin K2 and D3 are taken in sufficient amounts and in the correct ratio to ensure optimal support for bone health and overall health. Both vitamins are involved in building various fundamental processes in the organism. A combination of both forms is therefore desirable for nutrition or supplementation.

How can you ensure you get enough vitamin D3 and K2?

An adequate supply of vitamins D3 and K2 can sometimes be achieved through a healthy and balanced diet combined with sensible sun exposure. Foods such as cheese, eggs and meat contain vitamin K2, while vitamin D is found in oily fish, mushrooms and eggs. For many people it is difficult to meet the recommended daily intake through diet alone, so experts often recommend taking dietary supplements in the form of drops, capsules, tablets or powder.

It is particularly important to ensure adequate intake of vitamin D3 and K2 during the autumn and winter months, as sunlight during this time is not sufficient to produce enough vitamin D. People with darker skin or older adults also often have a higher need for vitamin D.

If you are unsure whether you are getting enough D3 and K2, you should consult your doctor, a naturopath or a nutrition expert. They can determine your vitamin D level and tell you whether a supplement is advisable. They can also advise you on the appropriate dosage.

Alternatively, there are vitamin D calculators on the internet that can help you determine your optimal dose yourself. However, it is sensible to have your vitamin D status determined by a specialist beforehand. This allows you to tailor supplementation to your personal needs and achieve the best results.

D3 and K2 — a perfect combination.

Dietary supplements containing vitamin D3 and K2 are very popular products. Both vitamins are part of important metabolic processes. In combination, the two nutrients help to maintain a healthy bone structure, strengthen the immune system and support healthy cardiovascular function.

If you regularly supplement with cholecalciferol, you must ensure an adequate intake of vitamin K2. This vitamin has the task of incorporating calcium in the right places — namely in the bones and teeth — and preventing its deposition in unwanted locations, such as the arteries. There is no universally valid recommendation for the optimal dosage of these two vitamins in combination. The recommended daily dose depends on various factors such as age, sex, lifestyle and individual needs.

It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor, naturopath or nutrition expert before taking appropriate dietary supplements. They can tell you which products and dosages are best suited to you and whether there are possible interactions or contraindications.

How much D3 to K2?

The dosages of the two vitamins are in principle independent of each other, and there is no universally valid recommendation for the optimal ratio of vitamin D3 to K2. The recommended daily dose depends on various factors such as age, sex, diet, lifestyle and individual needs. Nevertheless, there are some factors concerning intake and metabolism that you should be aware of.

When vitamin D3 is taken, the body begins to produce proteins that transport calcium to the bones. These proteins can only fulfil their task if sufficient vitamin K2 is available. If you therefore take a dietary supplement containing D3, your requirement for K2 is increased. Vitamins D3 and K2 work very closely together.

For people under 50, a daily dose of 45 µg vitamin K2 is generally sufficient. People with special needs and older adults over 50 usually benefit from a higher dosage, which is set at 100 to 200 µg per day. Those who want optimal supply and want to ensure that the relevant proteins in the body are actually activated should take at least 100 µg per day.

Calculating the right amount of vitamin D is much more individual and depends on the current vitamin D level. It is best to consult an expert before taking dietary supplements containing vitamin K2 and D3. They can tell you which dosage is most suitable for you and whether there are possible interactions or contraindications.

Which vitamin D3 K2 products are available?

·         Capsules: This is one of the most common forms of vitamin D3 K2. Capsules often contain a concentrated dose of the vitamins and are easy to take.

·         Tablets: Vitamin D3 K2 is also available in tablet form. These tablets can contain a lower or higher dose of the vitamins and are also easy to take.

·         Powder: Some manufacturers offer vitamin D3 K2 in powdered form. These powders can be stirred into water or juice and are particularly suitable for people who have difficulty swallowing capsules or tablets.

·         Drops: Vitamin D3 K2 is also available in liquid form as drops. This form can be taken under the tongue or into the mouth and is particularly suitable for people who have difficulty swallowing capsules or tablets.

·         Fruit gummies: Vitamin D3 K2 is also available as fruit gummies, which are easy to take and particularly suitable for children.

Can vitamin D3 K2 cause side effects?

Although vitamin D3 K2 is considered a safe dietary supplement, undesired side effects can possibly occur in case of overdose.

An overdose of vitamin D can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, thirst, constipation, muscle pain and muscle weakness, low blood calcium (hypocalcaemia) and chest pain. Long-term overdose can cause damage to the kidneys, heart and blood vessels.

An overdose of vitamin K can lead to blood clotting disorders, circulatory disorders and possible interactions with blood-thinning medications. Overdoses of this nutrient are extremely rare, however, as it is usually only taken in small amounts through the diet.

Note: If your doctor has prescribed anticoagulant medication, you should speak to them before taking vitamin K2. It can affect the action of some blood thinners such as Marcumar. Ask your doctor whether they can prescribe a medication for which there are no unwanted interactions.

Vitamin D3 K2 for children

Dietary supplements with D3 K2 are also available for children. For many children, supplementation with these two essential nutrients is sensible to support the immune system and the musculoskeletal system. The products from Unimedica contain D3 K2 in different dosages and can be tailored to your child’s individual needs. Uni Kids Vitamin D3 K2 drops from Unimedica with 5 µg cholecalciferol and 5 µg vitamin K2 MK-7 provide toddlers from 1 year with a daily extra portion of sunshine. The Uni Junior product supplies children from 4 years with 12.5 µg cholecalciferol and 25 µg vitamin K2 MK-7 per day.

Product information about Unimedica

All vitamin D3 K2 products from Unimedica contain the high-quality raw material from the company Kappa and are produced in Germany. High-quality MCT oil from coconut is used as a carrier oil, which has very high bioavailability.

We place value on products in different dosage forms that you can tailor to your individual needs. For our vegan customers we offer a D3 K2 range from lichens that meets all the requirements of a vegan diet in terms of animal welfare.

The products are free from flavourings, colourings, stabilisers and magnesium stearate. We only have non-GMO, gluten-free and lactose-free D3 K2 products manufactured, which are produced under strict quality controls.