Vitamin K2: The Missing Link for Bone Health?
We have long been told to drink our milk, do weight bearing exercise and get adequate sun exposure all to support good bone health. We have also been advised to include supplements like calcium, magnesium and vitamin D to ensure we aren’t missing the mark of our recommended daily intake.
Supplementing with calcium and magnesium can help support bone health, maintain electrolyte balance and muscle function.
Supplementing with Vitamin D is essential for the functioning of many important systems in the body. A fat soluble vitamin, it’s primary function is to promote calcium absorption and maintain adequate calcium levels in the blood. It does so by improving absorption of vitamin D from the foods we eat.
Recently, research has shown how critical vitamin D is for adequate immune health and that we may need more than what we previously thought. In warmer climates, we can get adequate vitamin D from the sunlight, but in our cooler climate with long winters vitamin D deficiency can be more prevalent. Vitamin D3 typically derived from the cholesterol in sheep’s wool has been shown to be more biologically active than D2, which is typically used to fortify dairy products.
While vitamin D helps ensure adequate blood calcium levels, it does not control where that calcium ends up. Insert vitamin K. Vitamin regulates calcium in the body by promoting calcification of bone. It does so by activating osteocalcin, a protein that promotes accumulation of calcium in your bones and teeth. Vitamin K also reduces calcification and accumulation of calcium in our soft tissues like our blood vessels and kidneys. Calcification of these areas can lead to chronic diseases such as heart and kidney disease.
Think of vitamin K as the vehicle that transports calcium to its rightful home: It ensures that calcium ends up in our bones rather than in our arteries, and as such is being studied for its role in cardiovascular health. When paired with Vitamin D, you have a great bone health support supplement.
Health First Vitamin D3 Plus K2 offers the most highly bioavailable MK-7 form of vitamin K2 at 120 mcg. The vitamin K2 is paired with 1,000 IU of cholecalciferol vitamin D3 in a base of organic olive oil all in a small bovine gelatin capsule. Take one capsule daily to support bone and immune health.