Vitamin D improves calcium absorption while vitamin K helps send calcium where it needs to be, to build bones, and not where it shouldn't be, such as in soft tissues and arteries.
Ideally, everyone should take both D3 and K2 (mk7 because it is better retained by the tissues). These are vitamins that are synergistic, complementary, they work on different aspects of the same reality.
For the skeleton, it's clear, because vitamin D will help absorb calcium and stimulate the formation of a transporter (osteocalcin). Vitamin K2 will activate this transporter and allow for better action on the skeleton.
Vitamin K2 comes from bacterial fermentation; it doesn't exist in plants. It's a good idea for vegans to include it.
In a controlled clinical study, 172 women with osteoporosis were randomly assigned to receive daily vitamin K2 (45 µg/d), vitamin D3, both, or placebo for 24 months. 1
It was observed that the combination of vitamins K2 and D3 for 24 months was more effective: bone mineral density increased by 4.92 +/- 7.89%, while vitamin K2 alone increased it by only 0.135 +/- 5.44%. The measured bone markers revealed a stimulation of bone formation and resorption activity.
What about calcium supplements? Read here why we don't offer calcium supplements at MJ.
Reference :
1. Ushiroyama T, Ikeda A, Ueki M. Effect of continuous combined therapy with vitamin K (2) and vitamin D (3) on bone mineral density and coagulofibrinolysis function in postmenopausal women. Maturitas. 2002 Mar 25;41(3):211-21. doi:10.1016/s0378-5122(01)00275-4. PMID: 11886767.
Maison Jacynthe disclaims all liability. All information contained on this page is not intended to replace justified allopathic treatment or to disregard the expertise of the medical profession. It is up to each individual to take charge of their own health, to inform themselves, and to make the necessary changes to improve their condition. Therapeutic supervision by a qualified health professional is obviously recommended.
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