As soon as the sun shines each spring, people say to get out and soak up ALL the Vitamin D. In reality they are referring to the Vitamin D formation that occurs when sun rays interact with our skin. Vitamin D is found in limited foods—fortified cereals, milks, fatty fish—so sunshine is the primary, natural way to foster Vitamin D production. What many do not know is that Vitamin D has an integral sidekick: Vitamin K.
So…why all the talk about Vitamin D? As many know, Vitamin D offers health benefits, primarily fostering immune and bone health. However, without Vitamin K, Vitamin D cannot function at its best. They work in coordination with one another—alongside Calcium—to ensure you have strong, sustainable bone density. Tracking and supplementing one without the other could be a potential disservice. You are making your body work harder, not smarter.
Think of your favorite iconic duos:
- Batman & Robin
- Peanut Butter & Jelly
- Bonnie & Clyde
Now… add Vitamins K&D to that list!
How Do We Consume Vitamin K?
Vitamin K is primarily found in leafy, green vegetables and fermented dairy products: think kale and yogurt. If your diet is absent of these food groups, you may have an increased risk of Vitamin K deficiency. When you are deficient in Vitamin K, the Vitamin D your skin produces cannot function at its full potential.
How Do Vitamins K & D Work Together?
Vitamins K and D are integral to bone health on a cellular level. They function together, ensuring that calcium is absorbed into the intestine, as opposed to being excreted. Vitamin D takes charge, getting Calcium into the bloodstream. Vitamin K directs where it goes in the body. If vitamin K is not present to direct calcium throughout the body, we risk hypercalcemia.
Hypercalcemia is the result of excess vitamin D and calcium. When you surpass the optimal level of fat-soluble vitamins—such as vitamin D—you risk outcomes opposite to your intent. Excess vitamin D and calcium can cause decreased bone density and heart function. So, you want to be sure your vitamin D supplementation is assisted with vitamin K supplementation. As always, if you have concerns, speak with your healthcare provider.
Benefits of Taking Vitamins D & K Together
We know that vitamins D and K promote healthy bone growth and retention, but they also promote cardiovascular health! Heart research has shown that proper supplementation of vitamins D and K may support the strength of vessel walls. Strong vessel walls help your heart to pump blood throughout your body.
IMPORTANT: Review Why Vitamins D & K Should Be Taken Together
Vitamins D&K taken in conjunction:
- Support Bone Growth & Retention
- Support Cardiovascular Health
- Increase Calcium Absorption
- Decrease Risk of Over-Supplementation
If you are currently supplementing Vitamin D and/or Calcium, and do not consume adequate leafy greens, you may consider adding Vitamin K to your supplement lineup. As always, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider to optimize your nutrition and health.
Your body will thank you!