From immune support to strengthening your bones, both Vitamin D3 and K2 have plenty of benefits just on their own. But together, they’re even more powerful. Here at Protein Works, we’ve just launched a brand new Vitamin D3 and K2 supplement – and we’re here to explain exactly why it might just be our new go-to when it comes to our daily nutrients. From their individual benefits to the synergistic relationship between them, here’s why we think Vitamin D3 and K2 should be next on your supplement wish-list.
What is Vitamin D3?
What is Vitamin D3?There’s no doubt you’re aware of Vitamin D3 already (or the lack of it, given the looming threat of UK winter). Created when your skin is exposed to sunlight, this vitamin plays a key role in helping your body absorb calcium and phosphorus – both essential minerals for strong bones and teeth. It also supports your immune system, helps maintain muscle strength and function, and, most famously, is linked to serotonin production.
It’s an important vitamin for our bodies, but many of us are lacking in it. Whether it’s from limited sunlight exposure or the limited dietary sources of D3, most people could benefit from Vitamin D3 supplementation – especially in winter months!
What is Vitamin K2?
Another nutrient that plays a vital role in calcium metabolism is Vitamin K2. Unlike D3, though, K2 is responsible for directing the calcium to the right place in your body, like your teeth and bones, and keeping it away from where it isn’t needed, like your arteries and soft tissues, helping to protect your cardiovascular health. The vitamin also supports healthy blood clotting, working with Vitamin K1 in your liver to regulate your blood’s coagulation.
So where do we naturally get this helpful nutrient from? Vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods, like cheese and sauerkraut, and some animal products, like eggs, liver, and butter. These sources aren’t necessarily huge staples in everyone’s diet, though, so many people have a low intake of K2. This is when supplements come in handy.
Why do D3 and K2 work better together?
Salt and pepper, cheese and tomato, Ant and Dec: all things that are great separately, but even better together. Vitamins D3 and K2 are no different. While D3 is helping the calcium absorb into your body, the K2 is directing it to the right place. So, without the K2, extra calcium from D2 supplementation may not be used efficiently, and could build up in the wrong places.
Taking these two together will give you the optimal results when it comes to your bone strength and density, as well as reduce the risk of calcium build-up in the arteries (something which could lead to serious problems, such as heart attacks).
The benefits of supplementing with both
Clearly, the two work hand-in-hand at their job, but what exactly are the positives of double-dosing these two vitamins? To put it simply, you’ll benefit from the following:
- Stronger bones and teeth
- Better cardiovascular protection
- Improved immune support
- Support for muscle function and energy
- Help with healthy ageing
So, if you’re feeling like you could use any of the benefits above (who isn’t?!), it’s possible this supplement could be the answer.
Who would benefit from Vitamin D3 and K2?
Most people aren’t getting enough Vitamin D3 and K2 from diet and lifestyle alone, so anyone would benefit from a little more of them in their bodies, but there are certain people who are at higher risk of deficiency. If you are any of the following, then you should definitely consider adding Vitamin D3 and K2 to your supplement rotation:
- People who don’t spend much time in the sun, like office workers or in colder climates
- Older adults, who tend to have a reduced ability to synthesise Vitamin D3 from sunlight
- Anyone with diets low in fermented or animal-based foods, like vegetarians or vegans
- Those wanting to support their bone, heart, and immune health
- Athletes or more active people who need muscle and bone recovery support
Try it out for a while, and see if you notice a difference in your wellness – you may not even realise you are deficient until you start taking it!
Try our new Vitamin D3 + K2 Supplement
Supplementing is an easy way to fill any nutritional gaps you might have – and a lack of D3 and K2 is all too common. Take them together, and they have the combined power to boost your bone health, protect your heart and arteries, and increase your immune support from day one.
Fancy getting some of the health and wellness perks we’ve mentioned? We don’t blame you. A great way to start is with our very own D3 and K2 combined supplement, containing a science-backed blend of these two vital vitamins to provide targeted support to your bones, heart, and immune system. It’s vegetarian friendly, easy to swallow, and packed with the perfect amount of each nutrient to support your body all year round. Sounds good to us.
References
Why Everyone Needs to Take Vitamin D3 with K2 | Clover Internal Medicine
Vitamin D and Vitamin K | BetterYou
van Ballegooijen, Adriana J et al. “The Synergistic Interplay between Vitamins D and K for Bone and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review.” International journal of endocrinology vol. 2017 (2017).
