D3+K2

While vitamin D has long been known to assist calcium absorption, it is vitamin K, through its carboxylation of osteocalcin, which guides this calcium to bones and prevents their absorption into organs, joint spaces, and arteries. Vitamin K occurs in two main forms: K1 (phylloquinone), derived from foods such as green leafy vegetables and K2 (menaquinone), which is a group of related compounds differentiated by their side chains. Numerous studies have shown that vitamin K2 as MK-7 is the more bioavailable form of the nutrient and more powerfully influences bone building than K1. In addition, though both reach the liver, most of the K1 is used for purposes of coagulation, with little left over to support the body’s needs elsewhere. The profoundly different degree of bioavailability between K1 and K2 is due to differences in structure: Only 10-20% of vitamin K1 that is absorbed from food even reaches circulation, while the long side-chain of vitamin K2 allows it to bind with fat particles in circulation and facilitate its arrival at soft tissue, bones, and arteries. There are two forms of vitamin K2 commonly used in supplements: MK-4 and MK-7. The MK-7 form has been shown to have six times the activity of MK-4 in the blood. MK-7 has also been found to remain in the blood approximately nine times as long as the MK-4 (eight hours versus 72 hours), making it the optimal form of K2 for health.

The addition of MenaQ7® PRO to this formula is backed by extensive research. Dr. Leon Schurgers, world-renowned expert in vitamin K2 as MK-7 research for cardiovascular and bone health, and his team of research scientists have conducted over 15 clinical trials on MenaQ7® PRO through the University of Maastricht.

Although most people consume adequate dietary vitamin K to maintain sufficient blood clotting, most do not consume enough to meet cardiovascular and bone health needs. In fact, approximately 70% of the western population is deficient in vitamin K2. Compromised intestinal absorption can also lead to insufficient K2 levels leaving calcium available to be exported out of bone and into other tissues. Other medications such as antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering medications, and laxatives have also been found to contribute to a deficiency of vitamin K.

Building and maintaining healthy bones requires a number of key nutrients including vitamin K, for the proper binding of calcium to the bone matrix. A 2005 study from northern Finland found that those with greater levels of vitamin K-carboxylated osteocalcin had stronger bones than those with lower levels of the protein. A Japanese study found superior bone health among women who were frequent MK-7-rich natto eaters than those who were not. Another randomized study which split 172 women into a vitamin K2 group, a vitamin D3 group, a vitamin K2 and D3 group, and a placebo group for two years found that the combination of vitamin D3 and K2 had the most benefits for supporting bone health among the groups.

Vitamin K plays a key role in supporting the cardiovascular system as well as blood sugar balance already within normal levels. In a large population study, researchers found that those who consumed high amounts of K2 had significantly better cardiovascular health markers compared to those given vitamin K1. Studies have also shown vitamin K supports healthy blood sugar metabolism.

New evidence also suggests vitamin K plays a central role in balancing immune health. Recent studies have shown that both vitamins D and K impart immune-modulating effects. In the Framingham Offspring Study, one of the longest-standing studies on generational health, higher serum levels of vitamins D and K were associated with stronger immune function and a balanced inflammatory response. In a 2011 study, vitamin K was also found to suppress various markers of the immune system.

The Triage Theory states that in the face of nutrient inadequacies, nature ensures short-term survival of a cell is protected at the expense of long-term consequences. Vitamin K is an excellent example of this theory. Hypothetically, a short-term deficiency in vitamin K would lead to a reduction in blood clotting. This direct threat to survival does not happen, as the body uses its metabolic reserve of vitamin K to ensure immediate needs are met. If continued, this could begin to impact long-term reserves of vitamin K, reserves which are vital for the maintenance of proper bone strength and arterial elasticity. These issues are related to a loss of vitamin K-dependent proteins not required for short-term survival, nevertheless presenting long-term health challenges.

1 capsule per day or as recommended by your healthcare professional.