Did you know that Vitamin D3 from a single supplement may not be sufficient on its own for bone and heart health? Although Vitamin D3 is vital for calcium absorption, in the absence of Vitamin K2 that calcium can end up where it shouldn't be— your arteries instead of your bones. When this happens, it can lead to potential health problems that could be avoided. So what is the role of Vitamin K2 when combined with Vitamin D3?

This combination of the two are often overlooked but are unsung heroes when it comes to maintaining both bone density and cardiovascular health. While Vitamin D3 is known to be essential for strong bones and immune health, Vitamin K2 does the very important job of making sure that calcium is properly directed to your bones and teeth rather than building up in blood vessels.

Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin, also known as cholecalciferol, and plays several important roles in the body. One of its main tasks is to aid your intestines in absorbing calcium from the foods you consume. Without sufficient Vitamin D3, your body cannot keep the bones strong, increasing the risk of fractures and conditions like osteoporosis.

Vitamin D3 is important for immune health as well, supporting the body’s ability to fend off infections and is also linked to mood regulation. As Vitamin D3 is synthesized by the body from sunlight, those who spend a large amount of time indoors or people who live in areas with little sunshine may find it difficult to obtain sufficient levels from natural sources alone. (e.g. SAD in the wintertime)

Vitamin K2, especially the MK-7 form, has a less glamorous but equally essential function in regard to bone and heart health. It causes a protein known as osteocalcin to work, which helps guide calcium to bones and teeth, rather than letting it build up in blood vessels. Vitamin K2 has a major role — and limited supply — in the body, so without it, calcium deposits can form in arteries, as well, leading to arterial calcification, which is a condition harmful to cardiovascular health over time.

Vitamin K1, another variant of Vitamin K, is present in abundance in leafy greens and is necessary for blood clotting, whereas Vitamin K2 can be found in fermented foods and select animal-based constituents. Since K2 foods are a major missing piece in most modern-day diets, a lot of people might be blissfully ignorant that this essential nutrient is lacking.

Most people take Vitamin D3 alone, but this can have unintended effects if taken without K2. Here’s why they should be taken together:

• Vitamin D3 boosts calcium absorption in your intestines, so your body can utilize the calcium you eat in your regular diet.
• Vitamin K2 guides calcium to bones and teeth, making sure that the calcium we take in (from both food sources and supplementation) does not accumulate in arteries or other soft tissues.
• When combined, the added benefits support bone density while also providing essential heart health support to ensure that calcium serves your body the right way.

• Stronger Bones: Helps to prevent osteoporosis and reduce fracture risk by ensuring proper calcium utilization.
• Healthy Heart: Helps prevent calcium buildup in blood vessels, reducing the risk of arterial calcification and promoting heart health.
• Increased Immunity: Both these vitamins help in the working of the immune system and also plays the role of inflammation regulation to help the body protect itself from illnesses.

Myth: “I get enough vitamin D from the sun.”

Fact:Vitamin D3 is produced through exposure to sunlight; however, this process is inhibited by geography, skin tone, age, or when sunscreens are used. People living in cooler climates or who are not exposed to sunlight consistently may not get enough D3 to sustain optimal health.

Myth: “Calcium and D3 is enough, I don’t need K2.”

Fact: Calcium is good for the body, but in the absence of K2, it can settle down in the wrong places in the body, including blood vessels. K2 directs absorbed calcium from Vitamin D3 to bones and teeth instead of soft tissues to lower the risk of arterial calcification.

Myth: “I can get plenty of K2 from food.”

Fact: Yes, some fermented foods contain Vitamin K2. However, very few people are able to obtain sufficient levels of it in their everyday modern diets. But supplementation can fill this gap.

A lot of Vitamin D3 supplements out there are K2-free, which can create calcium placement problems. PlantFusion’s Organic Vegan Vitamin D3 + K2 supplement was formulated for maximum effectiveness and absorption, as evidenced by:

• Plant-Based D3: Derived from lichen making it a great option for those seeking to avoid animal-based vitamin D sources.
• MK-7 K2 Form: The most bio-available and long-lasting form of Vitamin K2 for better absorption and effectiveness.
• Premium Synergy: An expertly engineered D3 to K2 dosage to promote the full spectrum of calcium metabolism benefits.

The combination of Vitamin D3 and K2 ensures calcium is properly absorbed and utilized, benefiting bones, the heart, and immune health. Taking these vitamins together is the best step towards a healthier you, while looking out for your future health as well, and PlantFusion’s carefully formulated D3 + K2 supplement provides an easy way to ensure you’re getting the right balance.