From the Guidelines
Vitamin K2 plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of Vitamin D by ensuring that calcium is directed to the bones and teeth, rather than accumulating in soft tissues. When considering the interaction between calcium and vitamin D intake, as discussed in a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine 1, it becomes clear that Vitamin K2 is essential for optimal bone health. The study highlights the complex relationship between calcium and vitamin D, noting that high doses of vitamin D3 can have modest beneficial effects on calcium absorption, but it does not address the role of Vitamin K2 in this process. However, it is well established that Vitamin K2 activates proteins such as osteocalcin and Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) that bind calcium to bone matrix and prevent arterial calcification, respectively. Key points to consider include:
- Vitamin K2 ensures that calcium from Vitamin D supplementation goes to the bones and teeth, rather than accumulating in soft tissues
- The MK-7 form of K2 is generally preferred due to its longer half-life in the body
- Taking Vitamin K2 alongside Vitamin D supplements, especially at higher doses, can help optimize bone health while reducing potential cardiovascular risks associated with calcium misplacement In real-life clinical practice, health professionals often recommend taking Vitamin K2 (typically 100-200 mcg daily) alongside Vitamin D supplements, especially at higher doses (above 2000 IU daily), to minimize the risks associated with calcium supplementation and maximize the benefits of Vitamin D therapy.
From the Research
Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D Interaction
- Vitamin K2 helps with vitamin D by contributing to the maintenance of bone health through the carboxylation of osteocalcin and matrix Gla-protein (MGP) 2.
- The combination of vitamins K and D has a synergistic effect on bone mineralization, with vitamin K adding to the benefit of maintaining bone health on top of an optimal vitamin D status 2, 3.
- Vitamin K2 supplementation may improve bone quality and reduce fracture risk in osteoporotic patients, potentially enhancing the efficacy of calcium and vitamin D supplementation 3, 4.
Bone Mineral Density
- The combined administration of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 has been shown to increase bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis 4, 5.
- A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that vitamin K combined with vitamin D significantly increased total BMD and decreased undercarboxylated osteocalcin 5.
Cardiovascular Health
- Supplementation with vitamins K2 and D3 has been suggested to have a protective role in the progression of coronary artery calcification, a strong predictor of acute myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality 6.