From the Guidelines
Vitamin D and K2 should be taken together, with a recommended daily dose of 1,000-4,000 IU of vitamin D3 and 100-200 mcg of vitamin K2 (preferably the MK-7 form), to optimize their synergistic effects on bone health, cardiovascular health, and immune function. When considering the use of vitamin K2, it is essential to note that many intestinal bacteria, including E. coli, synthesize vitamin K2, but not K1, and contribute to meeting vitamin K requirements 1. The recommended daily dose of vitamin K can be met through enteral nutrition, with a content range of 3.5 mg to 20 mg/100 kcal, or through parenteral nutrition, with a weekly IV supply of 250-500 mg phylloquinone from lipids being sufficient to restore and maintain plasma phylloquinone within the normal range 1. However, it is crucial to consider the potential impact of vitamin K intake on anticoagulant control in patients taking vitamin K antagonists, and to factor in the amount of vitamin K from lipids when calculating requirements, as higher doses than 150 mg could cause K antagonist resistance 1. Some key points to consider when taking vitamin D and K2 supplements include:
- Taking them with a meal containing some fat to enhance absorption
- Monitoring vitamin D levels through blood tests, especially in individuals with limited sun exposure, darker skin, or certain medical conditions
- Consulting with a healthcare provider before supplementing with vitamin K2, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions or taking medications like blood thinners.
From the FDA Drug Label
Description: Pure Vita Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) and Vitamin K2 (Menatetrenone-MK4) work together to support bone helath, calcium absorption and heart health.
- Vitamin D and K2 work together to support bone health, calcium absorption, and heart health.
- They help maintain strong bones, immune function, and proper calcium distribution for overall well-being. The combination of Vitamin D and K2 is used to support bone health and other related functions 2
From the Research
Vitamin D and K2 Supplementation
- The relationship between vitamin D and K2 supplementation has been studied in various contexts, including their effects on musculoskeletal health, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus 3, 4.
- Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to improve musculoskeletal health, with doses of 800-5000 IU/day reducing the rate of fractures and falls in older adults 5.
- The combination of vitamins D3 and K2 has been found to have a beneficial effect on undercarboxylated osteocalcin and insulin serum levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with significant decreases in glucose levels and percentage of functional pancreatic beta cells 4.
Dosage and Safety
- A daily vitamin D supplementation with 2000 IU (50 µg) may be considered a simple, effective, and safe dosage to prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency in the adult general population 6.
- The safety of vitamin K2 supplementation has been established, with no reported adverse effects associated with its use 3.
- However, single large doses of 300,000-500,000 IU of vitamin D should be avoided, and vitamin D supplementation should not be offered routinely to patient populations without a documented deficiency 5.
Clinical Applications
- Clinicians should assess and counsel patients on the use of vitamin D, taking into account their individual needs and risk factors for deficiency 7.
- The decision to take vitamin D supplements should be based on a thorough evaluation of the patient's health status and medical history, rather than routine supplementation 5.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of vitamin D and K2 supplementation on various health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus 3, 4.