Since your mother and grandmother were born, processed food consumption has risen sharply, and so has forearm fractures in children. At the same time, studies show most of our children are Vitamin K deficient. It’s probably common knowledge that Vitamin D is essential in forming strong bones. But, Vitamin D without Vitamin K is kind of like using brick halves to build a house … it just can’t finish the job.
A Brand New You
Every 7 to 10 years the skeleton is reproduced. Cells called osteoblasts form the matrix (material between the cells from which bone is formed). Osteoclast cells tear down the old bone. The right balance between building up (absorption) and tearing down (resorption) needs to be maintained. But, the skeletal reproduction process happens with, or without, the right vitamins to maintain the balance.
Healthy Bones And Much More
Besides the risk of osteoporosis and malformed bones, there is a volume of research on the connection of Vitamin D deficiency with other health risks, including:
- Dental and periodontal disease
- Skin conditions (psoriasis, vitiligo, etc.)
- Menstrual issues (PMS, menstrual migraines, etc.)
- Weight problems (obesity and difficulty losing extra pounds)
- Cardiovascular issues (hypertension, cholesterol, atherosclerosis)
- Mental health, and brain function (depression and more)
- Musculoskeletal issues(weakness and falling, pain, etc.)
- Autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma…)
- Immune response (infections, flu, colds)
- Cancer (especially breast, prostate and colon)
- Diabetes
While Vitamin D3 does many things, one of the main functions is to help the intestines absorb calcium for building healthy bones. But Vitamin D cannot work alone. It must have Vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 is fat soluble, so, it is stored in the intestines and transported by fat.
It’s Never Too Late To Start
Vitamin D3 with K2 is critical for the entire life cycle: from embryo through the golden years. Vitamin K2’s main job is activating proteins that regulate where calcium goes in the body. It directs calcium away from soft tissue such as arteries, and toward bones. It activates matrix GLA protein (MGP), a protein in arterial walls (and other places), to prevent calcium buildup (atherosclerosis).
Recent research demonstrated K-2 even worked toward reversing arterial stiffness in healthy post-menopausal women. It’s never too late to start taking D3 with K2!
So, while Vitamin D3 directs calcium into the body, Vitamin K2 directs it to the appropriate places, and prevents it from going to the wrong places. Without K2, calcium would be wandering around the body, slowly causing mayhem.
Why Two Forms Of Vitamin K Are Essential There are several forms of Vitamin K, but K2 is most essential for partnering with Vitamin D. And, K2 has two forms: K2 as: Menaquinone 4 (MK-4) and K2 as: Menaquinone 7 (MK-7) MK-4 and MK-7 act on different proteins to direct calcium away from arteries and toward bones. But, MK-4 and MK-7 act on different areas, so, both forms are necessary.
Where Do We Get Vitamin K2?
Vitamin K2 can be found in fermented foods, such as
- Japanese natto (the best source)
- Korean kimchi
- Some cheeses (mature, hard rind)
- Curd
- Kefir
- Kombucha
- Sauerkraut
Why Supplementation?
Western taste, difficulty of finding clean/pure sources and consistently consuming them make it virtually impossible to get enough Vitamin K-2 from our food. The best source, then, is supplementation. MenaQ7 is patented K-2 as MK-7, and is the only pure and bioactive trans form. Clinical research has shown it offers statistically significant protection.
Our Vegan D3 + K2 Full-Spectrum is:
- Vegan (contains no lanolin, sourced from wild lichen)
- Full-Spectrum (MenaQ7 + MK-4)
- Unflavored
- Soy-Free
- Gluten-Free
- Alcohol-Free
- Non-GMO
Our Vegan ADK utilizes two forms of Micellized Vitamin A (palmitate and betacarotene), VEGAN Vitamin D3 along with two essential forms of K2 (MK-4 + MK-7). Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, while Vitamin K2 helps the body ensure that calcium is properly utilized (i.e., that it is ending up in the bones and not in the heart and blood vessels). Vitamin K2 keeps calcium in bones and teeth and out of soft tissues.
Sources:
Foreman, David, R.Ph. (2016) A foundational Program for Healthy Children, A.R.C. Goodman, D., MD. (2015). Vitamin K2: The Missing Nutrient For Heart And Bone Health. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse. International Health and Science Foundation, Vitamin K2 Org., All About Vitamin K2. vitamink2.org/k2-pedia/about-k2/ NattoPharma ASA, Vitamin K2: Essential For All Stages Of Life. 2014. MenaQ7 Fact Sheet, MenaQ7™ & Vitamin D3: A Complementary Combination. menaq7.com J Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Epub 2015: 113/5 (May) pp. 911–1157. Summary: Menaquinone-7 supplementation improves arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women A double-blind randomised clinical trial Farlex, The Free Medical Dictionary, Definition: bone matrix. medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/bone+matrix Wikipedia, List of Fermented Foods. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fermented_foods Minnesota Bricks, Making Bricks the Old Fashioned Way. mnbricks.com/making-bricks-the-old-fashioned-way Wikipedia, Brick. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brick Mother Earth News, Making Your Own Bricks From Soil. www.motherearthnews.com/DIY/make-your-own-bricks-zmaz76mjztak