All eyes on: Vitamin D3 K2
Let's take a closer look at vitamin D3 K2: Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin and plays a special role among vitamins because our body can produce the sunshine vitamin itself with sufficient sunlight or selected foods, but only if the conditions are right. We don't know where you are right now, but in our latitudes and especially in the winter months, the light exposure is not sufficient for this. In addition, we would have to be naked for the body to produce its own vitamin D and not use sunscreen - difficult. And this is also reflected in the results of a study: over 90% of women and over 80% of men do not even reach the minimum intake recommended by the German Nutrition Society. 4 And as we have just read, vitamin D is important for a healthy skeleton because it helps maintain healthy bones. 1
Vitamin K is also fat-soluble. While vitamin K1 is found in many plant-based foods such as cabbage or leafy vegetables, vitamin K2 is mainly found in animal foods such as meat or dairy products - a problem for those who do not regularly eat these foods and those who avoid them completely. The vitamin is absorbed in the intestines and then transported via the blood to the liver, where it can perform its main tasks. Since the vitamin mainly contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, it is important to ensure that there is an adequate supply and should be supplemented if the intake is insufficient. 1
Dream Team: Vitamin D3 K2
Both vitamins are ideal for athletes and are great on their own, but unbeatable in combination! Vitamin D3 and K2 complement each other in a meaningful way in their functions for the organism: Vitamin D3 increases calcium absorption from the intestine, which leads to an increased calcium concentration in the blood. If the body cannot use the calcium, it is deposited and can lead to calcification of blood vessels and organs.
And this is where vitamin K2 comes into play. In order for the body to utilize calcium, it needs sufficient vitamin K2: The vitamin activates the proteins osteocalcin and MGP (matrix Gla protein), which in turn bind and transport calcium from the blood to our bones and teeth. Vitamin K2 therefore ensures that calcium goes where it belongs and where the body needs it.
Keep in mind: Vitamin D3 and K2 play synergistic roles in bone health. While vitamin D3 increases calcium absorption from the intestine, vitamin K2 ensures that calcium is effectively incorporated into bones and teeth and not deposited in arteries and organs.