Vitamina K2 + D3

Yamamoto® Research Vitamin K2 + D3 is a high-dose vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 dietary supplement that can be used in all cases of increased need or decreased intake of these vitamins. Vitamin D3 is essential for supporting bone and tooth health, supporting the immune system and preventing the onset of cardiovascular disease, while vitamin K2 contributes to normal blood clotting and the maintenance of healthy bones.

Vitamin K2 has several functions in the body: in particular, it works by activating MGP (Matrix Gla Protein), a protein that binds circulating calcium in the blood and prevents it from precipitating as crystals in the arterial wall, preventing the formation of atheromatous plaques. In addition, vitamin K2 stimulates osteocalcin, a protein that promotes the adhesion of calcium to bone tissue and teeth, making them stronger and more flexible. It is found in foods such as dairy products, eggs, meat and certain types of green leafy vegetables.

The combination with vitamin D3 makes the supplement even more effective in supporting healthy bones and teeth.

Vitamin D is usually produced by the body as a result of exposure to sunlight: we synthesise about 80% of the vitamin D we need through skin exposed to the sun, but often it is not possible to get enough exposure. We spend most of our time indoors (office, school or home) and also food sources of vitamin D do not provide optimal values and, although we tend to consider Vitamin D only for bone health, in reality this vitamin is important for many aspects of health. It is a “para-hormone” that acts on organs and systems just like a hormone. Vitamin D is essential for the skeletal system, stimulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D is found in almost 3,000 genes in the body and its receptors throughout the body, so it becomes clear how this micronutrient is involved in so many processes related to our well-being.

**What are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency? And Vitamin K? Vitamin D deficiency can cause a range of symptoms and health problems, including:

• Muscle weakness;
• Muscle and joint pain;
• Tiredness and fatigue;
• Reduced ability to heal wounds;
• Depression;
• Loss of bone density and osteoporosis;
• Increased risk of bone fractures;
• Reduced ability of the immune system to fight infections.

In addition, vitamin D deficiency may be related to an increased risk of certain chronic diseases.

Vitamin K deficiency can cause instead:

• Osteoporosis or bone fragility;
• Arterial calcification;
• Excessive bleeding and weak teeth;
• Growth problems.

**For whom is the intake of Vitamin D3 50 μg recommended? Taking vitamin K2 + D3 may be advisable for several categories of people, including:

• People with an increased risk of osteoporosis or bone fractures, such as menopausal women, the elderly or people with conditions that can weaken bones.
• People with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, such as people with risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol or diabetes.
• People with intestinal malabsorption or conditions that may interfere with nutrient absorption.
• People on restrictive diets or vegetarian/vegan diets, who may not be getting enough of the required amounts of vitamin K2 and D3.

What is the difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3? Are they the same thing? The main difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3 is their originand chemical form.

Vitamin D is in fact a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in two main forms: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D2 is mainly found in plant sources, while vitamin D3 is found in animal sources and is produced naturally by the skin in response to UVB sunlight.

Vitamin D3 is considered to be the most effective form of vitamin D, as it has a greater affinity for vitamin D receptors in the body and is converted to the active form** more easily than vitamin D2. In addition, vitamin D3 supplements are generally more effective in increasing vitamin D levels in the blood than vitamin D2.

What is the difference between vitamin K and K2? What is the difference? Vitamin K2, or menachinone, is a fat-soluble vitamin belonging to the vitamin K family. This family of vitamins includes:

• vitamin K1, phylloquinone, which is found in plants and is then converted to K2 (it is therefore the least effective form, because it must be converted to the active form to ensure meaningful action);
• vitamin K2, which exists in two forms: MK-4 (in meat, eggs and dairy products) and MK-7 (in grass-fed meat, fermented soya beans, yoghurt and kefir) and is more bioavailable and rapidly utilised by the body;
• vitamin K3, of synthetic origin and useful for regulating blood clotting.

The K2 MK-7 form is therefore the optimal form for food supplement formulation, natural and highly bioavailable.

Scientific references Knapen MHJ, Drummen NE, Smit E, et al. Three-year low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation helps decrease bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women. Osteoporos Int. 2013 Sep;24(9):2499-507. doi: 10.1007/s00198-013-2325-6. Epub 2013 Mar 23. PMID: 23525894.

Vermeer C, Braam L. Role of K vitamins in the regulation of tissue calcification. J Bone Miner Metab. 2008;26(9):73-79. doi: 10.1007/s00774-008-0020-6. PMID: 18648931.

Shea MK, Booth SL, Massaro JM, et al. Vitamin K and vitamin D status: associations with inflammatory markers in the Framingham Offspring Study. Am J Epidemiol. 2008 Dec 1;168(11):1169-78. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwn224. Epub 2008 Oct 9. PMID: 18845877; PMCID: PMC2727204.

Beulens JW, Bots ML, Atsma F, et al. High dietary menaquinone intake is associated with reduced coronary calcification. Atherosclerosis. 2009 Apr;203(2):489-93. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2008.07.010. Epub 2008 Jul 19. PMID: 18722618.

Shiraki M, Shiraki Y, Aoki C, et al. Vitamin K2 (menatetrenone) effectively prevents fractures and sustains lumbar bone mineral density in osteoporosis. J Bone Miner Res. 2000 Mar;15(3):515-21. doi: 10.1359/jbmr.2000.15.3.515. PMID: 10713906.