VITAMIN D3 1000IU + K2 MK4

Both Vitamin D and Vitamin K2-MK4 work together to promote the effects of each other. These ingredients are often combined as current evidence indicates that an intake of both vitamins together is most effective to achieve optimal bone and cardiovascular health.

Vitamin D3
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which is stored in the body�s fat cells. There are two main forms of Vitamin D: Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol).

We obtain Vitamin D through both our diet and the sun. In countries where sunlight is limited and not as strong, such as the UK, people rely on dietary intake or supplementation of the vitamin to meet the recommended intake. Vitamin D occurs naturally in specific foods like salmon, tuna and mackerel, as well as egg yolks. Certain foods have been supplemented since the 1930s as we can�t achieve our Vitamin D requirements through food alone. These foods include milk, cereal and some orange juices.

The role of Vitamin D is to contribute to the absorption and utilisation of Calcium and Phosphorous, which helps with the maintenance of bones and teeth. A stronger bone density reduces the risk of falling associated with postural instability and muscle weakness. This is especially vital amongst the older adult as falling is a risk factor for bone fractures among men and women 60 years of age and older.

Vitamin K2-MK4
There are several forms of Vitamin K, and Vitamin K2 is the secondary form, also known as Menaquinone. Menaquinone 4 is a type of Vitamin K, produced via the conversion of Vitamin K1 which occurs in the pancreas, testes or arterial walls. The half-life of MK4 is very short at an hour and a half. This means that the radioactivity of the vitamin decreases in value by 50% over one and a half hours.

Vitamin K2-MK4 contributes to normal blood clotting to close open wounds. The vitamin also has an essential role in the maintenance of normal bones, as mentioned in its synergistic relationship with Vitamin D3.

Vitamin K is found in a variety of foods, most commonly in those that photosynthesise or any animal that consumes photosynthesised foods. These foods include green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, watercress and peas, as well as cereal grains and vegetable oils. Meat and dairy foods also contain Vitamin K but in smaller quantities.