Importance of Vitamin D

Supplement Focus:  Vitamin D3 with K2

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that has long been known to help the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus; which are critical for bone health.  But research shows that many of the body’s organs and tissues have receptors for vitamin D which suggests that Vitamin D plays a role in many other health conditions and diseases such as:

• Strengthening muscles
• Supporting the immune system
• Fighting inflammation
• Boosting energy mood and brain support
• Heart Disease
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Cancer

Could I Be Vitamin D Deficient?

Vitamin D can be obtained from diet, direct sunlight, or supplementation. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, almost half of the U.S. Population (41.6%) is vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is found in a few foods, but people get most of their vitamin D from the sun, which can be difficult in northern climates especially from October to April.  The map below shows areas where it is unlikely that you are receiving enough sunlight to provide adequate Vitamin D:

Vitamin K2 Needs to be Considered with Vitamin D3

Benefits of K2:

• Contributes to bone metabolism
• promotes proper brain function
• contributes to skin health
• prevents heart-related diseases 
• inhibits blood vessel calcification

Sources of K2 in Food:

Vitamin K2 is found mainly in animal sources and fermented foods like: Beef liver, chicken, butter, egg yolks and sauerkraut.  

Importance of taking D3 & K2 together:

Taking Vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2 helps to ensure the calcium transported by the Vitamin D is absorbed by your bones where it’s needed, rather than accumulating in deposits in your arteries. 

Signs That You Are Not Getting Enough D3 & K2:

Some common signs of not having adequate levels of vitamin D are fatigue, weak bones, dizziness, and muscle aches. Vitamin K2 deficiency includes weak bones, heart issues, or tooth decay. Vitamin K deficiency may also cause people to easily bruise.

Supplementation:

Vitamin D3 is a common form of Vitamin D found in supplements and is called “cholecalciferol”.  As we move into the winter months here in the Midwest Vitamin D supplementation becomes an important focus for optimal health as we face shorter days and cold and flu season.  Boosting your Vitamin D levels will help keep your immune system strong. Here is a supplement we suggest.

Testing: 

How to find out if your Vitamin D levels are optimal?  You can have a simple blood test to find out your Vitamin D level.  Based on the results of the test, you can also ask your healthcare provider or registered dietitian nutritionist about taking a vitamin D supplement.