Thorne Vitamin D + K2
- What it does: Combines vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 to promote bone health, support healthy immune function, and maintain cardiovascular health.* The synergistic effect of these two nutrients helps optimize calcium utilization in the body, benefiting both bone strength and vascular integrity.*
- How to take: Take 2 drops one to three times daily. Drops can be dispensed directly or added to food or beverages; do not refrigerate.
- What you should know: Features vitamin K2 as MK-4, the most clinically studied form, and vitamin D in its highly absorbable D3 form. The liquid format allows for individualized dosing, and the product is free from gluten, dairy, and soy. Each batch is third-party tested for purity and potency.
Why You Need Vitamin K2
Both vitamins K1 and K2 ensure healthy blood clotting, preventing excessive bleeding and bruising when blood vessels get injured. But recent research suggests that they play different roles in other aspects of our health, with vitamin K2 adding health benefits independent of K1.
However, there is not yet a recommended intake set specifically for vitamin K2. You should get between 90 and 120 micrograms of vitamin K — but this requirement is based on the vitamin K1 needed to prevent bleeding.
Scientists studying vitamin K2’s effects suggest its benefits come with a daily intake of between 10 and 45 micrograms. But in the average diet, about 90% of the vitamin K consumed is K1. Vitamin K breaks down calcium in our bodies, and this effect helps prevent hard deposits (calcium and fatty material) from forming in artery walls. Smooth and flexible blood vessels ensure healthy circulation, reducing the risk of harmful blood clots and heart disease.This effect may come from vitamin K2 alone, however. Studies show that a person’s risk of dying from heart disease falls by 9% for every 10 micrograms consumed a day, but found no association with K1 intake. Strong Bones
Our bodies need calcium to build and maintain bones. When it breaks down calcium in our bodies, vitamin K2 activates a protein that helps the mineral bind to our bones to do its job.
While research is ongoing, studies show a higher K2 intake improves bone density and reduces the risk of bone fractures.
Anticancer PropertiesResearchers have found that vitamin K2 may slow or stop cancer cell activity. Other studies show this may improve survival rates and reduce cancer’s recurrence. However, these studies have focused on only certain cancers, like liver and prostate, so much more research is needed.
What Is Vitamin D Deficiency?
A vitamin D deficiency means you don’t have enough of this vitamin in your body. You need vitamin D to grow and maintain your bones. You could be at risk for deficiency if you don’t get enough sunlight on your skin, you have a disorder that reduces your body’s ability to absorb it, or you don’t eat enough of it in your diet.
Also known as the sunshine vitamin, your body can make it when your skin is exposed to sunlight. But it’s also found in a few foods, such as some fish, fish liver oils, mushrooms, fatty fish, and egg yolks, as well as in fortified dairy products and orange juice.
Why Is Vitamin D Important?
You need vitamin D to build bones and keep them strong. Vitamin D works to build bones by helping your body absorb and use calcium, magnesium, and phosphate from the food you eat. It balances out the level of calcium in your bones and blood. When you don’t take enough vitamin D, your calcium levels drop. Your body has to pull calcium from your bones into your blood to bring your levels back into balance. Vitamin D also plays a role in how your nervous system, immune system, and muscles work.
