Vitamins D and K have several properties in common, including their solubility in fat. In many cases, supplementation with both is recommended as they can have a number of health benefits.
The main links between these vitamins are skeletal, circulatory and immune support. Both have a positive effect on the body and create a specific regulatory system.
Vitamins D and K and the skeletal system
These two vitamins are essential for the proper formation and metabolism of bone tissue. Vitamin supplementation in this configuration has been studied, among other things, in the context of osteoporosis treatment in postmenopausal women. Among other things, supplementation has a strong effect on improving bone mineral density, which may be important in reducing the risk of injury.
Strong bones are essential for the comfortable use of the musculoskeletal system and for athlete development. In addition, preventing falls and injuries that require limited mobility can also be beneficial for a healthy musculoskeletal and nervous system.
Low bone mineralization may be associated with an increased risk of bone fractures, so supplementing the body with vitamins D and K can be an effective protective measure. Vitamin D regulates the levels of parathyroid hormone and osteocalcin, both of which are linked to the bone formation system, and vitamin K regulates the activity of osteocalcin.
The combined effect on osteocalcin reduces, among other things, the side effects of excess vitamin D in the body, which can occur, for example, when high doses of vitamin D are used to compensate for vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamins D and K and the cardiovascular system
Vitamins D and K play a role in the cardiovascular system as fat-soluble vitamins. There are indications that vitamin D may regulate the function of this system by affecting the endocrine renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the development of vascular endothelium, which are important in the regulation of blood pressure. In turn, vitamin K may help prevent atherosclerosis, which has been linked to cardiovascular disease.
Vitamins D and K and the immune system
Vitamin D is also linked to the regulation of the body’s immune response. It influences certain anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines and certain cells of the immune system.
High levels of vitamin D (upper limit of normal) are associated with the body’s ability to better cope with various conditions or diseases (including COVID-19). As in the skeletal and circulatory systems, vitamin K plays an important role in preventing the physiological effects of very high levels of vitamin D in the body. It also exhibits certain immunomodulatory properties.
Supplement
Vitamin D and vitamin K are fat-soluble and can be taken with meals containing certain amounts of these nutrients. For those who need to make up for nutritional deficiencies or who are subject to increased demands on the body, supplementation is recommended.