Vitamin D3 + K2

Buy Vitamin D3 + K2: capsules, tablets and drops

Vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 are two fat-soluble vitamins that are increasingly found together in a supplement. Vitamin D contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system, to the maintenance of normal bones, to the maintenance of normal muscle function and to the normal absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and to normal blood clotting. With a combination preparation, you can take both vitamins at the same time in a capsule, tablet or drop.

In this collection you will find vitamin D3 + K2 from NOW Foods, ESN, German Elite Nutrition (GEN), Vit4ever, Osavi and Nuvi Health. You can choose from vegetarian capsules (such as NOW Vitamin D3 & K2 and Mega D-3 & MK-7), tablets in value packs of up to 365 pieces (Vit4ever, GEN), ADEK softgels with vitamins A, D3, E and K2 (Osavi), drops for children (Vit4ever Kids) and a combination with omega 3-fish oil. The dosages range from 500 to 5,600 IU of vitamin D3 and from 20 to 200 mcg of vitamin K2 per daily serving.

What is vitamin D3 + K2?

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the form of vitamin D that your body produces itself in the skin under the influence of sunlight. Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is a form of vitamin K that is produced by bacteria, among other things, and occurs naturally in fermented products. In a D3 + K2 supplement, both vitamins are combined in a fixed ratio, so you do not need to combine them separately.

What does vitamin D3 + K2 naturally occur in?

Vitamin D3 naturally occurs mainly in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring, and in smaller amounts in egg yolk and liver; in addition, your skin produces vitamin D3 itself under the influence of sunlight. Vitamin K2 can be found naturally in fermented products, of which Japanese natto is the best-known example, and to a lesser extent in cheese and other dairy products. Some people choose a supplement in which both vitamins are combined.

Why are D3 and K2 offered together?

Both vitamins are fat-soluble. Vitamin D contributes to the normal absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus and to the maintenance of normal bones; vitamin K also contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. Many people who use vitamin D3 choose to include vitamin K2 in the same supplement. A combination product is also practical: one daily dose instead of two separate bottles.

What do vitamins D3 and K2 contribute to?

For vitamin D and vitamin K, the following health claims are permitted in the EU. Vitamin D contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system, to the maintenance of normal bones, to the maintenance of normal teeth, to the maintenance of normal muscle function, to the normal absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus and to a normal calcium concentration in the blood. Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and to normal blood clotting.

Vitamin K2: MK-7 and all-trans

Vitamin K2 exists in different variants, of which menaquinone-7 (MK-7) is most commonly used in supplements. Most products in this collection contain K2 as MK-7, often in the all-trans form; NOW Mega D-3 & MK-7 uses the branded ingredient MenaQ7, for example. On the label you will see the amount of K2 in micrograms (mcg) per daily serving, usually between 45 and 200 mcg.

Capsules, tablets, softgels or drops?

Vitamin D3 + K2 is available in different dosage forms. Capsules and softgels are tasteless and easy to take with you; tablets are often the most economical per dose, especially in packs of 180 to 365 pieces. Oil-based drops can be dosed flexibly and are convenient for those who do not like swallowing; Vit4ever's children's drops are an example of this. Choose the form that suits your daily routine.

How much vitamin D3 and K2 per day?

The amount of vitamin D3 is indicated in international units (IU) or micrograms: 1 mcg corresponds to 40 IU, so 1,000 IU is equal to 25 mcg. The products in this collection provide between 500 IU (children's drops) and 5,600 IU per daily serving, combined with 20 to 200 mcg of vitamin K2. Which dosage is suitable depends on several factors, including your age and situation. Always follow the instructions for use and the recommended daily serving on the packaging.

Who is a D3 + K2 combination interesting for?

Your body produces vitamin D mainly through sunlight on the skin. In the Netherlands, this production is limited from October through March, and those who spend a lot of time indoors, have dark skin, or usually cover their skin also produce less vitamin D. For older adults and young children, for example, the Health Council of the Netherlands issues a general vitamin D recommendation. Those who use vitamin D3 and also want to take in vitamin K2 choose the convenience of a combination product.

What to look for when buying vitamin D3 with K2?

When comparing, pay attention to: the dosage of vitamin D3 (in IU or mcg) and vitamin K2 (in mcg) per daily serving, the form of K2 (for example MK-7 all-trans), the dosage form and the number of servings per package. If you follow a vegan diet, choose a product with D3 from lichen, such as GEN's tablets. If you use blood thinners (vitamin K antagonists), consult your doctor or pharmacist before using a supplement with vitamin K2.

When do you take vitamin D3 + K2?

Because vitamin D3 and K2 are fat-soluble, they are usually taken with a meal that contains some fat. Drops and softgels often already contain an oil base, such as MCT oil. Choose a fixed time of day, for example with breakfast or dinner, so you do not forget to take it.

Also view our collections Vitamin D3, Vitamin K, Calcium and Magnesium.

More background? Read our explanation what vitamin D3 is.