Research suggests that people with a higher intake of vitamin K have a lower risk of blood vessel calcification and heart disease. Optimal concentrations of both vitamins D and K, in the right balance, improve bone mineralization, increase bone density, and can reduce the risk of fractures.Īnd taking vitamin K in conjunction with vitamin D also protects your heart.

Studies suggest that vitamins D and K are more effective than together than alone in promoting bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin K integrates calcium into bones and teeth, preventing it from being deposited in soft tissues, such as the kidneys or arteries-important, since calcium deposits in the kidneys are linked with kidney diseases, and the buildup of calcium in blood vessels increases the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and stroke. But vitamin D alone doesn’t dictate where the calcium you ingest ends up. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut and maintains proper blood levels of calcium to meet the body’s needs. In the body, vitamin K is crucial for the normal clotting of blood, and it also plays an important role in working alongside vitamin D to form healthy bones.

Less common is vitamin K2, found in small amounts in animal products and fermented foods. The most common is vitamin K1, found in spinach, kale, and other dark, leafy greens, which accounts for 75–90 percent of the vitamin K consumed by humans. And you’re probably taking a daily D-but are you taking it the right way? Some research suggests that vitamin K in combo with vitamin D greatly enhances the sunshine vitamin’s bone-building benefits-and supplementing with just vitamin D if you’re low in vitamin K could even be harmful. You already know the benefits of vitamin D for building stronger bones, reducing inflammation, and enhancing immunity (especially important right now). Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!

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