Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 for Healthy Muscles and Nerves
Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.
Vitamins D3 and K2 are essential nutrients that play a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and nerves. Both vitamins are fat-soluble, which means that they are stored in the body and can build up over time if consumed in excess. However, despite their importance, many people do not get enough of these essential vitamins, which can lead to deficiencies and health problems. In this article, we will explore the role of vitamins D3 and K2 in maintaining healthy muscles and nerves, and how to ensure adequate intake.
Vitamin D3:
Vitamin D3 is also known as cholecalciferol and is a form of Vitamin D that is produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D3 is important for maintaining healthy bones, as it helps the body absorb calcium and maintain adequate levels of this mineral. This, in turn, helps to keep bones strong and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
In addition to its role in bone health, Vitamin D3 is also important for muscle function. Adequate levels of Vitamin D3 help to improve muscle strength, reduce muscle weakness and reduce the risk of falls in older adults. Vitamin D3 works in conjunction with calcium to help muscles contract and relax, and a deficiency of Vitamin D3 can result in muscle weakness and fatigue.
Vitamin K2:
Vitamin K2 is a form of Vitamin K that is found in fermented foods, such as natto, and is also produced by the gut microbiome. Vitamin K2 plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones, as it helps to direct calcium to the bones where it is needed, and away from the arteries where it can cause plaque buildup.
In addition to its role in bone health, Vitamin K2 also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy nerves. Vitamin K2 helps to regulate the flow of calcium in the nervous system and plays a role in the formation of myelin, the fatty material that insulates nerve fibers. Adequate levels of Vitamin K2 are important for maintaining normal nerve function and reducing the risk of nerve damage.
Sources of Vitamin D3 and K2:
Vitamin D3 is found in fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, as well as in fortified dairy products, such as milk and yogurt. In addition, exposure to sunlight can also help the body produce Vitamin D3.
Vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods, such as natto, as well as in some dairy products and eggs. It is also available in supplement form.
Vitamin D3 and K2 together
Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 are essential nutrients that play important roles in maintaining the health of muscles and nerves. Vitamin D3 helps in the absorption of calcium, a mineral that is vital for muscle contraction and relaxation. It also regulates the levels of calcium in the bloodstream, ensuring that the muscles have enough of the mineral for proper function. Vitamin K2, on the other hand, plays a role in the regulation of calcium metabolism and ensures that calcium is properly distributed to the bones and other tissues, such as the muscles and nerves.
Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 also interact to support healthy nerve function. Vitamin D3 helps in the development and maintenance of the nervous system, while Vitamin K2 is involved in the production of a protein called myelin, which insulates and protects nerve fibers. Together, these vitamins work to support healthy nerve function, including the transmission of signals between the brain and muscles.
In addition, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation in the muscles and nerves. Inflammation can lead to muscle pain and weakness, and can also damage nerve fibers, leading to a range of symptoms, including tingling and numbness. By reducing inflammation, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 may help to protect the muscles and nerves from damage and improve their overall function.
Research has also shown that Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 may help to prevent muscle wasting, especially in older adults. Muscle wasting, or sarcopenia, is a common condition that leads to muscle weakness and decreased mobility. It can be caused by a number of factors, including aging, disease, and inactivity. By providing the muscles with essential nutrients and reducing inflammation, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 may help to slow the progression of sarcopenia and preserve muscle strength and function.
Adequate Intake:
The recommended daily intake of Vitamin D3 is 600-800 international units (IU) for adults, while the recommended daily intake of Vitamin K2 is 90-120 micrograms. However, individual needs may vary depending on factors such as age, gender, and sun exposure.
Vitamins D3 and K2 are essential nutrients that play a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and nerves. Both vitamins work together to ensure optimal health and well-being, and adequate levels of these vitamins are important for reducing the risk of health problems. By incorporating foods rich in Vitamin D3 and K2 into your diet, or by taking supplements if necessary, you can help ensure that your body has adequate levels of these essential vitamins.
Check out Vorst’s supplements containing D3 and K2 below:
References and Resources:
- Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Review Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium. (2011). Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. National Academies Press (US).
- Bischoff-Ferrari, H. A., Willett, W. C., Wong, J. B., Giovannucci, E. L., Dietrich, T., & Dawson-Hughes, B. (2009). Fracture prevention with vitamin D supplementation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. JAMA, 291(13), 1669-1675.
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
- Thiele, D. J., & Egan, J. M. (2017). Vitamin D and the cardiovascular system. Frontiers in Physiology, 8, 751.
- Dawson-Hughes, B., & Mithal, A. (2009). Vitamin D and muscle tissue. Osteoporosis International, 20(12), 1807-1811.
- Vieth, R. (1999). Vitamin D supplementation, 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, and safety. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 69(5), 842-856.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7436967/
- Binkley, N., Novotny, R., Krueger, D., Kawahara, T., Daida, Y. G., Lensmeyer, G., ... & Hollis, B. W. (2007). Low vitamin D status despite abundant sun exposure. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 22(6), 746-753.
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional/
- Schurgers, L. J., & Vermeer, C. (2000). Different forms of vitamin K and their importance for human health. Life Sciences, 66(12), 1189-1197.
- Bolland, M. J., Grey, A., Avenell, A., Gamble, G. D., & Reid, I. R. (2008). Calcium supplements with or without vitamin D and risk of cardiovascular events: reanalysis of the Women's Health Initiative limited access dataset and meta-analysis. BMJ, 336(7651), 924-926.
- Schurgers, L. J., Teunissen, K. J., Hamulyák, K., Knapen, M. H., Vik, H., Vermeer, C., ... & Krüger, T. (2007). Vitamin K-containing dietary supplements: comparison of synthetic vitamin K1 and natto-derived menaquinone-7. Blood, 109(8), 3279-3283.