Vitamin K2 and D3 for High Blood Pressure

by Vorst Canada March 09, 2023

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.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. This can lead to damage of the blood vessels and organs, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Common treatments for high blood pressure include lifestyle modifications such as reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, losing weight, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, medication can be prescribed to help lower blood pressure.

Recently, research has focused on the role of micronutrients in blood pressure regulation, specifically vitamins K2 and D3. Vitamin K2 is important for the activation of a protein called osteocalcin, which plays a role in calcium metabolism and arterial health. Vitamin D3 is necessary for calcium absorption and utilization, and also has direct effects on blood vessel function. Together, these nutrients may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Vitamin K2 and Blood Pressure
Vitamin D3 and Blood Pressure
Synergistic Effects of Vitamin K2 and D3
Safety Considerations when Taking Vitamin K2 and D3 Supplements
Conclusion

What is Vitamin K2?

Vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone, is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in blood clotting and bone metabolism. It is found in fermented foods such as cheese and natto, as well as in animal products such as liver and egg yolks.

How does Vitamin K2 affect blood pressure?

Vitamin K2 is thought to help regulate blood pressure by improving arterial health. One way it does this is by activating a protein called matrix Gla protein (MGP), which helps to prevent calcium buildup in the arterial walls. When calcium accumulates in the arteries, it can lead to stiffness and reduced flexibility, which can increase blood pressure.

Food Sources of Vitamin K2

Foods that are high in vitamin K2 include fermented dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, natto (a Japanese fermented soybean dish), and organ meats such as liver. While vitamin K1 is found in green leafy vegetables, it is not converted to vitamin K2 in significant amounts in the body.

What is Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that is produced in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. It can also be obtained from food sources such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products.

How does Vitamin D3 affect blood pressure?

Vitamin D3 is involved in the regulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which is important for blood pressure control. It has been shown to help reduce the activity of renin, an enzyme that causes blood vessels to narrow and blood pressure to increase. Additionally, vitamin D3 can improve the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.

Clinical Studies on Vitamin D3 and Blood Pressure

Multiple studies have explored the relationship between vitamin D3 and blood pressure. A 2015 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Hypertension found that vitamin D3 supplementation led to a small but statistically significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2019 found that vitamin D3 supplementation improved arterial stiffness in overweight and obese adults.

Food Sources of Vitamin D3

Foods that are high in vitamin D3 include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products such as milk and yogurt. Additionally, vitamin D3 can be obtained from exposure to sunlight, although this can vary depending on factors such as time of day, season, and geographic location.

Synergistic Effects of Vitamin K2 and D3

Vitamin K2 and D3 work together to support blood vessel health and may have synergistic effects on blood pressure. Vitamin D3 enhances the absorption of calcium, while vitamin K2 activates proteins that direct calcium to the bones and teeth and away from the arteries. Together, they help to maintain healthy arterial function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Clinical Studies on the Combined Effects of Vitamin K2 and D3 on Blood Pressure

Several clinical studies have investigated the combined effects of vitamin K2 and D3 on blood pressure. In a 2017 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, researchers found that a combination of vitamin K2 and D3 supplements led to a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women with hypertension. Another study published in the same journal in 2018 found that supplementation with vitamin K2 and D3 reduced arterial stiffness in healthy adults.

Recommendations for Supplementing with Vitamin K2 and D3

The optimal dose of vitamin K2 and D3 for blood pressure control is still being studied. However, some studies have used doses of 180-360 mcg of vitamin K2 and 1000-5000 IU of vitamin D3 daily. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, as high doses of these vitamins can be harmful in some individuals.

Safety Considerations when Taking Vitamin K2 and D3 Supplements

Vitamin K2 and D3 supplements are generally safe when taken in recommended doses. However, individuals taking blood-thinning medications or with certain medical conditions should talk to a healthcare provider before taking vitamin K2 supplements. Additionally, excessive intake of vitamin D3 can lead to hypercalcemia, a condition where calcium levels in the blood are too high.

Other Health Benefits of Vitamin K2 and D3 Supplementation

In addition to blood pressure control, vitamin K2 and D3 supplementation may have other health benefits. Vitamin K2 has been shown to improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, while vitamin D3 is important for immune function, muscle strength, and mental health.

High blood pressure is a common condition that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. While lifestyle modifications and medication can help manage blood pressure, research has shown that micronutrients like vitamin K2 and D3 may also play a role in blood pressure regulation. Vitamin K2 is important for arterial health, and vitamin D3 is involved in blood pressure control. Together, these nutrients may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, as high doses of these vitamins can be harmful in some individuals.

Check out Vorst’s supplements containing D3 and K2 below:

Vitamin D3 1000 IU with Vitamin K2 Vegan Capsules

Vitamin D3 25 mcg (1000 IU) capsules

Vitamin D3 liquid 400 IU for Baby and Kid

References and Resources

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-10175/vitamin-d3-oral/details

https://www.verywellhealth.com/vitamin-d3-5082500

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-vitamin-d

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5613455/

https://dmsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13098-020-00580-w

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8003489/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9237441/