Daily D with K

Low concentrations of vit D are associated with disrupted immune function in gastrointestinal diseases.

VDR (vit D receptor) regulates the innate immune response in the gut, plays a critical role in regulating endothelial tight junction protein expression, and regulates the intestinal microbiota by controlling microflora composition

Epidemiological findings indicate that almost 30% of the U.S. adult population is deficient in this vit with another 40% who are insufficient.

Evidence indicates that vit D3 is far more effective in raising and maintaining serum 25(OH)D concentration, and vit D2 should not be considered an equivalent.

Vit K is a fat‑soluble vit like vit D, and complements the support of bone and cardiovascular health, along with many other aspects of physiology.

For example, vit D increases calcium absorption, whereas vit K improves calcium deposition in the bones while inhibiting its accumulation in the arterial walls. This explains the results from studies that have found the combined add-on of vits D and K to be more effective than that of either vit alone.

Vit K exists in two main forms: vit K1 (VK1), as phylloquinone, which is found in leafy green vegetables, and vits K2 (VK2s), also known as menaquinones, which are found in certain animal products, fermented foods, and are also produced by gut microbiota.

VK1 is partially deposited in tissues as phylloquinone and is partially converted to VK2 (MK‑4) by conversion to VK3 and the addition of geranylgeraniol (GG) from GG pyrophosphate (GGPP).

GGPP is a metabolic intermediate in the mevalonate pathway and may also be acquired from plant extracts; annatto, flaxseed, sunflower oil, olive oil, tomatoes, and select medicinal herbs.

Thus, GG (included in this formula) is a precursor to endogenously synthesized VK2 (MK‑4) from VK3. VK3 is derived from ingested VK1 or any VK2s ingested as such or derived from gut fermentation of VK1.

GG and GGPP are synthesized endogenously in humans, but this may not always be adequate to support the body’s needs, especially during aging. GGPP plays a pivotal role in protein synthesis, CoQ10 production, and VK2 (MK‑4) conversion from VK3, further emphasizing its biological importance.

Meds with inhibitory actions on the mevalonate pathway (such as statins or bisphosphonates) were found to inhibit GG synthesis in various tissues, such as the kidney, vascular smooth muscle, and white blood cells.25 GG deficiency likely impairs VK1 to VK2 (MK‑4) conversion, which results in less VK2 (MK‑4) tissue deposition. Adding GG may mitigate some of these detrimental effects.

The 5 mg serving of GG in these formulas supports the partial conversion of VK1 to VK2 (MK‑4) before tissue deposition. This may especially benefit older individuals or those taking statins or bisphosphonates.

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Always ask your physician before starting this or any protocol. The information on this page does not serve as medical advice.