We Asked a Pharmacist If You Should Always Take Vitamin D and K2 Together

Some people online say they take vitamin D with vitamin K2 because they believe that the combination improves the body’s use of vitamin D. Early research suggests that the two nutrients may work together to support bone health, but further research is needed to confirm their benefits.1

we asked Natalie So, Pharm.D.clinical supervisor of pharmacy services at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, whether there are any real benefits to taking vitamin D and K2 together.

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Q: I’ve seen some discussion online about how to do this. Vitamin K2 helps induce vitamin D Just getting vitamin D in the right places in the body is not enough. Is it true? Should I take vitamin D and K2 together?

So: The short answer is no. There is no need to take vitamin D and K2 together. Using them together is optional and not required.

Currently, there are no guidelines or major health organizations in the United States that recommend or mandate the combination of vitamin D and vitamin K2.

Some believe they should be taken together because they can complement each other. Vitamin D helps our body absorb calcium, maintain bone health Increases bone strength and supports muscle function. When vitamin D levels increase, our bodies absorb more calcium from food or supplements.

Vitamin K2 is effective Activates proteins that move calcium It penetrates into our bones and makes them stronger. That also helps Prevent calcium deposition Other places in the body, such as arteries instead of bones.

The theory is that taking vitamin D without K2 could increase the risk of calcium going to the wrong place. However, this has not been proven in clinical trials. It may make sense biologically, but there is no data to support it.

Q: Is it safe to take both together?

So: Generally it is considered safe. You should also consider other foods and medications you are taking.

K2 can interact with some drugs, including blood thinners such as warfarin.2 Vitamin D supplementation alone has been shown to be safe.

Both vitamin D and vitamin K2 are fat-soluble. Generally healthy people with normal kidney function can excrete excess water-soluble vitamins in the urine. But extra fat soluble vitamins Stored in adipose tissue and liver.

nevertheless Vitamin D toxicity Although rare, the main concerns if you have too much vitamin D are: hypercalcemiaor excess calcium in the blood.3 Hypercalcemia can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination.

Vitamin K toxicity is also rare but varies depending on the type or form of vitamin K involved. As always, it is best to consult a health care professional before taking any vitamin supplements to ensure they are safe and to determine the appropriate dosage.