The Interplay between Vitamin D and Vitamin K in Bone and Cardiovascular Health
van Ballegooijen AJ, et al • Int J Endocrinol
Key Finding
Optimal concentrations of both vitamin D and vitamin K are beneficial for bone and cardiovascular health; combined supplementation may be more effective than either alone
Key Findings
- 1Combined D+K more effective than either alone
- 2Increased BMD with combined supplementation
- 3Excess vitamin D without K may promote soft tissue calcification
- 4Nutrient-rich foods preferred over high-dose supplements
Original title: “The Synergistic Interplay between Vitamins D and K for Bone and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review”
Plain English Summary
Narrative review examining how vitamins D and K work synergistically to support bone and cardiovascular health. Evidence suggests optimal concentrations of both vitamins are beneficial, and combined supplementation may be more effective than either vitamin alone.
In-Depth Analysis
Abstract
"Optimal concentrations of both vitamin D and vitamin K are beneficial for bone and cardiovascular health" based on genetic, molecular, cellular, and human evidence.
Key Findings
Bone Health
- •Most clinical trials showed benefits of combined supplementation in postmenopausal women
- •Several studies demonstrated increased BMD when vitamins D and K given together vs separately
Cardiovascular Health
- •Limited intervention studies exist
- •Two trials showed potential benefits on vessel wall elasticity and arterial calcification
- •Some evidence suggests combination may reduce hypertension risk
Recommendations
The authors recommend eating nutrient-rich foods rather than high-dose supplements, cautioning against excessive vitamin D without adequate vitamin K, which could promote harmful soft tissue calcification rather than bone mineralization.
Paradigm Relevance
How this study applies to different clinical perspectives:
Standard Medical
Conventional clinical guidelines used by most doctors
Not directly relevant to this paradigm
Research Consensus
RelevantCurrent scientific understanding, often ahead of guidelines
Why it matters:
Key evidence for understanding vitamin D/K synergy; explains why some vitamin D trials show unexpected results
Metabolic Optimization
RelevantProactive targets for optimal health, not just disease absence
Why it matters:
Foundation for combined D3 + K2 supplementation protocols; MK-7 as preferred K form; caution against high-dose D without K
Study Details
- Type
- Review Article
- Methodology
- Narrative review synthesizing experimental/cellular studies, animal models, observational human studies, and clinical intervention trials through 2017
Evidence Quality
Grade B - Narrative review. Source: PMC5613455
Related Biomarkers
Calculate & Evaluate on Metabolicum
Original Source
DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a permanent link to this publication. Unlike website URLs that can change, a DOI always resolves to the correct source.
Related Studies
Health Effects of Vitamin D supplementation: Lessons Learned from Randomized Controlled Trials and Mendelian Randomization Studies
Bouillon R, et al • J Bone Miner Res • 2023
Cancer mortality: daily dosing RR 0.88 (95% CI 0.78-0.98, 10 trials); bolus RR 1.07 (ineffective); VITAL: normal BMI cancer OR 0.76; shift focus to deficient individuals
Vitamin D supplementation and total cancer incidence and mortality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Keum N, et al • Annals of Oncology • 2019
Cancer mortality: 13% reduction (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79-0.96, p=0.005); Cancer incidence: no effect (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.93-1.03, p=0.42)
International Vitamin D Supplementation Guidelines
Pludowski P, et al • Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology • 2018
Target 25(OH)D levels of 30-50 ng/mL (75-125 nmol/L) recommended for general health; higher targets (40-60 ng/mL) for specific conditions.