why is vitamin k2 in my BONE health/vitamin d3 supplements?

Maintaining proper bone health goes way beyond calcium and vitamin D. Many bone and vitamin D supplements now contain vitamin K2 either in the MK-4 or MK-7 (menaquinone) forms, or both. Why is this? Bone, although primary composed of calcium + phosphorus (hydroxyapatite), and type 1 collagen (protein), also requires several micronutrients (i.e. vitamins & minerals), which act as coenzymes (i.e. vitamins), or cofactors (i.e. minerals) in activating not only enzymes (speeds up metabolic processes) for proper bone formation, but also to prevent soft tissue calcification (e.g. arteries, kidneys, joints, etc.). For example, MK-4 activates the enzyme, bone gla protein, or osteocalcin, which directs calcium into bone, while MK-7 activates the enzyme, matrix gla protein, which directs calcium out of soft tissues. Therefore, taking calcium, or vitamin D alone without dietary, or supplemental vitamin K2 can lead to soft tissue calcification.

In combination with vitamin K2, additional micronutrients and hormones are needed for bone health:

*Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption from the small intestines (SIs), which is initiated by parathyroid hormone (PTH) when blood calcium levels drop;

*PTH tells the kidneys to absorb rather than excrete calcium and also converts inactive vitamin D to calcitriol which then travels to the SIs to increase dietary calcium absorption;

*Magnesium also influences PTH secretion;

*A thyroid hormone, calcitonin, inhibits calcium absorption when levels normalize;

*Vitamin's A & D play a role in regulating vitamin K2-dependent enzyme formations for proper calcium deposition. It is important that A & D are balanced for proper enzyme synthesis;

*Zinc activates bone-building osteoblasts;

*Vitamin C is a key coenzymes in collagen synthesis.

So, there you have it. Maintaining bone health goes far beyond calcium and vitamin D.

Key bone health food sources:

1. Calcium: Dairy; cooked greens; well-cooked fish bones; blackstrap molasses

2. Phosphate: Meat; fish; dairy; legumes; grains

3. Magnesium: Greens; nuts & seeds (soaked or sprouted is best); cacao and dark chocolate; grains

4. Zinc: Oysters; shrimp; red meat; nuts & seeds (soaked or sprouted is best)

5. Vitamin D: Whole dairy; cod liver oil; oily fish; mushrooms (and of course sunshine!)

6. Vitamin K2 (MK4): Eggs; Raw dairy; organ meats

7. Vitamin K2 (MK7): Fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, natto

8. Vitamin C: Bell peppers; kiwi; citrus; strawberries; blueberries