DY VITAMIN D3 and K2

Vitamin D has really come to the fore as a ‘must have’ daily supplement, particularly since it was established as one of the most important micronutrients there is, when it comes to the immune system. It is now one of the most extensively researched vitamins, and for good reason. Also known as cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), Vitamin D in any form is now one of the most widely consumed supplements in the world. Vitamin D is readily consumed via the diet, but much of it is biologically inactive, so by far the most efficient way to meet vitamin D requirements is via ultraviolet rays (UV rays) from that big yellow ball of fire in the sky…our sun. However, the sun rays aren’t and many of us spend too much time in doors, meaning we cannot always rely on the sunshine to fulfil our vitamin D needs. Some people also have darker skin, meaning they have higher melanin levels which reduces the bodies ability to utilise the sun for vitamin D. The elderly are generally less efficient at converting vitamin D and usually spend more time inside, hence the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in some parts of Europe and, especially the UK. Vitamin D requirements are also higher in children and women during pregnancy making oral vitamin D supplementation a key tool in avoiding deficiencies in the wider population. Vitamin K2 Vitamin K comes in a variety of different forms, known as vitamers. The types of Vitamin K are either phylloquinones (vitamin K1) or menaquinones (vitamin K2). Vitamin K2 should be mainly consumed via the diet from leafy greens and various other vegetables, but vast amounts of the public don’t consume enough of these food groups to meet their K2 requirements, and even if they do, the K2 in leafy greens isn’t at all well absorbed by the body (top tip: microwave your greens to optimise absorption).