About Vitamin D3 + K2 (MK-4) With Vitamin C Tablets

You get a powerful trio of essential nutrients in these convenient tablets: vitamin D3, vitamin K2 (as MK-4), and vitamin C. The vitamin D3 comes microencapsulated for enhanced absorption even when taken without food, while the MK-4 form of K2 offers better tolerability than MK-7 for most people. This combination supports immune function, promotes healthy bone density, and helps maintain cardiovascular health.

Our Vitamin D3 + K2 (MK-4) Story

We spotted a major gap in the vitamin D3 + K2 market: while most brands use MK-7 due to its superior bioavailability, many customers experience digestive issues or other intolerances with this form. Despite MK-7's advantages on paper, real-world tolerability matters more than theoretical potency if people can't actually take the product consistently.

We formulated with MK-4 instead, the form naturally found in foods and generally much better tolerated. To compensate for MK-4's lower bioavailability, we increased the dose 10-fold compared to our MK-7 version. We also chose microencapsulated forms of both D3 and K2 to maximize absorption, plus added vitamin C as a natural antioxidant to prevent degradation of these fat-soluble vitamins. The result is a vitamin D3 + K2 formula that more people can actually use effectively.

Benefits

• Supports Immune System: Vitamin D supplements help maintain robust immune function by supporting the activity of immune cells like T-cells and macrophages that defend against pathogens.
• Promotes Bone Health: Vitamin D3 and K2 work together to support proper calcium absorption and utilization, with D3 enhancing calcium uptake from the intestines while K2 directs that calcium to bones rather than soft tissues.
• Supports Cardiovascular Health: Vitamin K2 helps maintain healthy arterial flexibility by supporting proper calcium distribution, while vitamin D3 contributes to healthy blood pressure levels already within the normal range.
• Reduces Oxidative Stress: The added vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radical damage while also preserving the stability and potency of the fat-soluble vitamins D3 and K2.

The microencapsulated delivery system enhances absorption of both vitamin D3 and K2, making the formulation effective for those who practice intermittent fasting or prefer taking supplements without food. The encapsulation technology mimics the natural micelle formation that typically occurs with dietary fats, ensuring optimal bioavailability throughout the day.

Quality and Standardization

• Microencapsulated Absorption: Our vitamin D3 and K2 undergo a specialized microencapsulation process that enhances bioavailability and allows for effective absorption even when taken without food, making it ideal for those practicing intermittent fasting.
• MK-4 Standardization: We utilize vitamin K2 as MK-4 at a dose 10-fold higher than our MK-7 version to account for the lower bioavailability, providing better tolerability for individuals who don't respond favorably to MK-7.
• Vitamin C Stabilization: Each tablet includes vitamin C as ascorbic acid to prevent oxidative degradation of both the vitamin D3 and K2, ensuring maximum potency throughout the product's shelf life.
• Precise Microgram Dosing: We dose our vitamin D3 in scientifically accurate micrograms (125 mcg) rather than the outdated IU system, providing transparent and precise supplementation that aligns with current FDA guidance for bone health supplements.
• Third-Party Verification: Every batch undergoes rigorous testing for both product purity and identity verification to ensure you receive exactly what's listed on the label.

Mechanism of Action

• Calcium Transport Regulation: Vitamin D3 enhances intestinal calcium absorption by upregulating calcium-binding proteins, while vitamin K2 activates matrix Gla protein (MGP) and osteocalcin to direct calcium into bones rather than soft tissues like arteries.
• Immune Cell Modulation: Vitamin D3 binds to vitamin D receptors on immune cells, promoting the production of antimicrobial peptides and helping regulate both innate and adaptive immune responses.
• Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin C acts as a reducing agent that prevents oxidative degradation of the fat-soluble vitamins D3 and K2, while also supporting immune function through its role in collagen synthesis and neutrophil function.
• Hormonal Pathway Support: Vitamin D3 functions as a steroid hormone precursor, converting to calcitriol which regulates gene expression in tissues throughout the body, including those involved in metabolism and cellular growth.

Overview of the Science

Research demonstrates that vitamin D3 deficiency is associated with seasonal mood changes and depressive symptoms [1]. Studies show that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels supports bone mineralization and reduces fracture risk by enhancing calcium absorption [2]. Vitamin D3 also plays a critical role in immune system function, with research indicating it helps modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses [3]. Additionally, clinical trials have found correlations between vitamin D status and testosterone levels in men [4], while neuroimaging studies reveal vitamin D receptors are widely distributed throughout brain tissue, suggesting its importance for cognitive function [5]. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to muscle weakness and increased fall risk in older adults [6].

Comparative studies demonstrate that vitamin D3 is significantly more effective than vitamin D2 for raising and maintaining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels [7]. This superior bioavailability makes vitamin D3 the preferred form for supplementation. The vitamin K2 component works synergistically with vitamin D3 through complementary mechanisms: while vitamin D3 increases calcium absorption, K2 activates proteins like osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein that direct calcium to appropriate tissues. Research suggests this combination may provide enhanced support for both bone health and cardiovascular function compared to either vitamin alone. The addition of vitamin C serves as a stabilizing antioxidant, protecting the fat-soluble vitamins from oxidative degradation during storage.

[1] Anglin RE, Samaan Z, Walter SD, McDonald SD. Vitamin D deficiency and depression in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2013;202(2):100-107.

[2] Lips P. Vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism in the elderly: consequences for bone loss and fractures and therapeutic implications. Endocrine Reviews. 2001;22(4):477-501.

[3] Aranow C. Vitamin D and the immune system. Journal of Investigative Medicine. 2011;59(6):881-886.

[4] Pilz S, Frisch S, Koertke H, Kuhn J, Dreier J, Obermayer-Pietsch B, Wehr E, Zittermann A. Association between plasma 25-OH vitamin D and testosterone levels in men. Clinical Endocrinology. 2013;77(1):106-112.

[5] Eyles DW, Smith S, Kinobe R, Hewison M, McGrath JJ. Distribution of the vitamin D receptor and 1α-hydroxylase in human brain. Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy. 2005;29(1):21-30.

[6] Janssen HC, Samson MM, Verhaar HJ. Vitamin D deficiency, muscle function, and falls in elderly people. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2002;75(4):611-615.

[7] Armas LAG, Hollis BW, Heaney RP. Vitamin D2 is much less effective than vitamin D3 in humans. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2004;89(11):5387-5391.

Ingredients

Vitamin D3 + K2 (MK-4) With Vitamin C:

• Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol) - 125 mcg (5000 IU)
• Vitamin K2 (as menaquinone-4) - 500 mcg
• Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) - 60 mg
• Microencapsulated vitamin D3 for enhanced stability

Our vitamin D3 delivers a clinically relevant 5000 IU dose that addresses widespread deficiency concerns, particularly during winter months when sun exposure is limited. The inclusion of vitamin C serves a dual purpose: it acts as a natural preservative to maintain the stability and potency of both vitamin D3 and K2 over time, while also providing anti oxidative stress supplements support. This formulation represents an optimal balance of essential fat-soluble vitamins working in concert to support multiple physiological systems without the need for separate supplementation.