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Description
Vitamins K and D have a synergistic relationship that promotes strong bones and cardiovascular health. If you don’t include both in your supplement routine, you could be missing out! According to a research study, health professionals increased testing for Vitamin D sevenfold between 2008 and 2013, and it’s thought that over 1 billion people are deficient in this vital nutrient. In addition, adequate vitamin K is actually necessary to get the health benefits we’ve all come to know about vitamin D.
That’s why we formulated KD Ultra to include everything you need for broad-spectrum benefits in a single supplement.
KD Ultra combines 2500 IUs of vegan vitamin D3 with a full-spectrum blend of the available Vitamin K2 chains (referred to as menaquinones) MK4, MK6, and MK7 (MKs) as well as Vitamin K1 for the ultimate health benefits of each component.
However, because Vitamins D and K are fat-soluble (meaning they dissolve in fat), we added the enzyme [lipase] to break down ingested fats, allowing your body to properly release the vitamins from fat and absorb them efficiently. That means no more missing out on all the perks of taking your vitamins!
bone and joint
Everyone knows the importance of calcium for healthy bones, but how important are Vitamins K and D?
There are many factors that can impact the bone health of millions of American adults, which can lead to fragile bones and high fracture risk. Vitamin K2 plays an essential role in overall bone health through its involvement in the production of bone proteins. One such protein is osteocalcin (OC), a Vitamin K-dependent protein produced during bone formation by specialized bone cells called osteoblasts. Healthy levels of OC are necessary for maintaining bone health and density.
Vitamin D is essential for strong bones as well because it helps the body use calcium from diet and supplementation appropriately. Low levels of Vitamin D have been associated with soft and brittle bones and are likely due to the fact that without D, the body can only absorb between 10-15% of its dietary calcium. Adequate levels of Vitamin D help the body with calcium absorption, supporting bone health, and immune function.
heart health
The Importance of Vitamin K2 in Cardiovascular Health
Vitamin K2s various menaquinones (MKs) may also play an essential role in cardiovascular health. The buildup of calcium in blood vessel walls, known as calcification, reduces their flexibility and increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. Matrix Gla-protein (MGP), a critical Vitamin K-dependent protein, helps prevent calcium buildup in blood vessels. However, MGP relies on Vitamin K to function properly. Thus, adequate Vitamin K intake is essential for supporting MGP function and its resulting impact on vascular and cardiovascular health. A high intake of Vitamin K is associated with reduced blood vessel calcification and a reduced risk of cardiovascular issues. Accordingly, a high intake of MKs, particularly MK7, is thought to protect the heart. MK7 is also specifically associated with decreased blood vessel stiffness.
Studies have suggested other potential roles of MKs, as Vitamin K is a crucial component in proper blood clotting. Without enough Vitamin K, excessive bleeding can occur, particularly during injury or surgery. Anticoagulants such as warfarin block the activity of Vitamin K, so individuals taking these medications need to maintain consistent Vitamin K intake through diet or supplement use. Current research suggests that long-chain MKs such as MK7 have a more significant impact on normal blood coagulation than K1 or MK4, while MK4 is thought to be superior for bone health. Therefore, a full-spectrum Vitamin K product is important, as not all Vitamin K is created equally.
immune
Essential Vitamins for Effective Immune System Support
Vitamin D is often overlooked when it comes to its effects on the immune system. This is largely due to the fact that most people think they have adequate levels under the assumption that they are getting it through sunlight. Although Vitamin D can be obtained naturally through sun exposure, several factors make it challenging to get enough of this vital nutrient from the sun alone. Season, time of day, day length, cloud cover, smog, shade, sunblock, and geographic region all impact UVB exposure and the potential for Vitamin D production. Age and skin color also impact Vitamin D production; dark-skinned individuals produce less Vitamin D than their light-skinned counterparts. Additionally, the skin of older adults does not produce as much Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight as skin in younger people. Due to these numerous issues, over 40% of people are thought to be deficient in Vitamin D.
Cod liver oil, a rich source of Vitamin D, has been widely utilized for centuries to increase protection from infections. It is also thought to be the reason why Scandinavian countries have a very low incidence of Vitamin D deficiency despite the fact that they are located in very high latitudes where the sun is less able to provide the proper UVB rays for natural Vitamin D production. Studies have demonstrated that those with healthy Vitamin D levels had a lesser instance of respiratory infections than those with sufficient levels, even after adjusting for variables such as gender, age, season and race.
Vitamin D is not very prevalent in foods outside of seafood and dairy products (and dairy products are fortified with D2 (more on that below), so the vitamin D is not even naturally occurring), and until recently was not available from a plant source. KD Ultra offers a broad-spectrum Vitamin K2 blend as well as 2,500 IUs of vegan-friendly sourced D3 per capsule.
mood enhancement
Clinical studies indicate that vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 deficiencies are linked to the onset of certain mental health issues such as excessive worry, hopelessness, chronic grief, distraction, irritability, and seasonal changes in mood. Therefore, dietary supplementation with these nutrients is very important.
Research shows that taking vitamin D daily supports mental health by enhancing mood and promoting a feeling of well-being and optimism. This is especially important during months when there are fewer hours of daylight. Vitamin D provides its mood-enhancing benefits by boosting the production of tyrosine. Tyrosine is an amino acid the body uses to increase mood-enhancing substances, such as dopamine, in the brain. Vitamin D supplementation also enhances the activity of hormones such as glucocorticoids, which promote healthy responses to environmental changes and stress.
Vitamin K2 supplementation also promotes enhanced mood by protecting nerve cells in the brain from damage that is linked to the onset of mental health problems. This form of nerve cell protection heightens the body’s ability to overcome mood disturbances.
Each serving of KD Ultra provides 2500IU’s of vitamin D3, 100 mcg of vitamin K1, and 1600 mcg of vitamin K2. These servings are higher than the amounts that are typically added to other products, but still within a safe range. Therefore, KD Ultra™ provides more of the essential nutrients the body needs for an optimal boost in mood, emotion regulation, and mental health.
Ingredients
Vitamin D3
Our formula includes vegan vitamin D3 (the natural form produced by the skin upon exposure to sunlight) from reindeer lichen. Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorous levels to support and maintain strong bones. It also plays a role in calcium absorption, bone health, and immunity.
What is the difference between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3?
These two forms of Vitamin D were thought to be equivalent, however, that is far from the truth. Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, is inexpensive to produce and almost always what is found in fortified foods. It is actually less potent and has a shorter duration of action than its Vitamin D3 counterpart known as cholecalciferol.
What are lichens you ask?
Lichens are naturally occurring organisms found throughout the world and can best be described as a fungi-algae sandwich, two different organisms that live together as one. The fungi actually protect the algae which allows lichens to grow in some of the most extreme environments the world can offer.
A majority of supplemental Vitamin D3 is chemically stripped from lanolin, a yellow waxy oil found in sheep’s wool and then irradiated to produce D3. KD Ultra uses a naturally derived D3 from lichen, a much cleaner and natural form of this vital nutrient.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K comes in many forms and is essential for proper Vitamin D utilization. Our formula includes Vitamin K1 as well as all available supplemental forms of Vitamin K2 (MK4, MK6, and MK7) for full-spectrum health benefits. Vitamin K supports proper blood health, strong bones and cardiovascular health.
Lipase
Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down lipids (fats) and fat-soluble vitamins. Without enough lipase, fats cannot be fully broken down and properly absorbed by the body. This may limit the benefits you expect to get from taking your vitamins. Lipase is essential for complete vitamin assimilation, which is why we have included it in our proprietary formula.
Suggested Use
Directions: Take 1-2 capsules daily of KD Ultra, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. If taking more than one capsule, they may be split up and taken with each meal, or taken all at once.
Warning: Do not take this product without the consent of your physician if you are currently taking anti-coagulants, or if you are pregnant or nursing.
FAQs
How do vitamins K and D work together to provide health benefits?
Vitamin D has been found to support bone heath and a well-functioning cardiovascular system. But to get the greatest results from taking Vitamin D, you also need Vitamin K.
Vitamin D promotes the production of Vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs), which serve essential roles in bone growth and the vascular system. Vitamin K is necessary for carboxylation, a chemical alteration, of two specific VKDPs: osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein (MGP).
According to the International Journal of Endocrinology, carboxylation of MGP helps to mitigate calcium buildup in blood vessels, supporting a healthy cardiovascular system. Osteocalcin carboxylation supports bone density, a key factor in minimizing the likelihood of future bone issues.
Studies have also shown that taking Vitamins D and K together results in lower levels of uncarboxylated osteocalcin and increased bone density. This demonstrates that the Vitamin D-K duo are more effective in supporting bone health than supplementing with Vitamin K alone.
To ensure bioavailability of both Vitamins D and K, your body needs enough of the enzyme lipase to properly assimilate these fat-soluble vitamins. Thankfully, KD Ultra contains it all!
What are the different forms of vitamin K2 in KD Ultra?
Vitamin K2 refers to a group of compounds known scientifically as menaquinones (MKs). Several different forms of Vitamin K2 exist, ranging from MK4 to MK13, and each provides unique health benefits. Think of these similar to the different variations of B vitamins, where each vitamin has a different function within the body and the complete complex is important for optimal health.
The number following the MK refers to the length of the “chain” in its chemical composition (e.g. MK4 is a 4-chain K2). MK4 is most commonly found in the Western diet while high levels of MK7 are found in the Japanese food natto.
KD Ultra includes all four of the currently available supplemental forms of Vitamin K2: MK4, MK6, MK7 and MK9.
As if K2 needed to be further complicated, two variations of MK7 (isomers) exist and are known as Trans and Cis. The isomer is basically just the shape of the molecule and impacts the absorbability within the body (among other things). Trans MK7 is what is found in foods and nature, while Cis is not found in nature and may not offer any of the benefits of Trans MK7. KD Ultra contains all-Trans MK7.
Why do I need to take Vitamin D, don’t I get it from the sun?
Although Vitamin D can be obtained naturally through sunlight exposure, several factors make it challenging to get enough from the sun alone. Season, time of day, day length, cloud cover, smog, shade, and geographic region all impact UVB exposure and the potential for Vitamin D production. Age and skin color also impact Vitamin D production. The skin of older adults does not produce as much Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight as skin in younger people. Also, the kidneys are less capable of converting Vitamin D into its active form as people age. Individuals with dark skin have a lower ability to produce Vitamin D from the sun due to higher melanin levels in the skin, which blocks UVB absorption. In addition, due to the risk of skin cancer, daily sunscreen use and protective clothing are recommended by dermatologists, both of which block UVB exposure and limit Vitamin D production.
Does KD Ultra support dental health?
It has been shown that Vitamin K2 plays a key role in the development and maintenance of healthy tooth enamel and the immune response within dentin. Without K2, calcium cannot be adequately processed in our bodies, and that includes both bones and teeth. Additionally, Vitamin D3 aids in the absorption of calcium throughout the body.
Is KD Ultra safe to use in combination with prescription blood-thinning medications?
You should always check with your healthcare provider prior to taking any new dietary supplements in combination with a prescription. However, KD Ultra contains Vitamin K, and since many prescription medications for blood-thinning are designed to block Vitamin K activity, it is imperative you speak with the prescribing physician prior to taking KD Ultra if you are prescribed these types of medications.
Is KD Ultra Kosher?
The formula is Kosher, and a copy of the certification is available by request .
Is KD Ultra vegan friendly?
The formula is vegetarian and vegan in accordance with the guidelines of the AMERICAN VEGETARIAN ASSOCIATION.
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