Calcium and Vitamin D: Insights for Bone Health
Calcium is a crucial nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining bone health and is involved in essential bodily functions such as the contraction and expansion of blood vessels. Therefore, ensuring an adequate intake of calcium is essential. Especially for women during menopause, postmenopausal individuals struggling with calcium absorption, and elderly adults facing bone loss.
However, only 10-15% of calcium is absorbed in the intestines. Effective absorption requires sufficient levels of Vitamin D, enabling the absorption of 30-40% of calcium. Taking calcium and vitamin D together is common to enhance calcium absorption. [Curr Rheumatol Rep. (2008) 10(2): 110–117.]
Side effects and Risks of Calcium and Vitamin D : Insights from Meta – Analysis
Despite the known benefits of calcium and Vitamin D, studies suggest potential risks. A meta-analysis exploring the connection between calcium, vitamin D supplementation, and cardiovascular health revealed that women who consumed calcium and vitamin D supplements faced a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, including strokes, compared to those who did not. [BMJ. (2011) 19:342: d2040.]
Another meta-analysis, involving 13 randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials with approximately 29,000 participants (including WHI CaD), indicated that the consumption of calcium supplements alone or those containing Vitamin D led to around 1,400 cases of myocardial infarction or stroke. [BMJ. (2011) 19:342: d2040]
Similarly, a meta-analysis of 105 studies involving 992,129 participants revealed an association between the intake of calcium supplements alone or with Vitamin D supplements and an increased risk of stroke, as well as a correlation with an elevated risk of myocardial infarction. [Ann Intern Med (2019) 6;171(3):190-198]
The meta-analysis results indicate that while vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption to promote its intake, but it can lead to vascular calcification and cardiovascular diseases. It happens because of deficiency of Vitamin K2.
Vitamin K2 : Enhancing Calcium Absorption to the bones
To prevent side effects, it’s crucial to consider the role of vitamin K2 in calcium metabolism. Vitamin K2 activates two proteins, MGP and Osteocalcin, promoting calcium absorption into bones and inhibiting calcium accumulation in blood vessels. Adequate levels of vitamin K2 enhance cardiovascular health and prevent diseases like strokes. Therefore, the full functions of calcium and vitamin D can be realized when there is sufficient vitamin K2 present.
Vitamin K2 Benefits and Amounts: Supporting Bone health
Studies have shown that when consumed together with calcium and vitamin D, vitamin K2 can reduce the probability of fractures by 25% compared to those not taking the combination. In Japan, research revealed that vitamin K2 could prevent spinal fractures by 60%, hip fractures by 77%, and non-spinal fractures by 81% [J Nutr Metab. (2017);: 6254836].
An evaluation of 4,807 healthy individuals aged 55 and above, focusing on the dietary intake of vitamin K, found that a daily intake of at least 32 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin K2 could reduce the likelihood of death from cardiovascular diseases related to arterial calcification by 50% [Integr Med (Encinitas). (2015); 14(1): 34–39.].
Best Vitamin K2 supplement: MediQ7
According to statistics, 97% of people are deficient in vitamin K2, particularly challenging for those unable to maintain a balanced diet in modern society. With a decrease in foods rich in K2, such as natto, additional vitamin K2 intake becomes necessary.
MediQ7 Vitamin K2 MK-7 from GF Fermentech is a 100% naturally fermented vitamin, safe for consumption. By UltraShield technology, MediQ7 Vitamin K2 MK-7 shows the highest stability when it is mixed with alkali minerals like calcium and magnesium.
It guarantees over 99.9% activation of Trans-Type MK-7 in the body. It is the most effective high-purity vitamin K2 MK-7 for preventing vascular calcification and cardiovascular diseases.
For more detailed information on MediQ7, visit www.mediQ7.com
Reference
- Calcium supplements with or without vitamin D and risk of cardiovascular events: reanalysis of the Women’s Health Initiative limited access dataset and meta-analysis
- Effects of Nutritional Supplements and Dietary Interventions on Cardiovascular Outcomes: An Umbrella Review and Evidence Map
- Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements: Helpful, Harmful, or Neutral for Cardiovascular Risk?
- Proper Calcium Use: Vitamin K2 as a Promoter of Bone and Cardiovascular Health
- Calcium Supplements and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
- Calcium and Vitamin D: Skeletal and Extraskeletal Health
- Vitamins K1 and K2: The Emerging Group of Vitamins Required for Human Health