“The Perfect Pair”: Vitamins K2 and D3 synergy shown to amplify effects of both

19 May 2020 --- Vitamins D3 and K2 each function more effectively in the presence of the other. This is according to the latest research compiled by Kappa Bioscience, manufacturer of K2 MK-7, to educate food and supplement formulators on the relationship between the two vitamins. During the launch of its recent educational series, The Perfect Pair, Kappa Bioscience explains the science behind the synergistic mechanism and its recent success in the market. While vitamins D3 and K2 have separately been widely recognized for their importance in balancing calcium for better bone and cardiovascular health, new findings make a case for the increased pairing of the vitamins on store shelves.

“Recent studies show that for vitamins D3 and K2, 1+1=3. This conclusion has significant implications for the large and growing D3 market,” Jim Beakey, Communications Lead at Kappa Bioscience, tells NutritionInsight. 

D3 and K2 pairing has been one of the fastest-growing and most successful product pairings, explains Beakey. “As per Q1, the D3 and K2 formulation has been growing steadily worldwide, based on the individual benefits of each vitamin in mediating calcium.” Vitamins D3 and K2 are both essential vitamins required throughout life. Vitamin D3 and K2 were found to be among the few core vitamins which are frequently lacking in children’s nutrition.

Vitamin K2 promotes bone and heart health by activating two proteins which balance calcium in the body. K2 MK-7, the superior form of K2, activates the osteocalcin proteins that incorporate calcium to bones. Meanwhile, vitamin D3 aids calcium absorption into the blood and has been linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer.

Kappa Bioscience reports strong growth of the synergistic combination.The success of the new pairing is likely due to a growing body of D3 and K2 research, including a meta-analysis on D3 and vitamin K synergies and bone health published in March this year. “While bone studies primarily focus on D3 and K2 synergies on the expression and activation of the osteocalcin protein, cardiovascular D3 and K2 studies demonstrate increased expression and activation of matrix Gla protein, which has been shown to have a role in the prevention of arterial calcification,” notes Beakey.

Vitamins during COVID-19
Vitamin D has experienced increased interest in recent years from bone health to easing depression. Its deficiency has also been linked with an increased risk of acute viral respiratory infections. “D3 is safer and more effective with K2 to balance calcium in the body. Any formulation that includes D3 can be improved by K2,” says Jörg Büttinghaus, Vice President Kappa Sales and Marketing.

Vitamin K2 has also appeared recently in a growing body of scientific evidence, including one that found COVID-19 patients who suffered “worse outcomes” were lacking sufficient amounts of vitamin K2. Researchers measured vitamin K status in participants by determining their amount of “inactive” vitamin K-dependent protein, Matrix Gla Protein (MGP). It is a recognized indicator related to vitamin K status and a protein that is generally accepted as an inhibitor of vascular calcification.

“There has been a flood of new interest in vitamin D and potential roles in immune health and COVID-19 outcomes. Generally, I think there will be increased interest in the anti-inflammatory and immune-related properties of both D and K2, and indications are that some of this research will factor for the synergistic effects between the two,” explains Beakey.

Perfect Pair educational platform
While the D3 and K2 combination itself is the primary factor in the bio-efficiency of the pairing, a wide range of dose formats are available. “In fact, any existing product that includes vitamin D3 can be made better by including K2, regardless of dose format. However, gummies, drops and gels formats have proven particularly successful,” notes Beakey. Kappa’s Perfect Pair program includes several new, innovative product formulations that are available for market launch.

The Perfect Pair educational program is part of Kappa Bioscience’s educational resources called Kappa Academy. The program consists of a whitepaper, infographic, video, and D3 & K2 product concepts. Program development is scheduled to continue throughout 2020 with a series of videos, new concept products and new research.

This month, Kappa is also launching the 5th Edition of the K2 Formulation LookBook. At almost 500 pages, Kappa’s LookBook is the most comprehensive vitamin K2 resource ever compiled. The new edition includes original Kappa Academy whitepapers and articles from Kappa and partners on science, quality, worldwide regulations, plus 150+ product formulations available for immediate market launch. 

By Missy Green