Better Together: Vitamin D and Vitamin K

One of the most important aspects of health is to have strong bones and healthy, flexible joints. 

Your bones and joints work together so you can move freely. 

Although many factors play a role in bone and joint health throughout your lifetime, one of the most important is good nutrition. Vitamin D and Vitamin K may not be the first two nutrients you think about when it comes to bone and joint health. However, they work side-by-side in the body to help support joint and bone health.*

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D plays many important roles in the body. Unfortunately, it can be challenging for some to get the daily recommended amount of Vitamin D from foods. Most Americans do not get enough Vitamin D from food – and the stimulation of Vitamin D production in the skin depends on sun exposure. 

Several factors determine if sun exposure meets your Vitamin D needs:

• Age: Older adults may produce Vitamin D less efficiently and absorption may also decrease with age. 
• Sunscreen: Sunscreen may block most of the UVB radiation needed to stimulate Vitamin D production. 
• Location: People living in a northern climate may experience inadequate exposure to sunlight, especially during the winter months. 
• Clothing: Wearing protective clothing inhibits the natural production of Vitamin D.

Why is this an issue? Vitamin D supports the immune system.* It plays a role in skin and barrier function, the function and movement of immune cells, and in the normal functioning of T-cells and B cells.*  

Vitamin D also supports bone health and plays an important role in the absorption of calcium.* 

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What is Vitamin K?

Vitamin K is a group of vitamins – most notably two types:

• Phylloquinone or Vitamin K1
• Menaquinones or Vitamin K2

Vitamin K is found in many foods, especially leafy green vegetables. This includes kale, spinach, dandelion greens,  collard greens, broccoli, cabbage, and turnip greens. Pumpkins, grapes, figs, chicken, and eggs also contain Vitamin K.  

Deficiency is rare in adults. However, newborns are at risk of deficiency. Because of this, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies receive a small K1 injection at birth.

Vitamin K is necessary for the formation of prothrombin, which is required for normal blood clotting.* It also supports joint health.* Vitamin K2 activates enzymes that are responsible for bone formation, helping to maintain bone mass and strength.* 

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Vitamin D and Vitamin K together

Vitamin D and Vitamin K are even better together. 

Puritan’s Pride Vitamin D3 & K2 rapid-release capsules feature a beneficial combination of two key ingredients that help support:

• Bone health*
• Joint health*
• Calcium absorption*
• Immune system health*

Vitamin K supports joint health, while Vitamin D is well known for its bone benefits and immune support.* 

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Vitamin K and Vitamin D are both fat-soluble supplements, so taking supplements with food can improve absorption. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any nutritional supplements.