Ultra K + D

Ultra K+D – A Synergistic Blend of the Active Forms of Vitamin K and D

Vitamin K, which comes in three different forms, K1, K2, and K3, is a fat-soluble nutrient with no known toxicity levels in its natural form. K1 and K2 can be found in food, while K3 is a synthetic version that has been known to cause issues for consumers. K1 is often referred to as Phylloquinone and K2 as Menaquinone, or MK. There are several different forms of MK that are popular supplements due to their absorption efficiency. Specifically, these include MK4 and MK7.

One of the most important functions of Vitamin K within the human body is blood coagulation. This is the reason newborns are given a shot of this nutrient upon birth. Without it, there is a risk of Hemorrhagic Disease, or hemorrhaging and internal bleeding when passing through the vaginal canal. An extra dose of this nutrient ensures levels are adequate and that a baby’s blood will be able to clot effectively.

However, this is not just for newborns. Adults continue to need this vitamin to clot blood and limit the risk of internal and external bleeding, as well. Apart from clotting, additional functions include:

• Encouraging bone mineralization by putting minerals into bone instead of other places. It also helps with the production of cartilage and dentin formation on teeth. Seeing the impact of Vitamin K on bone mineralization, some countries, like Japan, use it as a pharmaceutical drug to treat osteoporosis.
• Preventing the mineralization of soft tissue by not allowing calcium deposits in blood vessels which lead to atherosclerosis, or hardening or thickening of these vessels.
• Helping in the growth and regulation, or differentiation, of cells. It also has some anti-cancer and cancer-controlling impact.

Being deficient in Vitamin K can have a serious impact on the body, so it is important to note how a deficiency is caused. One of the most common reasons for deficiency is a poor diet. This may include highly processed foods with few nutrients or animal meats that are poorly raised or fed. Additionally, consuming the fat substitute Olestra can cause the body to not absorb fat, therefore limiting the ability to take in Vitamin K.

Additionally, if a person has existing health issues like Inflammatory Bowel Disease, he or she will not be able to absorb nutrients or convert K1 to K2. Those with Liver Disease, a history of hepatitis or gallbladder and biliary problems will also not be able to have proper absorption. Lastly, those with an imbalance of bacteria in the gut, which converts K1 to K2, may experience a deficiency as well.

Emerging research highlights the importance of optimal intake of vitamin K and its critical role in maintaining bone and cardiovascular health. Composed of a group of naturally occurring and structurally similar, fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin K is required for the proper utilization of calcium and helps to bind newly absorbed calcium to the bone matrix. Vitamin K helps maintain bone mineral density by decreasing the activity of osteoclasts, cells which break down bone.

It also provides critical cardiovascular protection by activating matrix Gla protein (MGP), a potent inhibitor of circulatory calcification. Along with vitamin D, another key nutrient required for overall wellness, these two nutrients act in synergy to support and maintain bone and cardiovascular health. Current research has found high-concentration supplementation, at 180 mcg/day, results in improved clinical results compared to lower-dose supplementation. Ultra K+D provides 180 mcg of MenaQ7® PRO, the most widely studied form of vitamin K2 as MK-7, along with 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 for optimal support of bone and cardiovascular health.

Some of it’s key features includes*:

• Support Healthy Calcium Balance
• Promotes Optimal Bone Health
• Supports Cardiovascular Health and Arterial Elasticity
• Boosts Immune Function

Ingredients: 

• Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol) 125mcg (5,000IU)
• Vitamin K2 (as Menaquinone-7 (MK-7)) 180mcg

Does Not Contain: Wheat, gluten, yeast, ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, and artificial preservatives.

Suggested Use: Take two (1) capsules per day, or as recommended by your health professional.

Precautions: Do not consume this product if you are pregnant or nursing. All forms of vitamin K may interact with blood thinning medications. If you are taking such medicines please consult your physician before taking this product.

References:

1. Weber P. Management of osteoporosis: is there a role for vitamin K? Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1997;67(5):350-6.
2. Geleijnse JM, et al. Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: the Rotterdam Study. J Nutr 2004;134(11):3100-5.
3. Beulens JW, High dietary menaquinone intake is associated with reduced coronary calcification. Atherosclerosis 2009;203(2):489-93. Epub 2008 Jul 19.
4. Kidd PM. Vitamins D and K as pleiotropic nutrients: clinical importance to the skeletal and cardiovascular systems and preliminary evidence for synergy. Altern Med Rev 2010;15(3):199-222.