Vitamin D levels tend to drop significantly during winter months in the UK, mostly due to limited sunlight and low dietary intake. Older adults are particularly at risk.
Evidence suggests that vitamin D and vitamin K support bone strength and cardiovascular health and may play a protective role against conditions such as arterial calcification and heart failure, especially when taken together.
Research also indicates that these nutrients may support normal cell division, help maintain normal bones throughout life, and contribute to better outcomes in ageing populations. This is especially important during life stages such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause when nutrient needs increase. A deficiency in either vitamin can compromise calcium regulation, potentially affecting bone density and immune function.
Cholecalciferol (D3), the most effective form of vitamin D, is associated with bone health, muscle health, gene expression and immune defence. In males, vitamin D3 is linked to testosterone synthesis as Leydig cells of the testes that produce testosterone are sensitive to vitamin D.
Likewise, vitamin K2 is another fat-soluble vitamin that contributes to normal blood clotting, supports bone health, and benefits heart health. It is involved in calcium homeostasis, as research shows it improves bone density and lowers the risk of bone fractures, with bone mineral density being a key measure influenced by these vitamins. The synergistic effect of both vitamin D and K2 on bone health has been observed in some studies, though more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these combined benefits. Taking both vitamin D and K2 may provide additional health benefits, including improved bone strength, cardiovascular support, normal blood clotting, and overall well-being. These nutrients have also shown positive effects on cardiovascular health and bone mineral density in some research.
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones, supporting the maintenance of normal bones, as it plays a key role in regulating calcium absorption and ensuring normal blood calcium levels. Without enough vitamin D, the body cannot effectively absorb calcium from the diet, which can lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. Vitamin D3, one of the two forms of vitamin D, is the most effective and is commonly found in vitamin D supplements and is especially important for individuals with low vitamin D levels, supporting bone health and normal muscle function. Vitamin D3 and K2 supplements help support bone mineralisation and bone density, contributing to osteoporosis prevention, making them a valuable addition for those at risk of deficiency.
These vitamins are also linked to normal cell division, which is crucial for maintaining strong skeletal tissue and muscle fibres. Several studies, including research from UK-based institutions, highlight how vitamin D status affects not just skeletal integrity but also muscle performance and immune resilience. Additionally, people who are breastfeeding or elderly may require even higher amounts to maintain optimal bone health and immune defence.
A healthy diet that includes foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and eggs, can help maintain normal bone health. However, in regions with limited sunlight, like the UK, it can be challenging to get enough vitamin D from food and direct sunlight alone. This is why vitamin D supplements are often recommended, particularly during the winter months and for individuals with limited sun exposure, darker skin, or those who are breastfeeding, as their nutritional needs may be higher. In addition to supporting bone health, vitamin D also contributes to the normal function of the immune system, making it a vital nutrient for overall well-being.
Vitamin K is another crucial nutrient that works hand-in-hand with vitamin D to support bone health and overall wellness. It is necessary for the activation of matrix gla protein, which helps prevent arterial calcification and supports the maintenance of healthy blood vessels. Vitamin K also plays a vital role in normal blood clotting, reducing the risk of excessive bleeding and supporting cardiovascular health.
There are two main forms of vitamin K: vitamin K1, which is abundant in green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, and vitamin K2, found in fermented foods and certain animal products. Vitamin K2 is particularly important for bone health, as it helps direct calcium to the bones, supporting bone mineral density, and away from the arteries, reducing the risk of arterial calcification.
Vitamin K2 also plays a crucial role in supporting the maintenance of normal bones over time. In older adults and post-menopausal women, K2 intake has been associated with reduced bone loss and fewer fractures. In combination with vitamin D, it helps to maintain normal bone turnover and may support healthy ageing. Furthermore, early studies in animal models suggest a promising role of K2 in preventing arterial calcification, although human trials are still ongoing.
Both vitamins have a synergistic relationship when it comes to calcium metabolism. D3 supports normal absorption of calcium, while K2 ensures that this absorbed calcium is adequately deposited in the bones and not at other locations like arteries. Vitamin D also helps reduce urinary calcium excretion, further supporting calcium balance and bone mineralisation. If the balance between these two nutrients is not maintained, excess calcium can accumulate in vascular tissue, increasing the risk of arterial calcification rather than supporting bone health. Therefore, taking vitamin D3 and K2 together is important for optimal results, as the two nutrients work synergistically to regulate calcium levels, promote overall bone and cardiovascular health, and may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
In addition to their role in calcium regulation, these nutrients have been shown to support normal cell division, a fundamental process in bone and muscle regeneration. This is particularly relevant for individuals recovering from injury or bone stress, as well as for athletes or those experiencing age-related bone density loss. The combination also promotes the maintenance of normal bones, especially when supported by adequate levels of magnesium and calcium.
One must have adequate calcium levels in the blood to benefit from the D3+K2 combo. However, without proper balance, there is a greater risk of health issues such as hypercalcemia and vascular calcification. For someone worried about low calcium levels, Welzo provides a variety of calcium supplements. Visit our page to explore the best calcium supplements in the UK.
When selecting a supplement to support bone health, it’s important to choose a product that combines both vitamins D and K, as they work synergistically to optimise calcium metabolism and bone strength. Vitamin D3 and K2 supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and sprays, making it easy to find an option that fits your lifestyle. Look for supplements that use bioavailable forms such as vitamin D3 and K2 (MK-7) for maximum effectiveness.
Always follow the recommended dosage to avoid excessive intake, and consider products that are free from common allergens and artificial additives. Reading labels carefully and choosing supplements with clean, high-quality ingredients can help you get the most benefit. In addition to supplementation, maintaining a diet rich in leafy vegetables and fermented dairy products can further support bone health and contribute to the maintenance of normal bones.
To facilitate the users, we explored the dietary supplement market to find the best D3+K2 combinations. We targeted the products that provide enough doses of each vitamin for different types of people and provided the best value for money. Here is a brief description of the seven top-notch combos in the market.
Best For Nature Lovers: Nature's Answer D3+K2
Best Lower Dose Option D3: Doctors best K2+ D3
For Now Fans: Now Supplements Mega D3 & MK-7
Best Overall: Vitamin D3+K2 by Transparent Labs
Best Budget Product: Vitamin D3+K2 combination by Bulksupplements
Best Formula: Vitamin D+K by Legion
Best Vegan Product: Ora Sol Food
Price & availability: £28.41 (buy Nature's Answer D3+K2 at Welzo)
Packing size: 15ml
Form: Oral drops
Dose of D3: 25 mcg (1000 IU)
Dose of K2: 120mcg
Vegan friendly: Yes
Third-party tested: No
Serving size: 2 drops per day
User rating: 5/ 5 (based on 80 reviews at Welzo)
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Why do we choose it? Nature's Answer has over 50 years of experience manufacturing dietary supplements. Nature's Answer Vitamin D3 and K2 Liquid Extract Oral Drops is one of their best products and offers a decent amount of vitamins at a reasonable price. It is free from artificial sweeteners, gluten and synthetic dyes, which makes it a sensible choice for people with allergies. As vitamin K2 is at slightly higher doses than the daily requirement, it is suitable for people with higher K2 needs. The flavourless drops are very easy to take. The smaller packing size is a drawback, containing just 15ml of the extract.
Ready to elevate your bone health? Discover the benefits of Nature's Answer D3+K2 now!
Price & availability: £23.99 (buy Doctors best K2+ D3 at Dolphin Fitness)
Packing size: 60 capsules
Form: Capsules
Dose of D3: 25 mcg (1000 IU)
Dose of K2: 180 mcg
Vegan friendly: No
Third-party tested: No
Serving size: 1 capsule daily
User rating: No reviews available
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Why do we choose it? Doctors Best Natural Vitamin K2 MK-7 with MenaQ7 plus D3 is the best option for people looking for lower doses of vitamin D3 and higher doses of K2. Each serving provides 25mcg (1000 IU) of D3 and 180mcg of K2. Despite the lack of third-party testing, the product is suitable for vegetarians. The only drawback is that higher doses of vitamin K2 can't be split and are unnecessary for everyone. The large packing size, containing 60 servings, suffices for two months at a reasonable price. Being free from gluten, soy and GMOs, it is suitable for vegetarians but not for vegans.
Take charge of your skeletal wellness; make Doctors Best K2+ D3 a part of your daily routine!
Price & availability: £14.43 (buy Now Supplements Mega D3 & K2 at Welzo)
Packing size: 120 capsules
Form: Capsules
Dose of D3: 25 mcg (1000 IU)
Dose of K2: 45 mcg
Vegan friendly: No
Third-party tested: yes
Serving size: 1 capsule
User rating: 5/ 5 (based on 80 reviews at Welzo)
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Why do we choose it If you are using Now Foods products and searching for a D3 + K2 combo by this company, there is good news for you. Each capsule provides 25mcg (1000 IU) of D3 and 45mcg of K2, which is smaller, but you can take more capsules to add more. The products by Now Foods are third-party tested, a factor critically important for vitamin supplements. A large packing size is very convenient as a single pack lasts four months, given that it is kept in a dry and cool place after opening.
Although quality tested and made in advanced facilities, it is unsuitable for a vegan. Moreover, it doesn't contain eggs, gluten, soy, milk, or nuts; it is prepared in facilities that process those allergens. So, people who are allergic to them must choose another product.
Join countless others in prioritising bone health; order Now Supplements Mega D3 & K2 and embrace vitality today!
Price & availability: $29.99 (buy Vitamin D3+K2 by Transparent Labs at the official website)
Packing size: 120 capsules (another packing with 60 softgels available)
Form: Capsules/ softgels
Dose of D3: 125 mcg (5000 IU)
Dose of K2: 100mcg
Vegan friendly: No
Third-party tested: Yes
Serving size: 1 capsule daily
User rating: 4.5/ 5 (based on 78 Reviews at the official website)
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Why do we choose it? Transparent Labs is a trusted company that produces supplements that are not only third-party tested but are science-backed and packed with adequate doses of the required vitamins. Each serving provides 125mcg of D3, far more than the daily value of 800 IU. The dose of K2 is just enough to meet the daily requirements. So, it is the best choice for people with a higher need for vitamin D.
It has no artificial sweeteners or colouring agents and offers excellent value for money as the per-serving cost is just $0.50. The large packing size lasts for months. However, its capsules are made of gelatin, a deal-breaker factor for vegans. Despite this drawback, we ranked it in the top position due to its high-quality ingredients, reasonable price, and transparency.
Experience the power of synergistic bone support; try Vitamin D3+K2 by Transparent Labs today!
Price & availability: $27.96 (buy Vitamin D3+K2 combination by Bulksupplements at the official website)
Packing size: 365 softgels
Form: Softgels
Dose of D3: 187.5 mcg (7500 IU)
Dose of K2: 100mcg
Vegan friendly: No
Third-party tested: Yes
Serving size: 1 softgel daily
User rating: 5/ 5 (based on just 1 review at the official webpage)
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Why do we choose it? Bulk supplements offer the best budget products. This product provides more than 800% DV of vitamin D and 100mcg of K2 per serving and comes in a huge packaging size that keeps things going for one year. With a minimal per-serving cost, it is one of the cheapest options on the market. It is not vegan-friendly, but it is free from dairy, gluten, soy, yeast, and added sugars. The company offers attractive subscription plans to save up to 10% for regular users.
Unlock optimal bone health with Vitamin D3+K2 combination by Bulksupplements; take the first step towards vitality!
Price & availability: $39.99 (buy Vitamin D+K by Legion at the official webpage)
Packing size: 60 capsules
Form: Capsules
Dose of D3: 50 mcg (2000 IU)
Dose of K2: 100mcg of K1 and 180mcg of K2
Vegan friendly: yes
Third-party tested: Yes
Serving size: 1 capsule daily
User rating: 5/ 5 (based on 195 reviews at the official webpage)
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Why do we choose it? We called it the best formula product as it is the only natural product we know about that contains K1. Each capsule provides a moderate 50mcg (2000 IU) of D3, less than that present in other supplements but more than enough to provide the daily requirement. The higher dose of K2 is, however, unnecessary for many. The price tag is higher, and the company offers attractive subscription plans to compensate for the higher cost.
It is thoroughly tested for purity and is backed by research (which the Legions publish next to each product). The large packing size has enough capsules to last for two months. The company offers a money-back guarantee and ensures that the product is free from chemical junk and artificial dyes, which makes it a reasonable choice.
Don't wait to boost your bone strength – choose Vitamin D+K by Legion and feel the difference!
Price & availability: $23.99 (buy Ora Sol Food D3+ K2 at the official page)
Packing size: 30 tablets
Form: Tablets
Dose of D3: 125 mcg (5000 IU)
Dose of K2: 100mcg
Vegan friendly: yes
Third-party tested: Yes
Serving size: 1 Tablet daily
User rating: 5/ 5 (Based on 57 reviews at the official webpage.
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Why do we choose it? Ora Sol Food by Ora Organic is the best choice for someone looking for an organic and vegan combination of D3 and K2 and is willing to pay a higher price. It's one chewable tablet provides 100mcg of K2 and 125mcg of D3, which is more than enough to meet needs and treat the deficiencies. It is free from artificial fillers and flavours and has purely vegan and organic ingredients, as vitamin K2 is obtained from chickpeas, while D3 is obtained from the lichen.
Invest in your wellness journey with Ora Sol Food D3+K2– your bones will thank you!"
The absence of artificial fillers, sweeteners, flavours, added sugars, tree nuts, GMOs, soy, gluten and dairy makes it a perfect choice for vegans. Although price is a limiting and often a deal-breaker factor, the company does offer prescription plans to save up to 20%.
While vitamins D and K are generally safe when taken as directed, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects, especially with high doses. Excessive vitamin D intake can lead to hypercalcemia, a condition characterised by elevated blood calcium levels, which may cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Vitamin K, particularly in supplement form, can interact with blood thinners such as warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding complications.
Before starting any new supplement regimen, consult with a healthcare professional—especially if you are taking medications, have underlying health conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. By understanding the potential risks and taking appropriate precautions, you can safely support your bone health and overall well-being with vitamins D and K.
Vitamin D3 and K2 are critical to calcium metabolism, health, and the normal function of bones and cardiovascular systems. The combination products improve cardiovascular well-being and bone health, particularly for athletes. The impact of supplementation on people with normal levels of both is minimal. However, this combination makes a lot of difference for people with deficiency symptoms. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt a personalised approach and choose the supplement after measuring the levels of these vitamins in the blood and consulting the health professionals.
Whether you're breastfeeding, managing post-menopausal bone health, or simply want to maintain normal bones into older age, combining vitamin D3 and K2 can be a foundational step. Supporting cell division, cardiovascular health, and bone strength, this dynamic duo forms the cornerstone of long-term skeletal resilience.
Welzo's Vitamin D Blood Test is useful for diagnosing vitamin D deficiency. It is an accurate test that provides results within two days and allows you to check if you have a vitamin D deficiency.
Both vitamins complement each other's actions, and one regulates some aspects of the functionality of the other. Having too much or too little of one negatively influences the functionality of the other. Vitamin D boosts calcium absorption, while vitamin K2 ensures that this absorbed calcium is deposited in the bones..
People who don't have a deficiency of both vitamins, are using blood thinners, have scheduled surgery ahead of time, or have any clotting disorder or bone health issues, must consult their healthcare provider before choosing them. Both are fat-soluble vitamins, and excessive supplementation is contraindicated.
Daily use of this combination is recommended for people with deficiencies. Make sure the doses are tailored to the health conditions and needs. Don't go for this combination if there is a deficiency of just one of these vitamins; instead, choose a solo supplement.
The most important dietary sources of vitamin K2 are Brussels sprouts, collard greens, turnip greens, edamame, broccoli, kale, chicken and pasteurised eggs. Likewise, the important dietary sources of vitamin D are pasteurised eggs, carrots, broccoli, spinach, cheese, fortified foods, mushrooms, seafood and liver.
Both are fat-soluble vitamins; taking them with a fatty meal improves absorption and utilisation. Therefore, it is advised to take them with a fatty snack or a fat-containing meal. For smooth blood levels, it is recommended that the supplement be taken at the same time each day.
It depends on the health status. The results are evident within a few days for people with deficiency symptoms. However, one must stay prepared and wait six weeks or more before deciding. Vitamin supplements are not regular medicines and are not intended to treat a particular health condition. They improve health and overall well-being when used continuously for a long time.
