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Vitamins K and D have a synergistic relationship that supports strong bones, the immune system and cardiovascular health. While we can get some Vitamin K from food, and some Vitamin D from the sun, these methods aren’t enough to get the full amount that the body needs. In fact, research suggests that over 1 billion people are deficient in the vital nutrient of Vitamin D. That’s where KD Ultra comes in, with broad-spectrum benefits in a single supplement that can easily integrate into your current regimen.
While there are countless other supplements that offer Vitamin K, or Vitamin D, KD Ultra offers a complete dose of both of these essential vitamins. With the help of lipase, a crucial enzyme that aids in vitamin absorption, KD Ultra combines 2500 IUs of vegan Vitamin D3 with four chains of Vitamin K2 (MK4, MK6, MK7, and MK9) along with Vitamin K1 for powerful health benefits.
Because Vitamins K and D are fat-soluble, we included the enzyme lipase in the KD Ultra formula, so that the body can properly absorb and use these vitamins. Without enough lipase, fat-soluble vitamins cannot be successfully absorbed in the small intestine and are simply eliminated from the body. Including lipase within KD Ultra ensures that enough is present to support successful fat-soluble vitamin absorption in the small intestine. Lipase, Vitamin K, and Vitamin D work synergistically to support optimal cardiovascular and bone health.
The Science Behind KD Ultra
Every member of the Arthur Andrew Medical product family is backed by science, stats, and standards—and KD Ultra is no exception. Here’s the science behind its two main components, Vitamin K and Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is available in two forms, D2 and D3. Both can be found within fortified foods. However, D3 is the natural form of the vitamin, produced in the skin when exposed to UVB rays from the sun. It’s also more shelf-stable and has lower potential toxicity than D2. KD Ultra provides 2,500 IUs of vegan-sourced Vitamin D3 to help our customers support their health and ensure they don’t have to rely solely on their diet or sunlight to obtain this essential vitamin.
Vitamin K1 is found in green vegetables like spinach. It accounts for 75-90% of the total daily Vitamin K intake. Vitamin K2 is formed by microbes, either within the digestive tract or in commercially fermented food products. Vitamin K1 is mainly transported to the liver, where it controls processes important to blood clotting. Vitamin K2 is generally transported to non-liver tissues, such as bone and blood vessel walls.
Although many can get enough Vitamin K1 through food sources like leafy greens, getting enough K2 through food is difficult. High levels aren’t commonly found in foods that are part of Western diets. That’s why KD Ultra contains a full dose of both Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2.
Arthur Andrew Medical. We provide products that actually work.
We deliver the most advanced enzyme and probiotic-based dietary supplement product line possible. We aim to provide products of the highest quality and purity with the goal of unlocking the potential of one’s health. We are the pioneers of our industry and have always done things the right way, even if it’s not the easiest. Our products provide customers with real results that are backed by science to minimize the number of supplements they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
How do vitamins K and D work together to provide health benefits?
Vitamin D has been found to support bone heath and a well-functioning cardiovascular system. Vitamin D is also often overlooked when it comes to its effects on the immune system. Studies have demonstrated that those with healthy vitamin D levels had a lesser instance of respiratory infections than those with sufficient levels, even after adjusting for variables such as gender, age, season and race. But to get the greatest results from taking Vitamin D, you also need Vitamin K.
Vitamin D promotes the production of vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs), which serve essential roles in bone growth and the vascular system. Vitamin K is necessary for carboxylation, a chemical alteration, of two specific VKDPs: osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein (MGP).
According to the International Journal of Endocrinology, carboxylation of MGP helps to mitigate calcium buildup in blood vessels, supporting a healthy cardiovascular system. Osteocalcin carboxylation supports bone density, a key factor in minimizing the likelihood of future bone issues.
Studies have also shown that taking vitamins D and K together results in lower levels of uncarboxylated osteocalcin and increased bone density. This demonstrates that the vitamin duo is more effective in supporting bone health than supplementing with vitamins D or K alone.
To ensure bioavailability of both vitamins D and K, your body needs enough of the enzyme lipase to properly assimilate these fat-soluble vitamins. Thankfully, KD Ultra contains it all!
What is the difference between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3?
These two forms of vitamin D were thought to be equivalent, however, that is far from the truth. Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, is inexpensive to produce and almost always what is found in fortified foods. It is actually less potent and has a shorter duration of action than its Vitamin D3 counterpart known as cholecalciferol.
What are the different forms of vitamin K2?
Vitamin K2 refers to a group of compounds known scientifically as menaquinones (MKs). Several different forms of vitamin K2 exist, ranging from MK4 to MK13, and each provides unique health benefits. The number following the MK refers to the length of the “chain” in its chemical composition (e.g. MK4 is a 4-chain K2). MK4 is most commonly found in the Western diet while high levels of MK7 are found in the Japanese food natto.
KD Ultra includes all four of the currently available supplemental forms of vitamin K2: MK4, MK6, MK7 and MK9. Most products contain only one menaquinone form of K2.
What is lipase?
Lipase is a crucial enzyme that helps break down ingested fats. Without enough lipase, fats cannot be broken down and absorbed properly by the body. This leads to decreased absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, creating deficiencies. The importance of lipase in the fat ingestion process is why we added it to the KD Ultra formula. Both Vitamin K and Vitamin D are fat-soluble vitamins, meaning they dissolve in fats. While water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and readily absorb into the body, fat-soluble vitamins cannot, which is where enzymes like lipase come in.
Per capsule, KD Ultra contains:
Vitamin K2 (Total): 1600 mcg
Vitamin K1: 100 mcg
Vitamin D3 (from reindeer lichen): 2500 IU
Lipase: 500 FIP
Vitamin K
Vitamin K comes in many forms and is essential for proper vitamin D utilization. Our formula includes vitamin K1 as well as all available supplemental forms of vitamin K2 (MK4, MK6, MK7 and MK9) for full-spectrum health benefits. Vitamin K supports proper blood clotting, strong bones and optimal cardiovascular health.
Vitamin D
Our formula includes vegan Vitamin D3 (the natural form produced by the skin upon exposure to sunlight) from reindeer lichen. Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorous levels to form and maintain strong bones. It also plays a role in calcium absorption, bone health, immunity, muscular function and inflammation.
Lipase
Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down lipids (fats) and fat-soluble vitamins. Without enough lipase, fats cannot be fully broken down and properly absorbed by the body. This may limit the benefits you expect to get from taking your vitamins. Lipase is essential for complete vitamin assimilation, which is why we’ve included it in our formulation.