A Perfect Pair For Heart Health - Vitamins D3 & K2
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Americans, claiming the lives of over half a million people in the United States every year. Heart disease is a result of plaque buildup on artery walls, which can inhibit the flow of blood to organs and tissues. Although many causes contribute to this condition including lack of exercise, smoking, and being overweight or obese, by far the most important factor appears to be an unhealthy diet, especially the regular consumption of dairy and red meat. However, there is increasing evidence to suggest that some key vitamin deficiencies may also be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Research shows that vitamins D3 and K2 offer elegant support of bone health, but this perfect pair of vitamins might actually be key in helping to maintain heart and cardiovascular health as well. Vitamin D3 helps the body absorb adequate amounts of calcium, which builds stronger bones, but what the body does with that calcium is just as important. Vitamin D3’s partner, vitamin K2, assists in delegating calcium toward the bones, which helps prevent calcification in your arteries as well as supporting overall cardiovascular health.
How does this work? The same mechanism that helps vitamin K2 support bone health also makes it a powerful nutrient for cardiovascular health. Matrix Gla-protein (MGP) is a vitamin K-dependent protein that helps inhibit plaque buildup on artery walls. However, this protein also binds calcium to bones and protects blood vessels – but only when supplied with an adequate amount of vitamin K2.
One study1 evaluated 4807 healthy men and women aged 55 or older and their relationship between vitamin K2 intake and heart events. This study revealed that an adequate intake of vitamin K2 reduced arterial calcification and cardiovascular risk by 50% and decreased all-cause mortality by 25%! That is an enormous benefit from taking adequate amounts of vitamin K2.
This perfect pair of vitamins work in beautiful harmony – vitamin D3 ensures calcium is absorbed and vitamin K2 instructs the proteins to integrate calcium into the bones. In addition to this key benefit, vitamin K2 supports regular normal blood clotting, while vitamin D3 supports healthy immune system and muscle function.
Though they may seem like unconventional options, vitamins D3 and K2 can power up your nutritional regime by elegantly supporting both bone health and cardiovascular health. To promote your own best cardiovascular and bone health, look no further than the dynamic duo of vitamins D3 and K2.
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