Vitamin D
Vitamin D3 naturally occurs almost exclusively in animal sources, particularly in fish, dairy products, eggs and meat. Plants, such as lichens and various fungi, contain only very small amounts of the much less effective form of vitamin D2.
Vitamin D plays a very important role in the body. It is one of the few vitamins that is not absorbed directly from food, but rather produced by skin cells from sunlight. It is not a vitamin in the traditional sense of the word, but rather a pro-hormone. In contrast to many other vitamins, vitamin D is converted into an important hormone which regulates cell functioning and bodily processes. Almost all bodily cells have special receptors for the vitamin D hormone that are dependent on sufficient supply.
Vitamin D and vitamin K2 are cofactors in the regulation of calcium metabolism. Together, the two vitamins control the formation and breakdown of bone cells and important transport molecules that ensure the correct utilisation of calcium. Our vitamin D3 and K2 MK7 combines the two nutrients in a ratio that ensures optimal synergy.
Vitamin D is still being intensively researched. New mechanisms of action of this fascinating vitamin are discovered almost every year. So far, the following statements on vitamin D have been released by the EU (EFSA):
Vitamin D contributes to:
Bioactive Alpha-Tocopherol
Vitamin E is a group of eight different compounds: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols, each distinguished by the prefix alpha, beta, gamma or delta.
Of all forms of vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol has the highest bioactivity. It is also the only form recognised as fulfilling vitamin E requirements in humans; all other forms of vitamin E are measured against alpha-tocopherol. The molecule alpha-tocopherol occurs in several geometric variants. Natural alpha-tocopherol always takes the form of RRR-alpha-tocopherol (formerly referred to as D-alpha-tocopherol); only this form exhibits the desired biological effects on the body. Synthetic vitamin E, typically a combination of various isomers, is less bioavailable and bioactive. Our liquid multivitamin drops provide only natural, bioactive RRR-alpha-tocopherol.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K occurs naturally in the forms of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone). Phylloquinone is mainly found in plants, while menaquinone, which appears to be more active, can be produced by gut bacteria. Some fermented foods, such as sauerkraut or natto, are rich sources of vitamin K2.
Vitamin K2 activates a series of proteins which play a role in important metabolic processes, including blood clotting as well as calcium transportation and utilisation. Most organisations do not consider vitamin K1 and K2 separately and, as such, there is limited information on the benefits of vitamin K2 specifically.
Original K2VITAL® - Vitamin K2 MK-7 All-Trans from Norway
Vitamin K2 MK-7 is today considered by far the most effective form of K2. However, since vitamin K2 molecules occur in a variety chemical structures (the so-called cis–trans isomers of vitamin K2), there are considerable differences in efficacy even between different vitamin K2 MK-7 compounds. It is believed that only the trans forms can be utilised by the body.
Original K2VITAL® vitamin K2 from Norway is one of the few active ingredients on the market which can guarantee that the stated vitamin K2 content consists of 100% highly effective all-trans MK-7, verified by Norwegian laboratory testing.
Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D
Vitamin D and vitamin K2 both play key roles in calcium metabolism. Together, they regulate the cells which form and break down bones as well as the important transport molecules which ensure the correct utilisation of calcium.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which controls several important functions in the body. Well-known for its importance in maintaining good vision, vitamin A also has numerous other benefits: it contributes to the normal function of skin and mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, intestines and reproductive organs, supports the immune system and works synergistically with iron in the synthesis of red blood cells.
Health Benefits of Vitamin D, E, K and A, according to the European Food Safey Authority (EFSA):
Vitamin D contributes to:
- Normal absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus
- Normal calcium levels in the blood
- The maintenance of bones
- The maintenance of normal muscle function
- The maintenance of healthy teeth
- Normal immune system functioning
- Cell division
Vitamin E contributes to:
- The protection of cells against oxidative stress
Vitamin K contributes to:
- Normal blood clotting
- The maintenance of normal bones
Vitamin A contributes to:
- The maintenance of normal vision
- Normal iron metabolism
- Normal immune system functioning
- The maintenance of normal skin
- The maintenance of normal mucous membranes
- Cell specialisation
