Apr 22, 2020

How can I build strong bones?

Calcium is important to support bone health, strength and integrity at any age, and relies heavily on other nutrients, including vitamins D3 and K2, to make sure that it finds its way into bones. A diet deficient in calcium can lead to osteoporosis in later life and calcium may help prevent osteoporosis when dietary intake is inadequate.

Dynamic process of making bones lasts a lifetime
Bones continually change over a lifetime; right from the growth phase that occurs during childhood and adolescence, through to the frailty phase that occurs as we age. The body constantly renews and remodels bones by breaking down old bone and replacing it with new bone. It’s a very dynamic process. Bones provide structure for the body; strong enough to withstand and adapt to physical activity, yet lightweight enough to allow flexible movement.

It’s widely accepted that calcium and vitamin D3 play important roles in bone health, with low blood calcium stimulating vitamin D synthesis to increase intestinal calcium absorption. While calcium and vitamin D3 support bone strength and maintain bone density, vitamin K2 regulates calcium metabolism and vitamin D activity at the sites where bones turnover.

Bone loss typically occurs from around 50-70 years of age, with postmenopausal women at particular risk, as calcium requirements are greatly increased after menopause. Calcium and vitamin D3 support bone health in post-menopausal women by maintaining bone density and strength. Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose their strength and density, leaving them fragile, weak and brittle.

Getting to know vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin, required for blood clotting and calcium distribution. Vitamin K is present in 2 natural forms – K1 and K2. Vitamin K1 is found in plant-based sources, while vitamin K2 is produced by bacteria in the digestive tract. Vitamin K1 revolves around blood clotting activity, whereas vitamin K2 revolves around calcium distribution. Vitamin K2 is a group of compounds known as menaquinones (MK), and menaquinone-7 in particular, provides the best absorption and bioavailability of all the menaquinones. Vitamin K2 is necessary for osteocalcin activity, a protein that traps and binds calcium from the bloodstream and then transports and incorporates it into bone.

Vitamin K2, in the form of K2VITAL^® Delta (menaquinone 7), provides a patented form of vitamin K2, microencapsulated for enhanced ingredient stability, and when combined with organic forms of calcium and vitamin D3, provides a state-of-the-art bone health trio that strengthens bone and increases bone density. Add website page link here for Calcium K2 with D3.