LIQUID Vitamin D3 with K2
Audit ReportUpdated 1 month ago

LIQUID Vitamin D3 with K2

by ORTHO MOLECULAR PRODUCTS

Transparency
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Efficacy
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Bioavailability
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Safety
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Vitamin D3 and K2 are fat-soluble vitamins that play complementary roles in calcium regulation and bone metabolism. Vitamin D3 enhances intestinal calcium absorption and supports immune function, while vitamin K2 directs calcium to bones and teeth and away from soft tissues like arteries. Together, they may reduce the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular calcification, particularly in individuals with suboptimal vitamin status.

The formulation uses cholecalciferol (D3), the most bioavailable form of vitamin D, and likely includes menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a long-acting form of K2, although the specific form is not stated. Research suggests that combined supplementation can improve bone mineral density and improve vitamin K-dependent protein activation, especially in postmenopausal women and older adults at risk for deficiency.

Quick Summary

Transparency100

All ingredient amounts are clearly listed with no proprietary blends, allowing full transparency into dosing and formulation.

Efficacy75

The vitamin D3 dose is effective for maintaining sufficiency in many individuals, especially when baseline levels are low. However, the K2 dose is significantly below levels used in most clinical trials for bone or cardiovascular outcomes, limiting its standalone efficacy.

Bioavailability90

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the most bioavailable form. The liquid format enhances absorption, especially when taken with fats. The form of K2 is not specified, but assuming MK-7, it would have good bioavailability and long half-life.

Safety85

The product is safe for most adults at the provided doses. However, vitamin D supplementation requires caution in individuals with sarcoidosis, hyperparathyroidism, or those on certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids, orlistat).

Why Take This Product

People take LIQUID Vitamin D3 with K2 primarily to support bone strength, maintain healthy vitamin D levels, and promote cardiovascular health. It is especially beneficial for individuals with limited sun exposure, older adults, and those at risk for osteoporosis or vascular calcification. By combining D3 and K2, this product helps ensure that calcium is properly utilized in the body—strengthening bones while protecting arteries.

Key Benefits

  • Supports Bone Health: Vitamin D3 improves calcium absorption, while K2 activates osteocalcin, a protein that binds calcium to the bone matrix. Clinical studies show that combined D3 and K2 supplementation can significantly increase bone mineral density over time [8].
  • Promotes Cardiovascular Health: Vitamin K2 helps activate matrix Gla protein (MGP), which inhibits calcium deposition in blood vessels. This may reduce the risk of arterial stiffness and cardiovascular disease, especially when combined with adequate vitamin D levels.
  • Improves Vitamin D Status: At 1,000 IU per serving, this product provides a clinically relevant dose of D3 shown to raise serum 25(OH)D levels, particularly in individuals with baseline deficiency or higher body mass [3][6].
  • Enhances Nutrient Synergy: Vitamin D increases calcium absorption, but without sufficient K2, calcium may deposit in soft tissues. K2 ensures proper calcium distribution, making the combination more effective than either nutrient alone for skeletal and vascular health.

Who Should Take This

This product is ideal for adults over 50, postmenopausal women, individuals with low sun exposure, or those with diagnosed vitamin D deficiency. It may also benefit people taking vitamin D supplements without K2, as well as those concerned about bone density or heart health. Individuals on anticoagulant therapy should consult a healthcare provider before use due to potential interactions with vitamin K.

Potential Side Effects

Most people tolerate this product well. Rare side effects may include mild digestive discomfort. Excessive long-term intake of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia, causing symptoms like nausea, weakness, or kidney issues. Vitamin K2 at this dose is generally safe, but individuals on blood thinners like warfarin should avoid unsupervised use, as it may interfere with medication effectiveness.

Ingredient Breakdown

Each ingredient in this formula is selected for its role in calcium metabolism and bone-vascular health. Doses are based on clinical research showing benefits for serum 25(OH)D levels and osteocalcin activation.

Primary Ingredients

Vitamin D3

Enhances calcium absorption, supports immune function and bone health

25 mcg (1,000 IU)
per capsuleGoal: 1000-4000 IU

Adequate per single capsule for maintenance in many individuals, though higher doses may be needed for deficiency correction.

Cholecalciferol (D3) is the preferred form of vitamin D due to superior bioavailability and efficacy in raising serum 25(OH)D levels compared to D2 [1][2]. It is particularly effective in individuals with low baseline levels or higher body weight [3].

Vitamin K2

Activates osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein for bone and cardiovascular health

10 mcg
per capsuleGoal: 90-180 mcg

Need 9-18 servings daily to reach clinical dose range; likely intended as a supportive rather than therapeutic dose.

Vitamin K2 (likely MK-7) acts as a cofactor for carboxylating osteocalcin, improving bone mineralization. While low-dose K1 has improved anticoagulant stability, K2 supplementation at higher doses (e.g., 180 mcg/day) has shown more consistent effects on bone turnover [4][5]. At 10 mcg, this dose supports basic K2 function but is below typical therapeutic ranges.

Other ingredients (Medium Chain Triglycerides) are inactive ingredients used for capsule manufacturing, stability, or flow and are not analyzed in this report.

Practical Recommendations

  • Consider Higher D3 Dosing If Deficient: Individuals with confirmed vitamin D deficiency may require higher initial doses (e.g., 5,000 IU/day) to reach sufficiency, as lower doses like 1,000 IU may be insufficient for rapid repletion [6][3].
  • Verify K2 Form And Dose For Long-Term Bone Support: For optimal bone benefits, MK-7 doses of 90–180 mcg/day are often used in research. The 10 mcg dose here is low; consider additional K2 if using for osteoporosis prevention [4][5].
  • Monitor Vitamin Levels: Regular testing of 25(OH)D levels is recommended to ensure levels remain in the sufficient range (30–50 ng/mL), especially with long-term use.

Is it Safe?

The product contains safe, low-dose nutrients when used as directed. However, high-dose vitamin D requires monitoring in susceptible individuals, and vitamin K2 may interact with anticoagulants.

Safety & Considerations

  • Drug Interaction: Vitamin D absorption may be reduced by orlistat, cholestyramine, and corticosteroids.
  • Medical Condition: Individuals with sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, or hyperparathyroidism are at increased risk of hypercalcemia with vitamin D supplementation.
  • Drug Interaction: Vitamin K2 may reduce the effectiveness of warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists; use only under medical supervision.

The Science

The vitamin D3 dose aligns with evidence-based ranges for maintaining sufficient vitamin D status, especially in deficient individuals. While the K2 dose is modest, it contributes to the carboxylation of bone and vascular proteins when combined with D3.

References (16)PubMed / NIH
1

Shows vitamin D3 is more effective than D2 in raising and maintaining 25(OH)D levels.

Differential effects of vitamin D2 and D3 supplements on 25-hydroxyvitamin D level are dose, sex, and time dependent: a randomized controlled trial.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition2017
2

Confirms D3 is more effective and durable than D2 in increasing total 25(OH)D, particularly at higher doses.

The effect of vitamin D2 supplementation on vitamin D levels in humans: A time and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition2024
3

Demonstrates that 800 IU/day (20 μg) of vitamin D3 improves 25(OH)D levels, especially in those with low baseline or high body mass.

Vitamin D3 supplementation: Response and predictors of vitamin D3 metabolites - A randomized controlled trial.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition2016
4

RCT in postmenopausal women showing no significant BMD benefit with MK-7 over 3 years, possibly due to dose or population factors.

The effect of vitamin MK-7 on bone mineral density and microarchitecture in postmenopausal women with osteopenia, a 3-year randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA2021
5

Dose-response study showing improved osteocalcin carboxylation with escalating MK-4 doses in postmenopausal women with fractures.

Maximal dose-response of vitamin-K2 (menaquinone-4) on undercarboxylated osteocalcin in women with osteoporosis.
International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition2020

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