Activ D3K2

Vitamin D is found in two forms in the body – vitamin D2 and vitamin D3; and both are referred to as “vitamin D.” That said, the body can only synthesize one form on its own – vitamin D3 – which is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight. The body is unable to synthesize vitamin D2, but we can obtain it from dietary sources, mainly plant-based like mushrooms and fortified products like milk, cereals, and orange juice. Both vitamin D forms are utilized in the body and help to minimize the risk of deficiencies.

Vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 are both important to supporting whole body health as they both play a key role in calcium metabolism. Supplementing with both is beneficial as it ensures proper distribution and absorption calcium. That is, vitamin D3 transports calcium throughout the body and vitamin K2 ensures calcium is absorbed where it is needed. Essentially, the combined effect of these vitamins is maintaining optimal calcium balance in the body.

Vitamin D is required for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, optimal muscular function, brain-body communications, and protecting against infection. When a deficiency occurs, it can present as the following symptoms: fatigue, muscle weakness, bone and joint pain, and depression. Left untreated, this can lead to osteoporosis (adults), rickets (children), pregnancy complications, as well as increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Approximately 42% of the U.S. population is deficient in vitamin D, despite the fact that sunlight is one of the best sources to obtain vitamin D3. Most individuals can synthesize enough vitamin D by exposing their skin to the sun for 10 minutes a day. However, this isn’t the case for everyone. The amount of vitamin D created by sun exposure differs between each person and depends on their surrounding environment, weight, age, skin type, and geographical location. Because of this, it is generally recommended that people take a vitamin D supplement.