All 13 study references are in the video's description. 💊MicroVitamin (multivitamin & mineral that I take): drstanfield.com/products/microvitamin For extra insights + a free health checklist, sign up here 👉 drstanfield.com/pages/sign-up
Hey Doc, trying to sign up for the microvitamin, i live in wellington but all prices are in USD? If i sign up for 6 months are these actually USD prices? Cheers
2:15 actually the 3 vitamins and minerals you want to supplement with (for bone health) is Vitamin D, K2 and Magnesium and stay away from calcium supplementation.
@@DrBradStanfieldwhat about zinc and boron for men that want to raise their testosterone. Can you do an episode on natural dietary testosterone enhancement
🎯 Key points for quick navigation: 00:00 *📖 The Origin of Vitamin D and K2 Role in Health* - The history of Vitamin D discovery related to rickets in children, - Vitamin D helps absorb calcium and stimulate bone formation, - Vitamin K2's role in coagulation and bone health begins to emerge. 02:43 *🦴 Evaluating Bone Health Benefits of Vitamin K2* - Vitamin K2 is theorized to strengthen bones by aiding calcium placement, - Mixed results from clinical trials exploring Vitamin K2's effectiveness for bone health, - Longer trials show promise with certain Vitamin K2 forms and dosages. 04:47 *❤️ Investigating Cardiovascular Health Claims* - Examines heart valve calcification effects of Vitamin K2 without clear benefits, - Observational and clinical trials suggest benefits in blood vessel health, - Discrepancies in findings highlight the complexity of dietary Vitamin K2 effects. 09:12 *🩺 Analyzing Study Findings and Future Directions* - Potential for Vitamin K2 to reduce calcification in high-risk individuals, - Distinction between stabilizing and harmful effects on blood vessel plaques, - Encouragement for further research to substantiate cardiovascular health benefits. 10:47 *🚦 Recommendations and Safety Considerations* - Emphasizes need for dietary Vitamin K2 and D3 due to body's inability to produce them, - No established recommended daily intake for Vitamin K2; personal supplement choice discussed, - Safety considerations when using supplements, especially interactions with medications like warfarin. Made with HARPA AI
Thank you for the MK7 recommendation. I used to get hematomas (blood blisters) in my mouth all the time since getting an adverse reaction to the Anthrax vaccine in the Army. About a decade of getting larger and larger hematomas, they suddenly stopped when I began drinking bulletproof coffee, which is coffee made with butter. Turns out that butter is rich in Vitamin K. When I found that out, I began taking Vitamin D/K2 daily, and have been taking it for more than a decade.
I am 32 and was diagnosed with osteopenia at 30 which was borderline osteoporosis. Thank you for providing information like this. I am already on the vitamin k2 and vitamin D train, and combine this with resistance training. I have found that doctors will not talk about things like vitamin K2, vitamin D, or the importance of resistance training. Instead I've found in my experience the focus has been on calcium intake, bone medication (which I also take) and weight bearing exercise like walking.
I had cholesterol 3 years ago, I refused to take medicine, I tried intermittent fasting and took vitamin K2 MK-7 (100 mcg) and vit D3. After 3 months, I had a blood test to do and the result was that I don't have cholesterol anymore. Since that time, I continue to take vit K2 MK-7 + vit D3.
Re: bioavailability of the various forms of VK2 MK7 IS available to be measured in serum for longer than other forms available as supplements, but this ignores a fundamental pathway of VK absorption. VK is largely cleaved in small intestine, removing side chains to "create" meniadione, vitamin K3, which is taken up by chylomicrons and carried away via lymph. This VK3 is preferentially converted in body-wide tissues by the enzyme UBIAD1 (also known as TERE1) into MK-4, a hormone that binds SXR and affects many genes. All forms of dietary VK can undergo this process.
Thank you, very interesting. So are you saying that MK7 is not superior as it will get converted to MK4 anyway? MK7 gives me terrible insomnia, whereas MK4 doesn’t, but lots Dr’s saying MK7 is superior, would be great to know that MK4 is good as well.
@Kaz-fb9lz Data support that all forms of VK can do this gut cleaving, attachment to chylomicrons and then transport via lymph We've thought that serum levels were representative of VK status, but this appears to be incorrect. Since dietary MK-4 disappears so quickly, it might be the 'best' type of VK to actually become tissue MK-4. But we don't know yet. We measure serum levels. I endorse all dietary forms of VK. MK-9 is super common in meats, for example, along with MK-4, MK-10. And supplements that contain multiple forms of VK is probably a good idea.
Because this goes right over my head, I asked ChatGPT to validate it. With the usual caveat about hallucination, here's the response: The claims you've presented touch on the bioavailability and metabolism of Vitamin K (VK) and its different forms. Here's an evaluation based on scientific literature and current understanding: --- ### 1. **"MK-7 remains measurable in serum for longer than other forms available as supplements."** This is accurate. MK-7, a form of Vitamin K2, has a much longer half-life in the bloodstream compared to other forms like MK-4. This extended presence allows it to be more readily detected in serum and possibly exert effects over a prolonged period. This is one reason why MK-7 is commonly used in studies. --- ### 2. **"Vitamin K is largely cleaved in the small intestine, removing side chains to create menadione (VK3), which is then transported via lymph."** This is partially correct but requires clarification: - **Cleavage to VK3 (Menadione):** The extent to which dietary Vitamin K1 or K2 is converted to VK3 in the intestine is not well established. There is evidence that side-chain modifications of Vitamin K2 occur in tissues, but VK3 is not typically considered a primary intermediate from dietary Vitamin K. - **Absorption via chylomicrons and lymph:** Vitamin K is fat-soluble and absorbed in the small intestine through chylomicrons, transported via the lymphatic system. This pathway applies to all forms of Vitamin K. --- ### 3. **"VK3 is preferentially converted to MK-4 by UBIAD1 (TERE1)."** This is correct. UBIAD1 is a key enzyme in the conversion of menadione (VK3) to MK-4. MK-4 is unique because it is found in many tissues, where it acts as a hormone and regulates gene expression via the SXR nuclear receptor. --- ### 4. **"All forms of dietary Vitamin K can undergo this gut cleaving, chylomicron attachment, and transport."** Evidence supports that all Vitamin K forms undergo chylomicron-mediated absorption and transport via lymph. However, the claim that all forms are cleaved to VK3 in the gut needs more scientific evidence for confirmation. --- ### 5. **"Serum levels may not accurately represent Vitamin K status, especially for MK-4."** This is a well-supported observation: - Serum measurements primarily reflect circulating Vitamin K but may not capture tissue-specific uptake or conversion to MK-4, which is rapidly absorbed and disappears from serum quickly. - Tissue levels of MK-4 are likely better indicators of Vitamin K status and functionality, but these are harder to measure. --- ### 6. **"MK-4 might be the 'best' type of VK to become tissue MK-4."** This hypothesis aligns with research suggesting that dietary MK-4 is efficiently taken up and deposited in tissues. However, this has not been definitively proven for all tissues and contexts, as the body's conversion pathways allow other forms to contribute to tissue MK-4 pools. --- ### 7. **"Endorsing all dietary forms of VK, including MK-9, MK-10, and supplements with multiple VK forms, is a good idea."** This is reasonable advice: - Different Vitamin K forms have unique bioavailability, tissue distribution, and functional roles. - Including multiple forms of Vitamin K in the diet or supplements can ensure broader coverage for physiological needs, especially as some (like MK-7 and MK-4) may have distinct benefits. --- ### Summary Your claims are largely consistent with current scientific understanding, though the role of VK3 as a gut-cleaving intermediate could use stronger direct evidence. The overall endorsement of multiple forms of dietary Vitamin K is a sound approach based on their diverse functions and tissue-specific effects.
I'm a 72 year old male. I read an article on vitamin D3 about a week ago. I thought to myself, this sounds interesting. So when I went shopping last week at Kroger's, I got a small bottle of Kroger brand D3. It wasn't very expensive, about $6.00, or $7.00 bucks. Some of these brands can get really expensive, I'm retired, and on a fixed budget, so I got what I could afford just to try out. I can honestly say, after taking vitamin D3 for 4 days now, my memory has definitly improved, it's sharper, recall is quicker, etc. I can't say this supplement will work for everyone, (there's no size fits all), but it definitly works for me, I will definitly continue to take it. I don't get a lot of natural sunlight, so this really helps. 👍🙂
I"ve taken a lot of d3 (5000IU's daily) in my day throughout the decades and I just started taking 5000 IU soft gels with 120mcg k2 (mk-7) and only just now am I noticing the benefits of d3 that have been well documented like better stable mood, better focus and my circadian rhythm is better regulated, it seems to have reset my dopaminergic system to some degree; I can see this being used to help in treating addiction because certain daily addictions of mine are no longer daily addictions.
Have been taking about 100 micrograms of K2-MK7 for nearly 10 years. And D2. At 58 yo had significant calcification in 1 coronary artery. But also changed my diet to a heavy plant based as K1 is also implicated in better arterial health. I saw no risk in K2 supplement and realized that the benefit may be small but also make a difference over longer times than many studies are done. When dealing with arterial health we need to take a multifactorial approach and not just rely on one thing.
@@wiseowl1580 Thanks. That was a typo. Been taking 5000 IU D3 most day for years and even though I live in Florida and walk outside an hour a day, my blood level stays in the 40 to 50 ng/ml, not high be decent.
Hello Dr. would you consider presenting the research on aluminum poisoning from the environment and silica as a way to reduce the harm done by aluminum
I consume a package of Natto every day, which apparently has a about 300-400 micrograms of K2. I figure it's always better to get one's nutrients in food than in a pill, unless it's impossible. For Vitamin D, it's a different story, as there are few food sources that offer significant levels of vitamin D, and so the main way we can get it is being out in the sun, which has its own risks, so because of that D is one of the few nutrients I take by supplement (the others being B12 and Magnesium).
Am I to understand that Vitamin D was so named because it was identified as the factor preventing rickets in dog studies? That’s a good one for trivia night!
5:45 that danish study was testing if K2 could REVERSE calcium build up in the heart and bloodvessels but that's not the same thing as PREVENTION (prophylactic therapy).
I just subscribed. Can you please answer my confusion.. Is it ok to take vitamin d3 and k2 together? I take them in one capsule.. But I heard it may compete with absorption. Im taking Now brand currently.
@DrBrad: I had a heart attack this past summer and had three stents implanted. I am intensely interested in finding a means to reduce arterial plaque. I have been taking a supplement that has 10,000 units of vitamin D and 180 µg of the MK2 variant of vitamin K2. I have also significantly upped my intake of extra-virgin olive oil, and omega-3’s, and also 3 other substances, pomegranate, astaxanthin and natto. I would like to see you do a video (or perhaps 3 separate ones) on two different substances that are reputed to reduce plaque inside the arteries: first, pomegranate supplements; second, natto supplements - specifically, a daily dosage of approximately 10,000 FCU; and third, astaxanthin. TIA!
I started using K2 MK-7 maybe 1-1/2 years ago now. Started at 60mcg. While I didn't see a big difference in cholesterol numbers, surprisingly my A1c dropped from 5.4 to 5.0 and was still at 5.0 6 months later. I have since bumped up K2 MK-7 to 120mcg, 60mcg morning and night. I did have a CAC score of 50 in the LAD 3 years ago. Planning on getting another next year. Who knows, right?
Dr Brad, I watched the entire video however I didn't catch the part about taking Vitamin D3 and K2 together. What did I miss? Can you fill us in and fulfill the idea held in the title of the video? Thanks
@@DrBradStanfield I would really like you to look at the issue of taking these two supplements together in the manner you prescribe as many people could end up with too much K2
Very nice discussion of the state of research. I think that it is better to raise awareness of the difference between cis and trans isomers of K2. The effective one is the trans, while as I understood, the cis is cheaper to produce and thus some companies offer the cis isomer without mentioning it.
Dr. Brad, I believe you skipped mentioning if the timing of when you take the two vitamins matters?? Should they always be taken together for optimal effect or does it not matter, as long as they are taken within 24 hours from each other? 🤔😉
I recently saw a claim that, in fact, it's important to take them separately, so I agree that it would've been helpful for Dr. S to have addressed that question.
I personally take them together. Vitamin D3 is fat soluble (meaning that the body can store it), so I wouldn't have thought that taking D3 and K2 separately would matter? Easier to take them together
@@DrBradStanfieldso what was the logic behind the title if it's not something that's even debatable as per your own protocol of taking these vitamins?
Ty Dr. Stanfield. I struggle with taking it because I eat late and don't want the zoomies. Any suggestion on what I can take it with, without breaking fast? 💚❤️🎄❄️☃️
Why is there no mention of the different supplement forms of K2 mk7 CIS vs. TRANS. Most available cheap K2 supplements are of the CIS form and are therefore far less effective than the TRANS form. This might explain some of the difference in study results seen.
@Reachland02 for him it's a good thing. Vitiligo means he has spots of skin without pigment which I think is an autoimmune issue. It's probably having a positive/healthy effect on his immune system.
I read that Vitamin K2 is compromised if you take Rosuvastatin. Is that true and, if so, should someone on this statin take a larger amount of Vitamin K2? I am on this statin and take your Multi and 400mg of Vit. K2. Maybe that’s too much?
Can someone tell me why they have to call these vitamins K1 and K2? Just like they have all these B vitamins that are totally different. Why didn’t they just use another letter. It’s confusing. Why not vitamin Z, or X? Where’s vitamin F? Would make it a whole lot easier.
I have high cholesterol from genetics and have been taking statins for over 20 years. My CAC is 450. I am currently taking vitamin K2 180 mcg/day. Is this good or bad? Some reports say that statins cause plaques to have calcium deposits that prevent them from easily rupturing. So if we take vitamin K2, will it cause stable plaques to change to unstabilized plaques and rupture easily?
If your blood vessels got calcified/stiffed I'd think you would then have high blood pressure at some point and have to take metoprolol in the long terms. Since cholesterol is a genetic challenge maybe take low dose of Statin and change lifestyle while taking K2/D3 and pray.
that's what I would like to know too, I take statins (rosuvastatin + ezetemibe) and I'm integrating 180 mcg of k2 and 10000 iu of vitamin D3. I would like to know if it is dangerous to dissolve the calcium in the plaques or if it is better for the plaques to remain calcified. No one wants to answer this question
@@baycchief3785 Fortunately, my blood pressure is usually quite low, around 110/70 But I don’t understand why high LDL from genetics is dangerous, while high LDL from a keto diet is not?
@@taninota70 Last month I went to get my blood tested for my vitamin D level and it was found to be as low as 16. I have now started taking 2000 IU of vitamin D per day, hoping that it will help or something, but I don't dare take 10,000 IU because I saw some research that said that if you take more than 4000 IU per day, it can be dangerous and cause hypercalcemia.
@@sombatsaraburi I take 10,000 IU per day with 180 mcg of K2 separately. I would never dream of taking that amount of D3 without an adequate dose of K2. However, since I take statins I would like to know if I need to increase that dose of K2
No matter what, I take 90 mcg MK-7 and 2,000 iu D3, every day years now 🦋 I don’t know what to do about CALCIUM…plant based, rock ore based? I’m confused about that. 💔
I was interested in the combo for osteoporosis after getting a report of some calcification in blood vessels. But I found that K2 is not for me due to AFib.
@@quepadrequemadreeducadores7237 ah this is what I was looking for. I knew I heard somewhere that it’s better to take them separately at different times just wasn’t sure where
Hi doctor, thanks for the video, I use to take D3 and K2 MK7, I've heard about the intake relation between them (excuse my english, I'm Italian) has to be 1:10 (i.e. 2.000 Ui D3: 200 Micrograms K2). Is this correct? Thank you
i have a cac score of 400 have been taking mk7 and d3 for 2 years now. I have no idea if it is helping. I dont want to have the my calcified plaque break away. ANY THOUGHTS I am 75
These are both fat soluble vitamins so they accumulate in the body over a long period of time. You can take them at any point. Even doesn't have to be on the same day.
It's a mistake to think vitamin D is only for calcium uptake and building bone. It also very important for the immune system, and that's why we need more of it than the RDA suggests. By the way, a more complete cocktail for bone and joints health is more like: Magnesium Vitamin D3 and K2, Boron Collagen Vitamin D increases the bodys calcium uptake, so we usually get enough of that from food. And we usually get enough of vitamin A from food too. We also usually get enough phosphorus from food. So those are not in my list, although they work together with the rest for building bone. Researchers like to look at only one thing at the time, but that's not how the body works. It's also somewhat idiotic to only look at double blind random research when looking at nutrition. The reason for this is partly because no one is compleatly in the control group. Everyone has some of the stuff they are trying to test.
You say that Vitamin D is "a Vitamin after all and our bodies can't produce " it. But you know this is incorrect.. you already mentioned it in the video how re sunshine. Some doctors where I live suggest megadosing D (i.e., 5000 mg / day) and taking all year round, which is actually not aligned with some new data.
Recent research has shown that statins can increase CAC levels by 10-15% annually so if taking for a long time period you may end up with high CAC scores. In addition statins can increase hard cap on plaque which would be beneficial. Now taking vitamin D, K and magnesium but not sure if this going to beneficial or detrimental. Further research needed.
There is something unusual in your behavior and we need to clarify the reason why your eyes are like headlights.. what are the supplements you are taking?
All 13 study references are in the video's description.
💊MicroVitamin (multivitamin & mineral that I take): drstanfield.com/products/microvitamin
For extra insights + a free health checklist, sign up here 👉 drstanfield.com/pages/sign-up
Thanks for good informative posting. Really bright man.
Hey Doc, trying to sign up for the microvitamin, i live in wellington but all prices are in USD? If i sign up for 6 months are these actually USD prices? Cheers
Olive oil which is actually GREAT GOR THE HEART, & VALVES, ARTERIES ETC.
2:15 actually the 3 vitamins and minerals you want to supplement with (for bone health) is Vitamin D, K2 and Magnesium and stay away from calcium supplementation.
why?
Agreed. I take Vitamin D3, K2, and Magnesium as part of MicroVitamin, and get calcium from my diet alone
@@DrBradStanfieldwhat about zinc and boron for men that want to raise their testosterone. Can you do an episode on natural dietary testosterone enhancement
Boron
@@SessleIsosceles not same time with magnesium or zin though because they would antagonize eachother for absorption, right?
🎯 Key points for quick navigation:
00:00 *📖 The Origin of Vitamin D and K2 Role in Health*
- The history of Vitamin D discovery related to rickets in children,
- Vitamin D helps absorb calcium and stimulate bone formation,
- Vitamin K2's role in coagulation and bone health begins to emerge.
02:43 *🦴 Evaluating Bone Health Benefits of Vitamin K2*
- Vitamin K2 is theorized to strengthen bones by aiding calcium placement,
- Mixed results from clinical trials exploring Vitamin K2's effectiveness for bone health,
- Longer trials show promise with certain Vitamin K2 forms and dosages.
04:47 *❤️ Investigating Cardiovascular Health Claims*
- Examines heart valve calcification effects of Vitamin K2 without clear benefits,
- Observational and clinical trials suggest benefits in blood vessel health,
- Discrepancies in findings highlight the complexity of dietary Vitamin K2 effects.
09:12 *🩺 Analyzing Study Findings and Future Directions*
- Potential for Vitamin K2 to reduce calcification in high-risk individuals,
- Distinction between stabilizing and harmful effects on blood vessel plaques,
- Encouragement for further research to substantiate cardiovascular health benefits.
10:47 *🚦 Recommendations and Safety Considerations*
- Emphasizes need for dietary Vitamin K2 and D3 due to body's inability to produce them,
- No established recommended daily intake for Vitamin K2; personal supplement choice discussed,
- Safety considerations when using supplements, especially interactions with medications like warfarin.
Made with HARPA AI
Thank you for the MK7 recommendation. I used to get hematomas (blood blisters) in my mouth all the time since getting an adverse reaction to the Anthrax vaccine in the Army. About a decade of getting larger and larger hematomas, they suddenly stopped when I began drinking bulletproof coffee, which is coffee made with butter. Turns out that butter is rich in Vitamin K. When I found that out, I began taking Vitamin D/K2 daily, and have been taking it for more than a decade.
I LOVE your channel. I appreciate seeing both positive and negative evidence for medical claims. Science is hard.
I am 32 and was diagnosed with osteopenia at 30 which was borderline osteoporosis. Thank you for providing information like this. I am already on the vitamin k2 and vitamin D train, and combine this with resistance training. I have found that doctors will not talk about things like vitamin K2, vitamin D, or the importance of resistance training. Instead I've found in my experience the focus has been on calcium intake, bone medication (which I also take) and weight bearing exercise like walking.
I have been a sub since your early days and you are doing a great job with the improved production / editing of your vids!
Great vid, thanks doc! 🌟
I had cholesterol 3 years ago, I refused to take medicine, I tried intermittent fasting and took vitamin K2 MK-7 (100 mcg) and vit D3. After 3 months, I had a blood test to do and the result was that I don't have cholesterol anymore. Since that time, I continue to take vit K2 MK-7 + vit D3.
Dosage of your D3?
Re: bioavailability of the various forms of VK2
MK7 IS available to be measured in serum for longer than other forms available as supplements, but this ignores a fundamental pathway of VK absorption. VK is largely cleaved in small intestine, removing side chains to "create" meniadione, vitamin K3, which is taken up by chylomicrons and carried away via lymph. This VK3 is preferentially converted in body-wide tissues by the enzyme UBIAD1 (also known as TERE1) into MK-4, a hormone that binds SXR and affects many genes.
All forms of dietary VK can undergo this process.
Thank you, very interesting. So are you saying that MK7 is not superior as it will get converted to MK4 anyway? MK7 gives me terrible insomnia, whereas MK4 doesn’t, but lots Dr’s saying MK7 is superior, would be great to know that MK4 is good as well.
@Kaz-fb9lz Data support that all forms of VK can do this gut cleaving, attachment to chylomicrons and then transport via lymph
We've thought that serum levels were representative of VK status, but this appears to be incorrect. Since dietary MK-4 disappears so quickly, it might be the 'best' type of VK to actually become tissue MK-4. But we don't know yet. We measure serum levels.
I endorse all dietary forms of VK. MK-9 is super common in meats, for example, along with MK-4, MK-10. And supplements that contain multiple forms of VK is probably a good idea.
Because this goes right over my head, I asked ChatGPT to validate it. With the usual caveat about hallucination, here's the response:
The claims you've presented touch on the bioavailability and metabolism of Vitamin K (VK) and its different forms. Here's an evaluation based on scientific literature and current understanding:
---
### 1. **"MK-7 remains measurable in serum for longer than other forms available as supplements."**
This is accurate. MK-7, a form of Vitamin K2, has a much longer half-life in the bloodstream compared to other forms like MK-4. This extended presence allows it to be more readily detected in serum and possibly exert effects over a prolonged period. This is one reason why MK-7 is commonly used in studies.
---
### 2. **"Vitamin K is largely cleaved in the small intestine, removing side chains to create menadione (VK3), which is then transported via lymph."**
This is partially correct but requires clarification:
- **Cleavage to VK3 (Menadione):** The extent to which dietary Vitamin K1 or K2 is converted to VK3 in the intestine is not well established. There is evidence that side-chain modifications of Vitamin K2 occur in tissues, but VK3 is not typically considered a primary intermediate from dietary Vitamin K.
- **Absorption via chylomicrons and lymph:** Vitamin K is fat-soluble and absorbed in the small intestine through chylomicrons, transported via the lymphatic system. This pathway applies to all forms of Vitamin K.
---
### 3. **"VK3 is preferentially converted to MK-4 by UBIAD1 (TERE1)."**
This is correct. UBIAD1 is a key enzyme in the conversion of menadione (VK3) to MK-4. MK-4 is unique because it is found in many tissues, where it acts as a hormone and regulates gene expression via the SXR nuclear receptor.
---
### 4. **"All forms of dietary Vitamin K can undergo this gut cleaving, chylomicron attachment, and transport."**
Evidence supports that all Vitamin K forms undergo chylomicron-mediated absorption and transport via lymph. However, the claim that all forms are cleaved to VK3 in the gut needs more scientific evidence for confirmation.
---
### 5. **"Serum levels may not accurately represent Vitamin K status, especially for MK-4."**
This is a well-supported observation:
- Serum measurements primarily reflect circulating Vitamin K but may not capture tissue-specific uptake or conversion to MK-4, which is rapidly absorbed and disappears from serum quickly.
- Tissue levels of MK-4 are likely better indicators of Vitamin K status and functionality, but these are harder to measure.
---
### 6. **"MK-4 might be the 'best' type of VK to become tissue MK-4."**
This hypothesis aligns with research suggesting that dietary MK-4 is efficiently taken up and deposited in tissues. However, this has not been definitively proven for all tissues and contexts, as the body's conversion pathways allow other forms to contribute to tissue MK-4 pools.
---
### 7. **"Endorsing all dietary forms of VK, including MK-9, MK-10, and supplements with multiple VK forms, is a good idea."**
This is reasonable advice:
- Different Vitamin K forms have unique bioavailability, tissue distribution, and functional roles.
- Including multiple forms of Vitamin K in the diet or supplements can ensure broader coverage for physiological needs, especially as some (like MK-7 and MK-4) may have distinct benefits.
---
### Summary
Your claims are largely consistent with current scientific understanding, though the role of VK3 as a gut-cleaving intermediate could use stronger direct evidence. The overall endorsement of multiple forms of dietary Vitamin K is a sound approach based on their diverse functions and tissue-specific effects.
I'm a 72 year old male. I read an article on vitamin D3 about a week ago. I thought to myself, this sounds interesting. So when I went shopping last week at Kroger's, I got a small bottle of Kroger brand D3. It wasn't very expensive, about $6.00, or $7.00 bucks. Some of these brands can get really expensive, I'm retired, and on a fixed budget, so I got what I could afford just to try out. I can honestly say, after taking vitamin D3 for 4 days now, my memory has definitly improved, it's sharper, recall is quicker, etc. I can't say this supplement will work for everyone, (there's no size fits all), but it definitly works for me, I will definitly continue to take it. I don't get a lot of natural sunlight, so this really helps. 👍🙂
I"ve taken a lot of d3 (5000IU's daily) in my day throughout the decades and I just started taking 5000 IU soft gels with 120mcg k2 (mk-7) and only just now am I noticing the benefits of d3 that have been well documented like better stable mood, better focus and my circadian rhythm is better regulated, it seems to have reset my dopaminergic system to some degree; I can see this being used to help in treating addiction because certain daily addictions of mine are no longer daily addictions.
Have been taking about 100 micrograms of K2-MK7 for nearly 10 years. And D2. At 58 yo had significant calcification in 1 coronary artery. But also changed my diet to a heavy plant based as K1 is also implicated in better arterial health. I saw no risk in K2 supplement and realized that the benefit may be small but also make a difference over longer times than many studies are done. When dealing with arterial health we need to take a multifactorial approach and not just rely on one thing.
I believe you also need D3. 💡
@@wiseowl1580Vit D3 and K2 (MK7) and in the evening magnesium citrate and zinc
@@wiseowl1580 Thanks. That was a typo. Been taking 5000 IU D3 most day for years and even though I live in Florida and walk outside an hour a day, my blood level stays in the 40 to 50 ng/ml, not high be decent.
Just to clarify, were you 58 years old 10 years ago or you are 58 years old now?
@atlskyline1 70 now. Supplementing a bit over 10 years. Diet change immediately. Also physical activity daily.
Hello Dr. would you consider presenting the research on aluminum poisoning from the environment and silica as a way to reduce the harm done by aluminum
Great information, thank you!
I consume a package of Natto every day, which apparently has a about 300-400 micrograms of K2. I figure it's always better to get one's nutrients in food than in a pill, unless it's impossible. For Vitamin D, it's a different story, as there are few food sources that offer significant levels of vitamin D, and so the main way we can get it is being out in the sun, which has its own risks, so because of that D is one of the few nutrients I take by supplement (the others being B12 and Magnesium).
Am I to understand that Vitamin D was so named because it was identified as the factor preventing rickets in dog studies? That’s a good one for trivia night!
I eat Japsnese natto with egg yolks every morning.
finally asking the real questions
excellent discussion
8:55 those % are so small, I honestly would not bet my health and supplement protocols on that..
It also states later "No significant difference between the two groups"
5:45 that danish study was testing if K2 could REVERSE calcium build up in the heart and bloodvessels but that's not the same thing as PREVENTION (prophylactic therapy).
I just subscribed. Can you please answer my confusion.. Is it ok to take vitamin d3 and k2 together? I take them in one capsule.. But I heard it may compete with absorption. Im taking Now brand currently.
I think boron also plays a role in calcium utilization.
@DrBrad: I had a heart attack this past summer and had three stents implanted. I am intensely interested in finding a means to reduce arterial plaque. I have been taking a supplement that has 10,000 units of vitamin D and 180 µg of the MK2 variant of vitamin K2. I have also significantly upped my intake of extra-virgin olive oil, and omega-3’s, and also 3 other substances, pomegranate, astaxanthin and natto.
I would like to see you do a video (or perhaps 3 separate ones) on two different substances that are reputed to reduce plaque inside the arteries: first, pomegranate supplements; second, natto supplements - specifically, a daily dosage of approximately 10,000 FCU; and third, astaxanthin. TIA!
I started using K2 MK-7 maybe 1-1/2 years ago now. Started at 60mcg. While I didn't see a big difference in cholesterol numbers, surprisingly my A1c dropped from 5.4 to 5.0 and was still at 5.0 6 months later. I have since bumped up K2 MK-7 to 120mcg, 60mcg morning and night. I did have a CAC score of 50 in the LAD 3 years ago. Planning on getting another next year. Who knows, right?
May i know your age?
@keith1273 almost 66yo female
@AliceR27 you are so healthy. God bless you
@keith1273 OH, I have plaque in my arteries, high ApoB, and macular degeneration. We all end up with stuff.
Thanks again doc!
Dr Brad, I watched the entire video however I didn't catch the part about taking Vitamin D3 and K2 together. What did I miss? Can you fill us in and fulfill the idea held in the title of the video? Thanks
I personally take both D3 and K2 as part of MicroVitamin
@@DrBradStanfield I would really like you to look at the issue of taking these two supplements together in the manner you prescribe as many people could end up with too much K2
TLDW: Yep.
thank you!
TLDW, K2 dosage?
@@joek292 Go watch it already
K2 Menakinone Mk7 was always the true hero that carries Calcium to the Osteoblasts not D3😂🤣
Chiropractor Eric Berg recommends doses up to 50.000 IUs per day for autoimmune people and those with vit D resistance
Very nice discussion of the state of research. I think that it is better to raise awareness of the difference between cis and trans isomers of K2. The effective one is the trans, while as I understood, the cis is cheaper to produce and thus some companies offer the cis isomer without mentioning it.
Yes. Buy all-trans MK7.
Natto, a japanese soy bean fermented food is plenty of vit K2. 😊
Dr. Brad, I believe you skipped mentioning if the timing of when you take the two vitamins matters?? Should they always be taken together for optimal effect or does it not matter, as long as they are taken within 24 hours from each other? 🤔😉
I recently saw a claim that, in fact, it's important to take them separately, so I agree that it would've been helpful for Dr. S to have addressed that question.
Someone said they didn’t take them together. I forgot what their reasoning was. Need to look into it
I personally take them together. Vitamin D3 is fat soluble (meaning that the body can store it), so I wouldn't have thought that taking D3 and K2 separately would matter? Easier to take them together
@@DrBradStanfieldso what was the logic behind the title if it's not something that's even debatable as per your own protocol of taking these vitamins?
You take them together. That's why they combine them together in the Capsule. DUH ...
Thank you Dr your an amazing person going to so much trouble on all our behalf God keep you safe.
Ty Dr. Stanfield. I struggle with taking it because I eat late and don't want the zoomies. Any suggestion on what I can take it with, without breaking fast? 💚❤️🎄❄️☃️
Why is there no mention of the different supplement forms of K2 mk7 CIS vs. TRANS. Most available cheap K2 supplements are of the CIS form and are therefore far less effective than the TRANS form. This might explain some of the difference in study results seen.
K2 mk7 in Trans form is by far the best. And the brand that I take is (Life Extension - Super K)
None of the plaque reductions were significant (although the event reduction was - just).
Natto for K2 mk-7. I eat it every day.
Why are some doctors on UA-cam touting taking d3 and k2 at opposite ends of the day/separately. To prevent hypercalcemia?? Are they dense?
Brad, You always give the best objective analysis of medications and supplements.
Thank you for your amazing work.
Ive been taking 5000 iu vit d3 and k2 mk7 90 iu for a few years now.
I’ve been taking Vitamin D 10000 IU’s with 240 mcg of Vitamin K2. I’ve notice my skin is getting increased pigmentation. I have Vitiligo
Is that a good thing or bad thing?
@Reachland02 for him it's a good thing. Vitiligo means he has spots of skin without pigment which I think is an autoimmune issue. It's probably having a positive/healthy effect on his immune system.
Dr. how about Vit D and K2 intake with magnesium citrate (in the evening) and zinc?
Yup, I also take Magnesium and Zinc with D3/K2 as part of MicroVitamin :-)
I read that Vitamin K2 is compromised if you take Rosuvastatin. Is that true and, if so, should someone on this statin take a larger amount of Vitamin K2? I am on this statin and take your Multi and 400mg of Vit. K2. Maybe that’s too much?
Can someone tell me why they have to call these vitamins K1 and K2? Just like they have all these B vitamins that are totally different. Why didn’t they just use another letter. It’s confusing. Why not vitamin Z, or X? Where’s vitamin F? Would make it a whole lot easier.
I’m gonna get Kennedy on this. 😝
Because vitamin K was discovered in Germany. It comes from the German word Koagulation. "The process by which a blood clot is formed"
K1 and K2 can sometimes be converted into each other
Whats a good minimum dose of magnesium for suplement?
What is your opinion on taking these vitamins with Magnesium and Omega 3 Fatty Acids?
That's what I personally do. Here's my list of supplements that I take: drstanfield.com/pages/my-supplements
I have high cholesterol from genetics and have been taking statins for over 20 years. My CAC is 450. I am currently taking vitamin K2 180 mcg/day. Is this good or bad? Some reports say that statins cause plaques to have calcium deposits that prevent them from easily rupturing. So if we take vitamin K2, will it cause stable plaques to change to unstabilized plaques and rupture easily?
If your blood vessels got calcified/stiffed I'd think you would then have high blood pressure at some point and have to take metoprolol in the long terms. Since cholesterol is a genetic challenge maybe take low dose of Statin and change lifestyle while taking K2/D3 and pray.
that's what I would like to know too, I take statins (rosuvastatin + ezetemibe) and I'm integrating 180 mcg of k2 and 10000 iu of vitamin D3. I would like to know if it is dangerous to dissolve the calcium in the plaques or if it is better for the plaques to remain calcified. No one wants to answer this question
@@baycchief3785 Fortunately, my blood pressure is usually quite low, around 110/70 But I don’t understand why high LDL from genetics is dangerous, while high LDL from a keto diet is not?
@@taninota70 Last month I went to get my blood tested for my vitamin D level and it was found to be as low as 16. I have now started taking 2000 IU of vitamin D per day, hoping that it will help or something, but I don't dare take 10,000 IU because I saw some research that said that if you take more than 4000 IU per day, it can be dangerous and cause hypercalcemia.
@@sombatsaraburi I take 10,000 IU per day with 180 mcg of K2 separately. I would never dream of taking that amount of D3 without an adequate dose of K2. However, since I take statins I would like to know if I need to increase that dose of K2
No matter what, I take 90 mcg MK-7 and 2,000 iu D3, every day years now 🦋 I don’t know what to do about CALCIUM…plant based, rock ore based? I’m confused about that. 💔
I was interested in the combo for osteoporosis after getting a report of some calcification in blood vessels. But I found that K2 is not for me due to AFib.
Doc will you consider adding Strontium to your Microvitamin?
What about fermented cabbage or cucumbers / tomatoes? Are they a good source of vitamin K2?
Doc, why did I have an increase of calcium in my blood - blood not bones - when I added K2 to D3? No one can answer the question.
Dr. Ford Brewer advices...take broth but never toghether
@@quepadrequemadreeducadores7237 ah this is what I was looking for. I knew I heard somewhere that it’s better to take them separately at different times just wasn’t sure where
@@quepadrequemadreeducadores7237why should they not be taken together?
Hi doctor, thanks for the video, I use to take D3 and K2 MK7, I've heard about the intake relation between them (excuse my english, I'm Italian) has to be 1:10 (i.e. 2.000 Ui D3: 200 Micrograms K2). Is this correct?
Thank you
nobody has specific information yet we aren't even sure if they are effective
I took K2D3 during covid years.
i have a cac score of 400 have been taking mk7 and d3 for 2 years now. I have no idea if it is helping. I dont want to have the my calcified plaque break away. ANY THOUGHTS I am 75
Should D and K be taken with the same meal?
These are both fat soluble vitamins so they accumulate in the body over a long period of time. You can take them at any point. Even doesn't have to be on the same day.
yeah it seems as your eyes constantly water or something
You need to find natural sources for both of these.
have you ever considered taking more mk7? people are taking 45mg of mk4
Only because of the short half life
It seems like 90 micrograms is the efficacious dose for VITAMIN K2 in women. Can you please add more for a 200 lbs male?
Should you take Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D3 together? If not, they why do they combine them together in the same capsule?
You can also get vitamin K2 naturally from food like butter and cheese from grass fed animals.
It's a mistake to think vitamin D is only for calcium uptake and building bone.
It also very important for the immune system, and that's why we need more of it than the RDA suggests.
By the way, a more complete cocktail for bone and joints health is more like:
Magnesium
Vitamin D3 and K2,
Boron
Collagen
Vitamin D increases the bodys calcium uptake, so we usually get enough of that from food.
And we usually get enough of vitamin A from food too. We also usually get enough phosphorus from food.
So those are not in my list, although they work together with the rest for building bone.
Researchers like to look at only one thing at the time, but that's not how the body works.
It's also somewhat idiotic to only look at double blind random research when looking at nutrition.
The reason for this is partly because no one is compleatly in the control group. Everyone has some of the stuff they are trying to test.
Zinc too
I suggest that you watch my full Vitamin D3 video here: ua-cam.com/video/PxvXKF0zLzo/v-deo.html
Its too bad a serving is five capsules
Would you prefer to take 1 giant capsule with all the ingredients?
@@TheYyam85ahaz So funny
@@mikeconnell698 just confused how the 5 capsule thing is an issue? There’s a lot of ingredients and you need to put them somewhere
@@TheYyam85ahaz your not confused. your just being sarcastic. so you can think about it
🎻
Yes but I take them at night, think they make me drowsy.
Bohužel, mnoho doplňků mk7 nyní obsahuje syntetickou formu.
but we need 5 capsules per day? ngl lie Im talking more than that now so maybe its worth it
You say that Vitamin D is "a Vitamin after all and our bodies can't produce " it. But you know this is incorrect.. you already mentioned it in the video how re sunshine. Some doctors where I live suggest megadosing D (i.e., 5000 mg / day) and taking all year round, which is actually not aligned with some new data.
There’s no Calcium in your Microvitamin, true?
Take calcium + D3 + k2 at the same time.
You don’t need to take calcium supplements when you take vitamin d3
Thanks. Ok, back to eating Natto for breakfast 😂
Just eat eggs for K2
Recent research has shown that statins can increase CAC levels by 10-15% annually so if taking for a long time period you may end up with high CAC scores. In addition statins can increase hard cap on plaque which would be beneficial. Now taking vitamin D, K and magnesium but not sure if this going to beneficial or detrimental. Further research needed.
There is something unusual in your behavior and we need to clarify the reason why your eyes are like headlights.. what are the supplements you are taking?
I’d just eat Natto for K2 150 mcg in a spoonful of the stuff😂
do they sell that in the states?
@ Yes, At many stores and online, Though I had to consult google since I live in Australia.
I wonder if that’s why the supplement Nattokinase is good for the heart.
@@atlskyline1 Because of Natto?
A bit of a sore throat today, or just too much cheering for your favorite team?
Get to the point….you confuse taking to neg…pos….neg….pos….neg….pos….get to the point.
Nuance is required
You just want to be spoon fed.
You're leaking the key of the pharmaceutical industry