Vitamin D is a powerhouse nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining our health. It is often called the "sunshine vitamin" because our bodies produce it in response to sunlight. When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun, it is converted to a compound called 7-dehydrocholesterol, and further processed in the liver and kidneys to become active.
Since sun exposure is highest between 11 am and 3 pm, it is for most people, especially in Northern Europe, difficult to get enough sun during the wintertime. We are mostly inside at work during the sunny hours, and in addition, clothes and sunscreen prevents the sunshine radiation to reach the skin. Most of us therefore need to take a vitamin D3 supplement to avoid deficiencies.
Vitamin D is more than just a supplement we take during the winter months. From supporting bone health to boosting immunity, vitamin D is essential for nearly every system in the body.
One of vitamin D's most well-known roles is its support of bone health. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is critical for building and maintaining strong bones. Without adequate vitamin D, the body cannot absorb calcium efficiently, increasing the risk of bone disorders like osteoporosis and fractures, particularly in older adults. However the benefits of vitamin D are not only limited to the skeleton - it plays an essential role for our muscles, regulating the immune system, and helping the body defend against harmful pathogens.
Did you know that vitamin d3 deficiency can be experienced as exhaustion and tiredness? Recent large observational data have suggested that ~40% of Europeans are vitamin D deficient (Malle O. et al 2020, Eur J Clin Nutr74(11)).
For centuries, people living in Norway and northern part of Europe relied on cod liver oil during the winter months, when sunlight was scarce, to ensure they received enough vitamin D, when this was once one of the sources to this vital vitamin. As food sources for vitamin D3 is limited, a food supplement with vitamin D3 is an ideal option to ensure an adequate daily intake.
With Eqology’s test-based concept, you can easily measure your own K2 and D3 results with the K2D3 Test kit. The results for D3 should be within 80-225 nmol/L (30-90ng/mL). Preferably in the upper parts of these measurements to have adequate levels of vitamin D3 in your body. By using the test-based concept, you can follow your results before and after intake of vitamin D3 products, and through yearly changes of sun exposure. This can identify possible deficiencies and yearly changes.
Vitamin D does not work optimally alone - its full benefits are often amplified when combined with other key nutrients, especially magnesium and vitamin K2. These nutrients collaborate to support various physiological functions, particularly bone health and calcium metabolism.
Magnesium plays a vital role in activating vitamin D in the body. Without adequate magnesium, vitamin D cannot be converted into its active form, which means it cannot perform its job of aiding calcium absorption. Magnesium also helps regulate calcium levels by preventing calcium buildup in soft tissues, it works to ensure that calcium is deposited in the bones and teeth - not in places where it can cause harm.
Vitamin K2 works alongside vitamin D to help guide calcium to the right places. On its own, vitamin D increases calcium absorption in the gut. However, vitamin K2 activates proteins that help direct calcium into the bones and away from the arteries. This ensures that calcium is utilised effectively to strengthen the skeletal system.
Together, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2 create a powerful trio that not only supports bone density, but also promotes vascular health, immune function, and muscle strength. When taken together, these nutrients work in harmony, providing a greater benefit than when taken individually. For optimal results, it is important to ensure you are getting all three in the correct amounts.
