Lack of certain vitamins in the human body can lead to poor health and a number of diseases. Some of the vital ones are vitamins D and K2. It is important to know what the lack of these substances can lead to, what properties they have and what contraindications they may have.
Record content:
- 1 Physical and chemical properties of vitamins D and K2
- 2 Indications for use
- 3 Possible contraindications
- 4 Why are they taken together
- 5 What dosage form to choose for children, where to buy, prices
- 6 The best vitamin D for kids
- 7 Vitamin K2 for children
- 8 Recommended daily allowance
- 9 Vitamin K2 video
Physical and chemical properties of vitamins D and K2
Vitamin D and K2 are fat-soluble substances that play an important role in the proper functioning of the body.
Together, they have a number of useful properties:
- Increase the body's immune defenses.
- Helps strengthen bone tissue.
- Transform the development of oncology.
- Improves the condition of the skin.
- Improves and stabilizes the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the body.
- Replenish calcium deficiency.
- Improves nerve conduction and muscle contractions.
- They slow down the aging process of cells by reducing the rate of accumulation of calcium salts in tissues and internal organs.
- Participate in the synthesis of proteins.
- Reduces the risk of heart and vascular diseases.
It should be noted that at present 7 different compounds are referred to the group of vitamins K, the main function of which is to normalize the processes of blood clotting.
One of these compounds, called menaquinone (K2), has a broader effect on the body: it normalizes and improves work organs of the digestive tract, improves the absorption of vitamins and other useful components that enter the body along with food.
Also, K2 relieves inflammation, eliminates minor internal bleeding of the digestive organs and helps to normalize the stool. Vitamin K2, in turn, consists of 2 substances MK-7 (found in sauerkraut and cabbage) and MK-4 (found in animal products).
Vitamin D stabilizes and improves the functioning of the nervous system. It helps to resist depressive conditions, improves sleep and appetite, increases brain activity, and normalizes the thyroid gland. Also, the vitamin helps to reduce high blood pressure, prevents the development of senile dementia and muscle cramps.
Vitamin D will be used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It is prescribed as an independent agent, as well as in combination with other types of therapy (for example, local and radiation therapy with quartz).
During treatment, the level of vitamin in blood and urine is constantly monitored in order to avoid hypervitaminosis - upon admission an excessive amount of vitamin D intoxication of the body occurs (one of the dangerous properties of the substance is manifested - toxicity).
In children, the signs of an excess of vitamin D are:
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss or noticeable reduction in weight gain.
- Apathy and general weakness.
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Impaired kidney function.
Indications for use
Vitamin D and K2 are recommended to be taken in combination in the following cases:
- Problems with blood clotting (with prolonged healing of injuries, spontaneous nosebleeds).
- Demineralization of tooth enamel.
- Osteoporosis (a disease caused by a decrease in the level of calcium in the bones), since the complex of vitamins prevents the leaching of calcium from the bone tissue.
- Lack of calcium and vitamin D, caused by malnutrition or increased need for various conditions of the body.
- For diseases of the liver and kidneys (used as an auxiliary drug).
- Bronchial asthma.
- Regulation of mineral metabolism in the body.
- Inflammatory processes of bone tissue and joints (for example, with arthritis).
- Treatment (as part of complex therapy) and prevention of diabetes mellitus (vitamins help control blood glucose levels).
- Increased fatigue.
- With rickets in children, as well as for its prevention. (Signs of the disease are constant anxiety of the child, growth retardation, delay in teething, increased sweating and restless sleep).
- Joint pain.
- During pregnancy (ensures proper bone formation in the fetus and helps reduce the likelihood of bleeding during childbirth).
- When breastfeeding. The complex of vitamins helps in the proper development of the skeleton of a newborn baby.
- Deterioration of vision and hair loss.
Possible contraindications
Vitamin complexes containing D and K2, despite all the benefits, are contraindicated for use with:
- Elevated levels of calcium in the body (eg, hypercalcemia).
- Excretion of calcium salts in the urine.
- Active form of tuberculosis.
- Increased sensitivity to drug substances.
- Disorders in the work of the kidneys.
- The formation of kidney stones.
- Malignant formations of bone tissue.
- Taking anticoagulants. These substances thin the blood, and K2, on the contrary, improves its coagulability, therefore, combined use leads to the neutralization of the therapeutic effect.
Vitamins, when taken simultaneously with antibiotics, slow down the process of their absorption from the digestive tract. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a 2-hour interval between medications. The use of laxatives reduces the rate at which vitamin D is absorbed.
It should be noted that vitamin complexes should be chosen according to the person's age. So, drugs for adults are not suitable for children, because they contain higher doses of vitamins. Subject to the recommendations indicated for use, side effects are rare.
Sometimes it can be observed:
- Digestive tract disorders causing constipation or diarrhea.
- Increased gas formation.
- Feeling nauseous.
- Pain in the abdomen.
- Allergic reactions.
- The accumulation of calcium salts in tissues and organs (with prolonged use).
In case of an overdose of vitamins, the above symptoms may occur, as well as headaches, dizziness and vomiting. In this case, you should stop using the vitamin complex and seek medical help.
To avoid a deterioration in well-being, it is recommended to consult with your doctor before starting taking vitamins to select the optimal treatment / prevention regimen and dosage.
Why are they taken together
Vitamin D and K2 are recommended to be taken in combination to enhance the positive effect on the immune, cardiovascular system and on the entire body as a whole. It has been established that K2 and vitamin D are involved in the metabolic processes of calcium in the body.
Vitamin D helps to improve and accelerate the absorption of calcium, and K2 is responsible for its transport to bone tissue and the removal of calcium crystals from soft tissues (kidneys, heart muscle, blood vessels). Also, K2 helps to reduce the possible toxic effects of vitamin D on the body. K2 enters the body with food, and is also synthesized by the intestinal microflora.
But if the digestive tract is disrupted, its level in the body may decrease. Therefore, it is recommended to take K2 additionally. The best option is the use of special vitamin complexes containing both vitamin D and K2.
In such preparations, the amount required for the body has already been calculated. And with separate reception, you will need to additionally calculate this value. It has been proven that joint administration maintains the elasticity of arteries in women during menopause, while taking only vitamin D does not provide such an effect.
What dosage form to choose for children, where to buy, prices
A variety of forms of vitamins release allows parents to choose the most convenient way of taking them. So, if the child refuses to take oily drops, sweet syrup can be offered to him.
Vitamins are available as:
- drops and syrups;
- chewable (jelly) tablets;
- sweet dragees (these can be sweets, lollipops, etc.);
- capsules.
For newborns, vitamins are intended in drop form or in the form of a syrup. Drops should be diluted with water before use. Chewable tablets may be offered to children over 3 years of age. To attract the attention of a child, they are often released in the form of multi-colored animals, figures and other interesting forms. You can also take vitamins in the form of capsules. The advantage of this form is the absence of colorants and additional sweeteners.
You can buy vitamin complexes with vitamins D and K2 in pharmacies, supermarkets, specialized outlets. It is better to buy drugs from sellers who have a license for the product and the corresponding quality certificates. The table below shows the most popular vitamin complexes of vitamin D and K2 and their average cost (the price is given from the websites of online pharmacies).
| Name / Brand | Vitamin form | Price |
| Thorne Research | Drops are made on the basis of triglyceride oil, which promotes better absorption of K2. | 720 RUB |
| Carlson labs | Drops | 3500 RUB |
| Nordic Naturals | Jelly Bean | From 2500 rub. |
| Minisun luusto | Chewable tablets | From 2000 rub. |
| KAL, Vitamin D-3 K-2 | Drops are made on the basis of olive oil, contain sweeteners and flavors of natural origin. | From 1500 rub. |
Often vitamin complexes with vitamins D and K2 contain calcium. They should be taken with caution, since with an excess of Ca in the body, it will begin to be deposited in the internal organs.
The best vitamin D for kids
Vitamin D is present in the human body in several forms, but the most important and necessary are two:
-
Ergocalciferol or vitamin It is synthesized by plants and fungi under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, but is not produced in the human body. Therefore, the main way of getting the vitamin into the body is the intake of fortified food (cereals, milk, mushrooms, fresh juices, etc.).
- Cholecalciferol or vitamin D3. This substance is synthesized by the body under the influence of ultraviolet rays of a certain spectrum (A and B). Also, the vitamin is found in food of animal origin - in fish, egg yolks, cheeses, butter, and more.
Studies have shown that D3 is metabolized faster in the body and does not cause toxic effects with prolonged use and overdose, unlike D2.
After entering the body, ergocalciferol breaks down into several components, the excess of which has a negative effect on the internal organs.
Also, vitamin D2 has a 20-40% lower efficiency and duration of exposure in comparison with D3. Therefore, when choosing vitamin complexes, it is recommended to give preference to those that contain vitamin D3.
The table below lists the best vitamin D preparations according to consumer and pediatric reviews.
| Release form | Name | Peculiarities |
| Drops | Carlson labs | The product does not contain preservatives, soy or gluten. It is economical - 1 drop contains the daily dose of vitamin D for children under 1 g. and 67% of the daily dosage for children aged 1-3 g. |
| California Gold Nutrition | The product is approved for use from birth, as well as for women during pregnancy. Additional ingredients are coconut oil. | |
| Ddrops | The American brand is free of gluten, preservatives, dairy products and other substances that cause allergies. | |
| Chewable tablets | Nature's Plus | Suitable for children over 2 years of age. The product does not contain artificial colors and flavors, and is produced in the form of multi-colored animals. |
| Natural factors | Approved for admission from 3 years old, does not contain synthetic flavors, preservatives and dyes. |
Vitamin K2 for children
Choosing vitamin K2 for children, you need to focus on the age of the child. You should also take into account the composition of the drug, pay attention to the shelf life and characteristics of consumption.
The most popular among consumers are the following vitamin preparations:
-
Organic Vitamin K2 (produced by ChildLife). The vitamin is available in the form of drops, has a natural berry taste, which makes children happy to use the product. It is suitable for babies from birth. The dosage of the vitamin is set based on the child's age. So, children from birth to 1 year old are given 1 drop every other day, children from 1 to 3 years old are shown to consume 3 drops daily, and for children over 4 years old, the dosage is 6 drops every day.
- Jelly vitamins CalciVit Kids (manufacturer Swiss Energy, Switzerland). This vitamin complex consists of calcium vitamin D3 and K2. It is optimally balanced to maintain proper bone growth and development in children. Vitamins are produced in the form of jelly lozenges with the taste of wild berries, suitable for use from the age of 3.
- Vitamin Code (Garden of Life) a multivitamin complex that contains whole food minerals and vitamins for the full development of the body and maintaining health. The product improves digestion, strengthens bones, increases immune defenses, and normalizes the functioning of the nervous system thanks to the content of 24 types of natural fruits and vegetables. The vitamin complex is intended for use by children over 4 years old, 2 jelly candies (in the form of teddy bears) a day.
Recommended daily allowance
Vitamin D and K2 will be beneficial if the recommended doses are followed, which depend on the age of the children.
So, the daily dosage of vitamin D is:
- For children from 0 to 6 months - 500 IU.
- Age 6-12 months - 1000 IU.
- Age 1-3 years - 1500 IU.
- Age 3-10 years - 1500-2000 IU.
This value may vary based on the child's health status, region of residence, and other factors. Only the attending pediatrician should select and prescribe the required dosage.
The average daily dosage for vitamin K2 for an adult is about 200 mcg.
The recommended amount of vitamin K for children of different ages is:
- From birth to 6 months - 2 mcg.
- From 6 months to 1 year - 2.5 mcg.
- 1-3 years - 30 mcg.
- From 3 to 8 years old - 55 mcg.
- From 8 to 13 years old - 60 mcg.
- 13-18 years old - 75 mcg.
- From 18 years of age and older - 125 mcg.
When taken simultaneously with high doses of vitamin D, the amount of K2 can be increased. For better assimilation, the vitamin is recommended to be taken with meals that contain fats. The best option would be breakfast or dinner, including eggs, meat or fish.
Vitamin D in combination with vitamin K2 helps prevent diseases of the bone tissue, cardiovascular system and blood. The main thing is not to self-medicate and consult a doctor to select a suitable vitamin complex and dosage.
Vitamin K2 video
Why, where and how much. Vitamin K2:
