Magnesium + Vitamin K2 with D3 is one of the most comprehensive formulations available on the market today

How does it work?

While vitamin D has long been known to assist calcium absorption, it is vitamin K, through its carboxylation of osteocalcin, which guides this calcium to bones and prevents their absorption into organs, joint spaces and arteries. The latest scientific research is focusing on the synergistic relationship between vitamin K2 and vitamin D3, for optimal bone and cardiovascular health. Although most people consume adequate dietary vitamin K to maintain sufficient blood clotting, most do not consume enough to meet cardiovascular and bone health needs. In fact, approximately 70% of the western population is deficient in vitamin K2.

Research also indicates that Magnesium plays a vital role in the absorption and metabolism of vitamin D by supporting the enzymatic processes required for its activation and function. Inadequate magnesium levels can lead to reduced efficiency of the enzymes involved in vitamin D activation and metabolism. This means that even if you have sufficient vitamin D intake or synthesis, your body might not be able to convert it into its active form without enough magnesium. As a result, low magnesium levels can contribute to a functional deficiency in vitamin D.

Vitamin K2, Vitamin D, and Magnesium deficiencies are prevalent health concerns affecting millions of people worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency alone affects an estimated 1 billion people globally, while approximately 80% of the US population does not get enough magnesium from their diets. And it is believed a staggering 97% of people in the U.S. are deficient in Vitamin K2. These nutrient deficiencies can have serious implications for overall health, particularly in terms of bone health and cardiovascular function.

Our unique bundle brings together the powerful synergy of Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3, and Magnesium, which work in concert to promote bone health, regulate calcium metabolism, and support various biological functions. Vitamin D3 is essential for enhancing calcium absorption, while Vitamin K2 ensures that calcium is directed to the bones and teeth, preventing arterial calcification. Magnesium plays a crucial role in activating and metabolizing Vitamin D and is integral to bone mineralization. This carefully formulated bundle offers a comprehensive solution to address the interdependence of these nutrients and helps you achieve optimal bone health, improved cardiovascular function, and overall well-being.

What is Vitamin K2 with D3?

New research is focusing on the synergistic relationship between vitamin K2 and vitamin D3, for bone and cardiovascular health.1 A group of naturally occurring and structurally similar, fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin K is essential for the proper utilization of calcium. Through its activation of the protein osteocalcin, vitamin K helps to bind newly absorbed calcium to the mineral matrix in bone. In addition, vitamin K has been found to help maintain bone mineral density by decreasing the activity of osteoclasts, a cell that breaks down the bone matrix.2 Vitamin K also provides critical cardiovascular protection by helping to activate matrix Gla protein (MGP), an enzyme that works by inhibiting calcium from being deposited into the arteries.3,4 Thus, vitamin K and vitamin D not only share similar qualities, but they also act synergistically within the body.5 Vitamin K2 with D3 includes 45 mcg of MenaQ7® PRO, the most widely studied form of vitamin K2 as MK-7, and 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 per capsule for optimal absorption and use by the body.

Overview

While vitamin D has long been known to assist calcium absorption, it is vitamin K, through its carboxylation of osteocalcin, which guides this calcium to bones and prevents their absorption into organs, joint spaces and arteries. Vitamin K occurs in two main forms: K1 (phylloquinone), derived from foods such as green leafy vegetables and K2 (menaquinone), which is a group of related compounds differentiated by their side chains. Numerous studies have shown that vitamin K2 as MK-7 is the more bioavailable form of the nutrient 7 and more powerfully influences bone building than K1. In addition, though both reach the liver, most of the K1 is used for purposes of coagulation, with little left over to support the body’s needs elsewhere.8 The profoundly different degree of bioavailability between K1 and K2 is due to differences in structure: Only 10- 20% of vitamin K1 that is absorbed from food even reaches circulation, while the long side-chain of vitamin K2 allows it to bind with fat particles in circulation and facilitate its arrival at soft tissue, bones and arteries. There are two forms of vitamin K2 commonly used in supplements: MK-4 and MK-7. The MK-7 form has been shown to have six times the activity of MK-4 in the blood.7 MK-7 has also been found to remain in the blood approximately nine times as long as the MK-4 (eight hours versus 72 hours), making it the optimal form of K2 for health.9

The addition of MenaQ7® PRO to this formula is backed by extensive research. Dr. Leon Schurgers, world-renowned expert in vitamin K2 as MK-7 research for cardiovascular and bone health, and his team of research scientists have conducted over 15 clinical trials on MenaQ7® PRO through the University of Maastricht.

Vitamin K Depletion†

Although most people consume adequate dietary vitamin K to maintain sufficient blood clotting, most do not consume enough to meet cardiovascular and bone health needs. In fact, approximately 70% of the western population is deficient in vitamin K2. Compromised intestinal absorption can also lead to insufficient K2 levels leaving calcium available to be exported out of bone and into other tissues. Other medications such as antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering medications and laxatives have also been found to contribute to a deficiency of vitamin K.10

Bone Health†

Building and maintaining healthy bones requires a number of key nutrients including vitamin K, for the proper binding of calcium to the bone matrix. A 2005 study from northern Finland found that those with greater levels of vitamin K-carboxylated osteocalcin had stronger bones than those with lower levels of the protein. A Japanese study found superior bone health among women who were frequent MK-7-rich natto eaters than those who were not.11 Another randomized study which split 172 women into a vitamin K2 group, a vitamin D3 group, a vitamin K2 and D3 group, and a placebo group for two years found that the combination of vitamin D3 and K2 had the most benefits for supporting bone health among the groups.12

Cardiovascular Health and Blood Sugar Balance†

Vitamin K plays a key role in supporting the cardiovascular system as well as blood sugar balance already within normal levels. In a large population study, researchers found that those who consumed high amounts of K2 had significantly better cardiovascular health markers compared to those given vitamin K1.13 Studies have also shown vitamin K supports healthy blood sugar metabolism.14,15 V7 Supplement Facts Serving Size 1 Capsule Servings Per Container 30 & 60

Vit Immune Modulation†

New evidence also suggests vitamin K plays a central role in balancing immune health. Recent studies have shown that both vitamins D and K impart immune-modulating effects. In the Framingham Offspring Study, one of the longest standing studies on generational health, higher serum levels of vitamins D and K were associated with stronger immune function and a balanced inflammatory response.16,17 In a 2011 study, vitamin K was also found to suppress various markers of the immune system.18 Triage Theory The Triage Theory states that in the face of nutrient inadequacies, nature ensures short term survival of a cell is protected at the expense of long-term consequences.20,21 Vitamin K is an excellent example of this theory. Hypothetically, a short-term deficiency in vitamin K would lead to a reduction in blood clotting. This direct threat to survival does not happen, as the body uses its metabolic reserve of vitamin K to ensure immediate needs are met. If continued, this could begin to impact long-term reserves of vitamin K, reserves which are vital for the maintenance of proper bone strength and arterial elasticity. These issues are related to a loss of vitamin K-dependent proteins not required for short term survival, nevertheless presenting long-term health challenges.20

Directions

1 capsule per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Does Not Contain

Gluten, yeast, artificial colors or flavors

Cautions

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product. All forms of Vitamin K may interact with blood thinning medications. If you are taking such medicines please consult with your physician before taking this product

References

1. Schurgers LJ, Spronk HM, Soute BA, Schiffers PM, DeMey JG, Vermeer C. Blood. Regression of warfarin-induced medial elastocalcinosis by high intake of vitamin K in rats 2007;109(7):2823-31. 2. Weber P. Management of osteoporosis: is there a role for vitamin K? Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1997;67(5):350-6. 3. Geleijnse JM, et al. Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: the Rotterdam Study. J Nutr 2004;134(11):3100-5. 4. Beulens JW, High dietary menaquinone intake is associated with reduced coronary calcification. Atherosclerosis 2009;203(2):489- 93. Epub 2008 Jul 19. 5. Kidd PM. Vitamins D and K as pleiotropic nutrients: clinical importance to the skeletal and cardiovascular systems and preliminary evidence for synergy. Altern Med Rev 2010;15(3):199-222. 6. Plaza SM, Lamson DW. Vitamin K2 in bone metabolism and osteoporosis. Altern Med Rev 2005;10(1):24-35. 7. Schurgers LJ, Teunissen KJ, Hamulyák K, Knapen MH, Vik H, Vermeer C. Vitamin K-containing dietary supplements: comparison of synthetic vitamin K1 and natto-derived menaquinone. Blood 2007;109(8): 3279-83. Epub 2006 Dec 7. -7. 8. Shearer MJ. Vitamin K metabolism and nutriture. Blood Rev 1992;6(2):92-104. 9. Unpublished clinical studies, NattoPharma. On file 10. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement-depletion-links/drugs-that-deplete-vitamin-k 11. Kaneki M, Hodges SJ, Hosoi T, Fujiwara S, Lyons A, Crean SJ, Ishida N, Nakagawa M, Takechi M, Sano Y, Mizuno Y, Hoshino S, Miyao M, Inoue S, Horiki K, Shiraki M, Ouchi Y, Orimo H. Japanese fermented soybean food as the major determinant of the large geographic difference in circulating levels of vitamin K2: possible implications for hip-fracture risk. Nutrition 2001; 17(4):315-21. 12. Ushiroyama T, Ikeda A, Ueki M. Effect of continuous combined therapy with vitamin K(2) and vitamin D(3) on bone mineral density and coagulofibrinolysis function in postmenopausal women. Maturitas 2002; 41(3):211-21. 13. Geleijnse JM, Vermeer C, Grobbee DE, Schurgers LJ, Knapen MH, van der Meer IM, Hofman A, Witteman JC. Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: the Rotterdam Study. J Nutr 2004; 134(11):3100-5. 14. Beulens JW, van der A DL, Grobbee DE, Sluijs I, Spijkerman AM, van der Schouw YT. Dietary phylloquinone and menaquinones intakes and risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2010; 33(8):1699-705. 15. Choi HJ, Yu J, Choi H, An JH, Kim SW, Park KS, Jang HC, Kim SY, Shin CS. Vitamin K2 supplementation improves insulin sensitivity via osteocalcin metabolism: a placebo-controlled trial. Diabetes Care 2011; 34(9):e147. 16. Shea MK, Booth SL, Massaro JM, Jacques PF, D’Agostino RB Sr, Dawson-Hughes B, Ordovas JM, O’Donnell CJ, Kathiresan S, Keaney JF Jr, Vasan RS, Benjamin EJ. Vitamin K and vitamin D status: associations with inflammatory markers in the Framingham Offspring Study. Am J Epidemiol 2008; 167(3):313-20. 17. Iijima H, Shinzaki S, Takehara T. The importance of vitamins D and K for the bone health and immune function in inflammatory bowel disease. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2012; 15(6):635-40. 18. Checker R, Sharma D, Sandur SK, Khan NM, Patwardhan RS, Kohli V, Sainis KB. Vitamin K3 suppressed inflammatory and immune responses in a redox-dependent manner. Free Radic Res 2011; 45(8):975-85. Epub 2011 Jun 9.

Overview

Magnesium is an abundant mineral in the body and is found naturally in many foods, like green leafy vegetables. It is also found in over-the-counter medications, such as laxatives. The average American intake of magnesium, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES Study) is critically low: Many Americans fail to consume the estimated average requirement (EAR) established by the Institute of Medicine.1 In addition, more than 57% of the population does not meet the United States Department of Agriculture requirements for magnesium in the diet. Intracellular magnesium levels are decreased by excessive intake of alcohol, salt, coffee, phosphoric acid found in sodas, diets high in calcium and high stress levels.2 Because of widespread nature of magnesium deficiencies, adequate daily intake of magnesium is critical for proper hydration, stress response, muscle relaxation, promoting healthy blood pressure levels, optimal bone mineral density, and blood sugar regulation.3,4

Bioavailability – The Mineral Chelate Difference†

The importance of bioavailability is obvious. If consuming a magnesium supplement has little effect on improving the body’s magnesium balance, there is no reason to ingest it. Signs of inferior mineral supplements include the use of cheap, poorly absorbed, rock-salt minerals like calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide (See Figure 1). These mineral forms slow and limit absorption, relying on adequate stomach acid to release magnesium ions which then enter the body via passive diffusion. And, because they tend to remain in the intestines longer, these forms of mineral supplements can cause intestinal distress such as constipation (calcium carbonate) or diarrhea (magnesium oxide).

Magnesium Essentials provides the additional benefit of highly absorbed, Albion® mineral chelates. Albion® is the world leader in manufacturing highly bioavailable mineral chelates, a specialized form of minerals bound to amino acids. This patented process creates organic mineral compounds which use active absorption mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract to greatly enhance mineral absorption. In a magnesium comparison study reported by Graff et al. at Weber State University, Albion®’s magnesium amino acid chelate had (See Figure 1)5:

• 8.8 times greater absorption than magnesium oxide
• 5.6 times greater absorption than magnesium sulfate
• 2.3 times greater absorption than magnesium carbonate In addition, other comparison studies have shown significantly superior absorption of magnesium chelates compared to other mineral forms:

•At a dose of 400 mg, magnesium chelate significantly reduced or eliminated menstrual abdominal discomfort 6
•Multiple double-blind studies found urinary excretion of magnesium chloride higher than magnesium glycinate, proving superior absorption7-9
•Magnesium glycinate is shown to have a reduced laxative effect when compared to other forms of magnesium10 Mineral chelates are gentle, “gut-friendly” minerals that do not cause diarrhea that often accompanies magnesium oxide and other rock-salt forms. Albion®’s mineral chelates have extensive clinical research proving their superior bioavailability, biologic activity, stability, and improved tolerance.

Heart Health†

Studies to date have found that magnesium supplementation maintains healthy blood pressure levels.11 Calcium is essential to the contraction of muscles, while magnesium aids muscle relaxation. Insufficient magnesium levels can contribute to constriction of the muscles in blood vessels and trigger changes in blood pressure levels. Several prospective studies have examined associations between magnesium intake and heart health. A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies found that higher serum levels of magnesium were significantly associated with enhanced heart health and optimized blood flow to the heart.12

Insulin Balance†

Magnesium is integral for the transport of insulin from the bloodstream to cells. Increasing magnesium levels has been shown to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Diets with higher amounts of magnesium are associated with blood sugar balance, due to the role of magnesium in glucose metabolism. 13-15 Most investigations of magnesium intake and insulin balance have been prospective cohort studies. A meta-analysis of seven of these studies, which included 286,668 patients, found that a 100 mg/day increase in total magnesium intake promoted insulin balance by a statistically significant 15%.10 Another meta-analysis of eight prospective cohort studies that followed 271,869 men and women for an extended period of time found a significant association between magnesium intake from food and insulin balance.16

Bone Health†

Magnesium is involved in bone formation and influences the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, cells responsible for the breakdown and formation of bone.17 Magnesium also impacts concentrations of parathyroid hormone and the active form of vitamin D, which are major regulators of bone homeostasis. Several population-based studies have found positive associations between magnesium intake and the state of bone strength and mineralization in men and women.18-19

Directions 2 or more capsules per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Does Not Contain Gluten, yeast, artificial colors or flavors.

Cautions If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product.

References

1. Moshfegh A, Goldman J, Ahuja J, Rhodes D, LaComb R. 2009. What We Eat in America, NHANES 2005-2006: Usual Nutrient Intakes from Food and Water Compared to 1997 Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2. Johnson S. The multifaceted and widespread pathology of magnesium deficiency. Med Hypotheses 2001; 56(2): 163-70. 3. Ryder KM, Shorr RI, Bush AJ, Kritchevsky SB, Harris T, Stone K, Cauley J, Tylavsky FA. Magnesium intake from food and supplements is associated with bone mineral density in healthy older white subjects. J AM Geriatr Soc 2005; 53(11):1875-80. 4. Gobbo LCD, Imamura F, Wu JH, Otto MCO, Chiuve SE, Mozaffarian D. Circulating and dietary magnesium and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Am J Clin Nutr 2013; published online May 29, 2013. 5. Graff et al. Magnesium: wide spread benefits. Albion Research Notes 1992; 1(2):1. 6. Abraham GE, Primary dysmenorrhea, Clin Ob Gyn, 21:139-145, 1978. 7. Abrams SA, et al., Advances in Magnesium Research Nutrition and Health, Op Cit, 109-114, 2001. 8. Schuette SA, Lashner BA, Janghorbani IY. Bioavailability of Magnesium diglycinate vs. magnesium oxide in patients with ileal resection. J Parent Ent Nutr, 18:430-435, 1994. 9. Roussouw J, Brummelen R. The bioavailability of four magnesium preparations. Publication pending. 10. Institute of Medicine (IOM). Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D and Fluoride. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1997. 11. Rude RK. Magnesium. In: Coates PM, Betz JM, Blackman MR, Cragg GM, Levine M, Moss J, White JD, eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Informa Healthcare; 2010:527-37. 12. Rude RK. Magnesium. In: Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, Tucker KL, Ziegler TR, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 11th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2012:159-75. 13. Dickinson HO, Nicolson D, Campbell F, Cook JV, Beyer FR, Ford GA, Mason J. Magnesium supplementation for the management of primary hypertension in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006: CD004640. 14. Del Gobbo LC, Imamura F, Wu JHY, Otto MCdO, Chiuve SE, Mozaffarian D. Circulating and dietary magnesium and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Am J Clin Nutr 2013;98:160-73. 15. Larsson SC, Wolk A. Magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. J Intern Med 2007;262:208-14. 16. Rodriguez-Moran M, Simental Mendia LE, Zambrano Galvan G, Guerrero-Romero F. The role of magnesium in type 2 diabetes: a brief based-clinical review. Magnes Res 2011;24:156-62. 17. Schulze MB, Schulz M, Heidemann C, Schienkiewitz A, Hoffmann K, Boeing H. Fiber and magnesium intake and incidence of type 2 diabetes: a prospective study and meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med 2007;167:956–65. 18. Rude RK, Singer FR, Gruber HE. Skeletal and hormonal effects of magnesium deficiency. J Am Coll Nutr 2009;28:131–41. 19. Tucker KL. Osteoporosis prevention and nutrition. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2009;7:111-7.

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