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Are you aware of the powerful synergy between Vitamin D3 and K2 and its crucial role in optimizing your health?
As a certified personal trainer, I've taken a vitamin D supplement for years, especially in winter. Recently, I've balanced it with vitamin K2, following recommendations for a client with bone density issues.
Since there are many available supplements, we tested over 30 products to find the best vitamin D3 and K2 combination, crucial for bone and heart health.
Be prepared to uncover the truth behind vitamins D3 and K2 in order to choose the right supplement.
The Best Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplements
- Best Overall Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplement: Live Conscious K2+D3
- Cheapest Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplement: NOW Foods Vitamin D-3 & K-2
- Best Vegan Supplement With Vitamin D3 and K2: Double Wood Supplements D3 + K2
- Quickest Absorbing D3 and K2 Supplement: Nuzena Solar Essence Vitamin D3 K2+
- Best Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplement for Seniors: Bronson Vitamin K2 + D3
- Best Vitamin D3 and K2 Liquid Drops: Double Wood Supplements D3 + K2
- Best Gluten-Free Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplement: Live Conscious K2+D3
- Best Gummy Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplement: Zhou Nutrition
Our Top Vitamin D3 And K2 Supplements (December 2024)
1 - Live Conscious K2+D3 (Best Overall & Gluten-Free)
- Price per serving : $0.40
- Key vitamins and minerals : Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3
- Form : Softgel
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Uses the MK-7 form of vitamin K2, which should work better for calcium absorption
- Claims to have some added MCT oil for brain energy
- Softgel capsules seem to be easy to swallow
- Free from dairy, soy, and gluten
Cons
- The bulk discounts could be a bit better
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those needing high absorption for bone health
- People with dietary restrictions (gluten, dairy, soy-free)
Who is it not for?
- Those looking for lower cost options
Final Verdict
Ideal for anyone needing a robust supplement for bone and heart health with high bioavailability. Offers a solid choice for those with specific dietary needs.
Our best vitamin D3 and K2 supplement choice comes from Live Conscious (formerly knows as Livewell).
Based on our tests, it may provide the right amounts with 5,000 IU per day of vitamin D and the recommended dosage of 100 mcg of vitamin K2 per serving per day.
Importantly, it’s also the vitamin K2 MK-7 type, which research from the ClinicalTrials website has shown to be best suited to achieve healthy bones and improved heart health [1].
Quick Facts:
The only thing we’d like to see an improvement for is the available discounts on bulk orders of vitamin D supplements.
2 - Double Wood Supplements D3 + K2 Liquid Drops (Best Vegan & Liquid Option)
- Price per serving : $0.67
- Key vitamins and minerals : Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3
- Form : Liquid
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Bulk and “Subscribe and Save” discounts
- Third-party tested with a moneyback guarantee
- No gelatin capsule means it is vegan/vegetarian friendly
Cons
- Many user reviews about difficulty getting proper dose with dropper in the beginning
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Vegans and vegetarians
- Those preferring liquid supplements for easier dosing
Who is it not for?
- Those who struggle with dropper measurements
Final Verdict
Excellent vegan option providing easy absorption in liquid form, though measuring doses might be challenging.
If capsules aren’t your thing, Double Wood Supplements D3 + K2 Liquid Drops provide an excellent way to get bone and immunity support in a single 1-ml dropper.
Each bottle contains 30 servings, and ordering through the manufacturer’s website will get you a bulk purchase discount. A “Subscribe and Save” option also offers a price break and ensures you don’t run out.
The liquid drops appeal to many of my clients and testers who prefer vegan/vegetarian options.
Like their other supplements, Double Wood manufactures the vitamin D3 + K2 Liquid Drops in a GMP-certified facility in the U.S.A. The product is also soy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan.
Quick Facts:
The only thing we’d like to see an improvement for is the available discounts on bulk orders of vitamin D supplements.
3 - Nuzena Solar Essence Vitamin D3 K2+ (Best Absorbing)
- Price per serving : $0.58
- Key vitamins and minerals : Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3, Calcium, BioPerine
- Form : Capsule
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The stronger vitamin D3 dose should work well for immune function
- Contains added calcium for bone and heart health
- Claims to be faster to absorb due to added black pepper extract
Cons
- It’s a bit more expensive unless you choose a bulk order
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Individuals requiring fast absorption
- Those wanting added calcium for bone and heart health
Who is it not for?
- Budget-conscious buyers
Final Verdict
Provides quick absorption and added health benefits with calcium, but comes at a higher price point.
Nuzena is another company that has created a good quality vitamin supplement that may provide just enough vitamin D3 and K2 per day.
We liked during our testing phase the added black pepper extract on the vitamin K and vitamin D supplements, which may help speed up the absorption process. It allows you to reap the immune system benefits faster.
Quick Facts:
I would just recommend taking advantage of the bulk discounts to make the vitamin D3 supplement more affordable.
4 - Sports Research Vitamin K2 + D3 with Organic Coconut Oil
- Price per serving : $0.29
- Key vitamins and minerals : Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3
- Form : Softgel
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Uses lichen-sourced vitamin D3 making it suitable for vegans
- Positive comments about it working well for your immune system
- Third-party tested for purity and quality
Cons
- Some rare reports about stomach upset
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Vegans seeking plant-based ingredients
- Those looking for purity and quality assurance
Who is it not for?
- People with coconut allergies
Final Verdict
A great option for vegans, offering high-quality ingredients and third-party testing, though not suitable for those allergic to coconut.
According to our research and previous testing, this one might be a good choice for vegans who need to avoid vitamin D deficiency, as it’s sourced from lichen.
The company also has vitamin D supplements tested for quality and purity.
Quick Facts:
We just noted a few comments that vitamin D supplements might cause some stomach cramps.
5 - Micro Ingredients Vitamin D3 + K2 Softgel
- Price per serving : $0.09
- Key vitamins and minerals : Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3
- Form : Softgel
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A good dose of the sunshine vitamin for an immunity boost
- Claims to help support tooth enamel and heart health
- It may be a great bulk-order option to save money
Cons
- I’m not a big fan of the pouch for storage
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- People needing immune and bone health boosts
- Those looking for bulk purchase savings
Who is it not for?
- Those who prefer not to store supplements in pouches
Final Verdict
Offers substantial benefits for immune and bone health with cost-saving bulk options, but storage may be inconvenient.
Here is another vitamin D supplement with added K2 that claims to be one of the best combinations to prevent heart disease.
There are also positive comments from our testing group about bone mineral density improvements, which are advantageous for your overall bone health.
Quick Facts:
While it’s a good bulk order option for vitamin D supplements, we don’t think the pouch is the best way to store the capsules.
6 - Bronson Vitamin K2 + D3 (Best for Elderly)
- Price per serving : $0.16
- Key vitamins and minerals : Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2
- Form : Capsule
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Claims to be recommended by doctors for elderly people
- Free from the most common allergens
- Capsules seem to be small enough for easy swallowing
Cons
- Some people have reported headaches after taking it
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Seniors needing support for bone density
- Those with allergies to common irritants
Who is it not for?
- People who might be sensitive to side effects like headaches
Final Verdict
Particularly recommended for older adults, this supplement is allergen-free, though some may experience side effects.
Bronson has been a favorite brand for vitamin K supplementation, and we were delighted to see they have added vitamin D.
According to our tests, it’s not as strong as others, but it may still work well to increase vitamin D and improve bone health and density.
Quick Facts:
One thing we did see in a few reviews is that some people reported getting headaches.
7 - NOW Foods Vitamin D-3 & K-2 (Cheapest Option)
- Price per serving : $0.16
- Key vitamins and minerals : Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2
- Form : Capsule
- Third-party tested : No
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A lower dose may make it more suitable for people with sensitive stomachs
- Positive reports that it may help to deal with heart disease
- Non-GMO and gluten-free for added peace of mind
Cons
- The capsules might be a bit large for some users
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those with sensitive stomachs
- People looking for non-GMO and gluten-free options
Who is it not for?
- Users needing higher doses of K2
Final Verdict
A good choice for those who need a gentler supplement at a lower dose, making it suitable for sensitive users but not for those seeking high K2 levels.
Our tests indicate that this vitamin D supplement might be one of the better dietary supplements if you need to take a smaller dose per day.
It’s sometimes recommended by doctors for cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer.
Quick Facts:
Just keep in mind that the vitamin D and vitamin K capsules may be a bit larger to swallow.
8 - SBR Nutrition Vitamin D3 + K2
- Price per serving : $0.04
- Key vitamins and minerals : Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2
- Form : Liquid Drop
- Third-party tested : No
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comes as a liquid vitamin that may be faster to absorb
- Should be easy to mix in with food
- Users like that you might take a precise amount recommended by a healthcare provider
Cons
- It might be a bit too weak for many people
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those needing precise dosing
- People who prefer liquid for easy mixing
Who is it not for?
- Those needing higher doses of D3 and K2
Final Verdict
Suitable for precise dosing needs and ease of mixing, but may not be ideal for those requiring higher vitamin levels.
Our tests indicate that this liquid fat-soluble vitamin might be suitable for anyone with a specific dose of vitamin D3 and K2 recommended by a healthcare provider.
Quick Facts:
Keep in mind that the vitamin D and K dose per drop is relatively low when comparing prices. But it's still enough to maintain optimal vitamin D.
9 - Zhou Nutrition Vitamin D3 And K2 Gummies (Best Gummies)
- Price per serving : $0.39
- Key vitamins and minerals : Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2
- Form : Gummy
- Third-party tested : No
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Positive online reviews about improved mood and immunity
- Tested for the most common allergens
- Capsules are small and easy to swallow
Cons
- Some users have reported feeling constipated
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those preferring a gummy form
- Users looking for mood and immunity improvement
Who is it not for?
- Users who may experience digestive issues like constipation
Final Verdict
These gummies are easy to consume and may improve mood and immunity, but they might not be suitable for those prone to digestive issues.
Zhou Nutrition claims to have created a vitamin D and K product that may deal with health conditions as well as improved mood and mental wellbeing.
We also liked during our testing that the gummies are small and don’t tend to get stuck in your throat.
Quick Facts:
The only downside we noted was that some users had reported some constipation after taking the best vitamin D supplements.
10 - Solaray Vitamin D3 + K2
- Price per serving : $0.27
- Key vitamins and minerals : Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2
- Form : Capsule
- Third-party tested : No
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Third-party tested for quality and purity
- Contains some added calcium to help strengthen and maintain bone health
- Seems to be easy to swallow
Cons
- It could be a bit stronger on the K2 side
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those interested in third-party tested products
- People seeking additional calcium for bone health
Who is it not for?
- Those needing a stronger K2 component
Final Verdict
Good for those who value verified quality and additional bone health support, though it lacks a strong K2 dosage.
This one comes from a company that has been making vitamin D3 supplements for a long time, and it’s great to see a mix with K2.
Based on our tests, it also contains some calcium to kick start some increases in bone density and improve bone health.
Quick Facts:
The one thing I would point out is that it’s a bit weak when it comes to vitamin K2.
How We Tested the Best Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplements
As a certified personal trainer with a keen interest in nutritional supplementation, I understand the importance of Vitamin D3 and K2 in maintaining bone health and overall well-being.
To identify the best supplements in this category, I employed a comprehensive testing approach based on ten critical criteria.
Ingredients
The quality and source of Vitamin D3 and K2 were my primary focus. I looked for supplements that used natural and bioavailable forms of these vitamins, such as D3 from lanolin and K2 as MK-7.
Effectiveness
I evaluated the efficacy of these supplements in terms of their ability to improve bone density, support immune function, and aid in calcium metabolism. This involved reviewing scientific studies and clinical trials related to these specific nutrients.
Price
The cost per dose was analyzed to ensure the supplements offer good value for money. I compared various brands to find options that are both affordable and of high quality.
Dosage and Potency
The concentration of vitamins D3 and K2 in each supplement was examined. I ensured the dosages were within safe and effective ranges as recommended by health authorities.
Synergy Between D3 and K2
Vitamin D3 and K2 must be balanced correctly for optimal absorption and effectiveness. I assessed how well these vitamins were combined to enhance their synergistic effects.
Purity and Safety
I checked for any harmful additives, allergens, or contaminants. Supplements that were non-GMO, free from common allergens, and third-party tested for purity were given preference.
Absorption and Bioavailability
The form of vitamins D3 and K2 used can affect how well the body absorbs them. I looked for supplements that included absorption enhancers, like organic oils.
Certifications and Quality Standards
Supplements that met high-quality standards and had certifications like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) were prioritized.
Consumer Reviews and Feedback
I analyzed customer reviews to gauge overall satisfaction, effectiveness, and any reported side effects.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
I considered the environmental impact and ethical practices of the manufacturing companies, including sustainability and cruelty-free policies.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplements
When you’re comparing different vitamin D3 and K2 supplements, it’s important to look at these three key areas.
1 - Type Of Vitamin D
Many health professionals these days suggest that vitamin D might be more important than C.
I’m not here to argue either way.
It’s probably best if you get plenty of both.
“The recommended form of vitamin D is vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol. This is the natural form of vitamin D that your body makes from sunlight.”
- WebMD.com
But there ‘s one important factor to consider, and that’s the specific type of this vitamin. Your body naturally produces it in the skin when exposed to UVB rays, and scientists suggest that if you don’t see enough daylight, you should aim for a vitamin D3 supplement [2].
2 - Type Of Vitamin K2
Now, when it comes to K2, it becomes a little bit more confusing.
But bear with me.
Scientists have identified two different types of K2 which you’ll generally find marked as MK4 and MK7.
The important thing to look out for is a supplement that contains the MK7 type, as studies have shown this to be significantly more effective [3].
Other studies have also revealed that large parts of the population may be deficient in vitamin K2.
Why is this?
Apparently, we don’t eat enough fermented foods, which are the main natural source of K2. More on this shortly.
3 - Compare The Dosage
You’ll notice quite different prices in the list of vitamin K and vitamin D supplements above, which is why we always suggest you compare the dosage.
Unless you have a specific health issue where a healthcare provider has recommended that you improve your essential vitamins intake by a specific amount, then there are some general guidelines you can use.
A safe amount of each would be 100mcg of K2 and 125mcg of D3 [4].
You’ll probably notice that most of the above vitamin D supplements have that ideal dosage per day to maintain optimal vitamin D levels.
Be careful not to take too high vitamin D doses than required because too much will be harmful for your body too.
Natural Food Sources
While I’m a big fan of taking vitamin D supplements to make sure you boost your micronutrient intake, it’s still a good idea to be aware of certain ways that your diet might support specific vitamin intake.
Here are some ideas you should consider.
Boosting K2 Intake
Fat-soluble vitamin K2 is only available in animal products and fermented foods, and that’s why it has become a bit more common that people don’t get the optimum levels.
“Also, because it is fat-soluble, organ meats and high-fat dairy products contain fairly substantial quantities of vitamin K-2. Conversely, lean meats, such as poultry, are not good sources of K-2.”
- Katherine Marengo, Registered Dietitian
With research suggesting that it could be a significant way to improve heart health, here are some vitamin K2-rich food products for a quick boost.
- Cooked Kale
- Cooked Collard Greens
- Raw Swiss Chard
- Natto
- Raw Spinach
- Broccoli
- Beef Liver
- Pork Chops
- Green Beans
- Kiwis
Boosting Vitamin D3 Intake
First, let me say that the best way to deal with vitamin D deficiency is to get out in the sun more. Your skin naturally produces vitamin D3, and about 20 minutes without sunscreen should still be a safe solution.
But there are some ways that you might be able to adapt your diet to get a bit of a vitamin D boost.
Just keep in mind that there are very few foods that contain vitamin D, and in most cases, they contain only a small volume.
That’s why a good quality vitamin D supplement is often the recommended solution by doctors and dietitians.
Try adding some of these on a more regular basis:
- Beef liver
- Cheese
- Egg yolks
- Fatty fish (herring or sardines)
The other thing you’ll notice with these suggestions is that there aren’t any options for vegans.
And this may be a problem if you’re suffering from vitamin D deficiency.
If you are a vegan, check out our buyer’s guide on the best vegan-friendly multivitamins.
Fortunately, fortified foods and drinks are available, which may be a good option. You’ll often see this on bottles of orange juice or boxes of cereals where it might say that vitamin D and possibly calcium have been added.
You can always take dedicated vitamin D supplements if you need to speed up your intake.
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Expected Health Benefits
Vitamin K2
Scientists have been studying K2 for many years, but it seems like vitamin K deficiency is only starting to be understood.
And here’s how it might help you.
Your body needs more vitamin D and calcium as you age because it becomes more difficult to maintain strong and healthy bones.
What K2 apparently does is help your body get the calcium to where it is needed, which is the bones.
And at the same time, it may help prevent calcium building up in arteries, which research has shown might be one of the best boosts your cardiovascular system can get.
The result could be lower blood pressure and fewer risks of developing blocked arteries [5].
Vitamin D3
People who become deficient in vitamin D may quickly experience quite significant issues with bone density.
Your body is perfectly able to produce enough vitamin D by being exposed to sunshine for about 10 minutes in a swimsuit.
But that’s not something most people get for their bone health.
Many are concerned about direct sun exposure without sunscreen. And the winter months don’t make it easy either.
That may be the reason why so many people could have vitamin D deficiency [6].
Doctors believe that by boosting your vitamin D, your body may process more calcium to build up bone tissue and maintain bone health.
The way you need to look at these two vitamins is that vitamin D supplements may help to process more calcium, while vitamin K should help to prevent that calcium from becoming dangerous to your heart health.
FAQs
Should You Take Vitamin D3 With K2?
Yes, you should take vitamin D supplements with vitamin K. Vitamin D supplements help your body better absorb the calcium it needs. However, excess calcium could cause heart blockages, and taking vitamin K2 has been shown to prevent that from happening.
What Is the Best Form of Vitamin D to Take?
The best form of vitamin D supplements to take is D3. It’s the form most closely related to the same vitamin the human body creates. And with natural sources being quite limited, it’s often best to take vitamin D3 supplements.
Does Vitamin K2 Help Clear Arteries?
No, Vitamin K2 doesn’t help clear arteries. Research on human test patients has shown that it may prevent blocked arteries, but it hasn’t been proven to help reverse the damage already done.
As such, it's better to take vitamin K2 as a way of pre-emptively preventing blocked arteries and other cardiovascular problems in the long run. It's especially when you have a family history of these illnesses.
Can Too Much Vitamin K2 Be Harmful?
Yes, too much vitamin K2 can be harmful, especially for people with liver or kidney diseases. In these cases, patients should discuss taking vitamin K supplements with their doctor to ensure they avoid side effects.
What Is the Difference Between Vitamin K2 and Vitamin K1?
The main difference between vitamin K2 and vitamin K1 comes down to K2 preventing heart disease and K1 playing a role in blood coagulation. They are also found in very different types of foods, so you may not get both through a common source.
Who Is at Risk of Vitamin D3 and K2 Deficiency?
People who don’t get enough sun exposure or who don’t eat fermented foods are at risk of vitamin D and vitamin K deficiency. The easiest way to solve this is through vitamin D supplements, as some foods may not suit all diets to fix low vitamin D problems.
How Do Vitamin D3 and K2 Contribute to Immune System Health?
Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in modulating the immune system, enhancing its ability to fight off pathogens, while Vitamin K2 supports this by promoting overall immune health. Together, they work synergistically to strengthen the body's natural defense mechanisms.
What Are the Differences Between Plant-Based and Animal-Based Sources of Vitamin D3 and K2?
Plant-based sources of Vitamin D3, typically derived from lichen, are suitable for vegans but may have different absorption rates compared to animal-based sources like lanolin. Vitamin K2 from natto (a fermented soy product) is a popular plant-based option, while animal-based K2 is usually found in dairy and meat products.
Why Are Vitamin D3 and K2 Particularly Important for Older Adults?
As people age, their bones naturally become more brittle, and the risk of cardiovascular diseases increases. Vitamin D3 and K2 help by improving calcium absorption and distribution, thus supporting bone density and heart health. These vitamins are essential for maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of age-related diseases.
Our Verdict on the Best Vitamin D3 and K2 Supplements
After discussing our blood test results with a dietitian, we found that the best results seem to be achieved with the Live Conscious K2 D3 supplement above.
If you’re struggling to get enough sunshine or adding fermented foods doesn’t suit your diet, then a supplement like Live Conscious should be your first choice.
It’s got the right type of K2 vitamins, and the dose per day also seems to match medical recommendations.
Our #1 Recommendation
Live Conscious K2+D3 (Best Overall & Gluten-Free)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- Uses the MK-7 form of vitamin K2, which should work better for calcium absorption
- Claims to have some added MCT oil for brain energy
- Softgel capsules seem to be easy to swallow
- Free from dairy, soy, and gluten
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of December
- The bulk discounts could be a bit better
About The Author
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