Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Medical Advisory Board
Infants and children grow rapidly, and they require a proper diet to support their nutritional needs. Vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 are crucial for children to develop healthy bones, teeth, hearts, and a robust immune system. They work together, synergistically, to help build strong, healthy children.
The above vitamins have specific, complementary roles: Vitamin D3’s main job is to absorb calcium, and phosphorus from food, and get them into the bloodstream.
Vitamin K2’s main job is to direct the calcium from the bloodstream, and get it into the bones. K2, by absorbing those minerals from the bloodstream. also helps prevent the buildup of calcium in soft tissues such as blood vessels, thereby improving cardiovascular health.
Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) activates osteocalcin (a protein hormone) which binds calcium to bone and keeps calcium out of arterial walls. It is primarily found in fermented foods such as fermented soybeans (natto), sauerkraut, cheese, eggs and meat.
Vitamin D3, (cholecalciferol) as noted, is primarily responsible for absorbing calcium, and phosphorus from the gut. D3 can be obtained from sunlight exposure (sunshine vitamin), fatty fish like salmon, beef liver, egg yolk, and fortified cereals.
Deficiency Complications of Vitamin D3 and K2
✓ Poor Bone Mineralization:
Deficiency in both D3 and K2 can lead to poor calcium, and phosphorus bone absorption which increases the risks of fractures, bone deformities, and delay in skeletal growth in children.
✓ Cardiovascular Complications:
Insufficient Vitamin K2 can contribute to arterial calcification, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases even in children
✓ Immunity and Growth:
Low Vitamin D levels may impair immune function, thereby increasing the risk of infections, besides affecting growth. in children.
Vitamin D3 deficiency is relatively common due to children spending less time outdoors, use of sunscreen, and an inadequate diet.
Vitamin K2 is less commonly diagnosed and underappreciated perhaps because screening for this vitamin is less frequently done. Oral supplementation with vitamins D3,and K2 is used to restore adequate level of these vitamins
Healthy growth in children is complex and depends on genetic, nutritional, hormonal, and environmental factors. Vitamins D3 and K2 play an essential role in increasing your child’s bone density, and bone strength. It’s crucial to speak with your doctor concerning vitamin supplementation as she/he grows through different stages of development.
Glossary
K2’s chemical name is menaquinone. MK-7 is the formula doctors use to prescribe K2.
D3’s chemical name is cholecalciferol,
Synergistic effect — the combined effect , for example, of taking vitamins D3 and K2 together is more effective (greater) than taking either one alone.
Vitamins D3 and K2 work together to support the immune system, for example, by having antiinflammatory effects, and by helping the body absorb calcium.
References
- Adriana J. van Ballegooijen, et al; The Synergistic Interplay between Vitamins D and K for Bone and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review; Int J Endocrinol. 2017
- Agnieszka Kozioł-Kozakowska; The Impact of Vitamin K2 (Menaquionones) in Children’s Health and Diseases: A Review of the Literature; Children (Basel) Journal; January 5, 2022
- Geneviève Mailhot1, and John H. White; Vitamin D and Immunity in Infants and Children
- Cleveland Clinic; Do Infants Need Vitamin D Drops?; Living Healthy/Children’s Health January 18, 2024
- Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD; Vitamin K From Birth to Safety: How Vitamin K Protects Newborn Infants; Doctors Column, HC Smart, 2024
- Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD; Vitamin K2 The Remarkable Connection to Bone Health and Heart Health; Doctors Column, HC Smart, 2024
- Melanie L. Pitone, MD; Vitamin D; Kids Health, March 2024
This article is intended solely as a learning experience. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options.