Vitamin D - Why do you need it more than ever in autumn?

With autumn comes the period when the sunshine leaves us and the temperatures drop. It is at this time that we should focus on replenishing vitamin D , which plays a key role for our health, and at the same time, it is more difficult to obtain it in the autumn and winter months. Let's take a look at why vitamin D is important, what role it plays in our body and how you can support its intake.

Why is it important to supplement vitamin D in autumn and winter?

Vitamin D is normally made in the skin through sunlight. However, when the sun shines less in the autumn and winter months and we spend more time indoors, its production decreases. Lack of vitamin D in the body can negatively affect our immunity, bone condition and mood. The Czech population often suffers from vitamin D deficiency, which is particularly noticeable in the elderly and postmenopausal women.

 

Vitamin D and its role in the body

Vitamin D contributes to a number of important functions:

• Normal function of the immune system : It supports our defenses, which is essential in the cold months.
• Maintaining the normal condition of bones and teeth : Vitamin D helps calcium to build up in the bones, which contributes to their strength.
• Maintaining normal muscle activity : Supports muscle strength and reduces the risk of injury.
• Absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus : This contributes to maintaining normal levels of calcium in the blood, which is important for overall bone health.

 

Vitamin D and K – a powerful pair for health

Vitamin D often works in combination with vitamin K, specifically with its K2 form. Vitamin K2 contributes to normal blood clotting and maintaining healthy bones. This combination of vitamins D3 and K2 is especially recommended for people who want to support bone health and who have a higher risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin K2 is commonly found in foods such as beef, yogurt or soft cheeses, but its intake may not be sufficient, especially in a typical Central European diet.

 

Studies show synergy between vitamins D and K

Research confirms* that taking vitamins D and K together has mutually reinforcing effects, meaning that these vitamins in combination support not only bone health, but also cardiovascular health. This is especially important for post-menopausal women who are often more prone to osteoporosis and whose vitamin D and K2 levels are lower.

 

How to supplement vitamin D?

If you spend less time outdoors in the sun, supplementing with vitamin D through dietary supplements is an ideal option. Although fatty fish such as salmon or sardines contain vitamin D, it can be difficult to get enough if you don't eat enough fish or other foods rich in vitamin D.

Recommended supplements for vitamin D and K support

• Vitamin D3 + K2 , which provides an optimal combination for bone health and immunity and is formulated with sea buckthorn oil
• NeoLipo D3 , which thanks to its liposomal form offers high absorbability of vitamin D.
• NeoLipo D3 + K2 , combining the benefits of liposomal technology with a combination of D3 and K2 for maximum effect.

*Reference:

1. Goddek S. Vitamin D3 and K2 and their potential contribution to reducing the COVID-19 mortality rate. Int J Infect Dis. 2020 Oct;99:286-290.
2. 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 Sep;15(3):199-222.
3. Iwamoto J, Takeda T, Ichimura S. Effect of combined administration of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 on bone mineral density of the lumbar spine in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. J Orthop Sci. 2000;5(6):546-51.
4. Aguayo-Ruiz JI, García-Cobián TA, Pascoe-González S, Sánchez-Enríquez S, Llamas-Covarrubias IM, García-Iglesias T, López-Quintero A, Llamas-Covarrubias MA, Trujillo-Quiroz J, Rivera-Leon EA. Effect of supplementation with vitamins D3 and K2 on undercarboxylated osteocalcin and insulin serum levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2020 Aug 18;12:73.
5. Iwamoto J, Takeda T, Ichimura S. Treatment with vitamin D3 and/or vitamin K2 for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Keio J Med. 2003 Sep;52(3):147-50.