The Synergistic Interplay between Vitamins D and K for Bone and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review

Figure 1

Simplified overview of potential synergy between vitamins D and K and bone and cardiovascular health. dp-ucMGP: dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein: BMD: bone mineral density. Genetic, molecular, cellular, and human evidence support that optimal concentrations of both vitamin D and vitamin K are beneficial for bone and cardiovascular health. Vitamin K is needed for the carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent proteins such as osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein, while vitamin D promotes the production of vitamin K-dependent protein concentrations. These vitamin K-dependent proteins are needed for extrahepatic organs such as the bone and the vascular system. This will result in bone mineralization and will inhibit soft tissue calcification, which will ultimately lead to lower risks of fractures and coronary heart disease.