Bones are our body’s main structural support. They’re made up of a combination of proteins like collagen and minerals like calcium. Collagen provides flexibility so that bones can resist breakage, while calcium makes the bone hard and strong. We can’t produce calcium in the body, so we primarily get it from food, and we need vitamin D in order to absorb dietary calcium in the intestinal tract.

Vitamin D supplements are made from one of two forms – D2 or D3. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is photosynthesized in plants, mushrooms and yeasts and used typically in vitamin D fortified foods and some supplements. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), is known as the sunshine vitamin because it’s synthesized by the body when the sun’s UVB rays strike the skin. It is the most natural form of vitamin D and offers superior absorption compared to vitamin D2.

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting and bone metabolism. There are three different forms of vitamin K: K1 (phytoquinone), K2 (menaquinone), which can be made by bacteria in the intestines, and K3 (menadione), a synthetic version of vitamin K. Research has demonstrated significant protection of bone strength with the K2 form of vitamin K.

There are two forms of K2 that have been clinically studied–MK-4 and MK-7. These two forms of K2 have different chemical structures, impacting the length of time they’re available in the body. MK-4 has a shorter structure, which means it’s cleared from the blood in a matter of hours, while MK-7 has a longer structure and can remain in the body for up to three days. MK-7’s longer half-life allows it to reach more parts of the body, making it that much more effective for bone support.

So how do D3 and K2 work together? MK-7 is an effective activator of osteocalcin, the protein essential for calcium deposition in bone. It works synergistically with vitamin D3 to help influence mineral strength in bones and teeth.

CanPrev’s D3 & K2 softgels are formulated with K2Vital, a unique form of MK-7 that is soy-free, plant sourced, and 100% trans form, yielding a pure, bio-active form of MK-7 vitamin K2. It also contains D3 in the better absorbed cholecalciferol form. These nutrients are suspended in a medium chain triglyceride base made from organic coconut oil, a stable fatty acid that enhances the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, such as vitamins D and K.