Arthur Andrew Medical KD Ultra (Vegan D3 with K2)

KD Ultra combines 2500 IUs of vegan vitamin D3 with a full-spectrum blend of the available Vitamin K2 chains (referred to as menaquinones) MK4, MK6, MK7 and MK 9 (MKs) as well as Vitamin K1 for the ultimate health benefits of each component.

Everyone knows the importance of calcium for healthy bones, but how important are Vitamins K and D?
There are many factors that can impact the bone health of millions of American adults, which can lead to fragile bones and high fracture risk. Vitamin K2 plays an essential role in overall bone health through its involvement in the production of bone proteins. One such protein is osteocalcin (OC), a Vitamin K-dependent protein (VKPD) produced during bone formation by specialized bone cells called osteoblasts. VKDPs are involved in blood coagulation, bone metabolism, and prevention of blood vessel hardening. OC depends on Vitamin K for a vital chemical modification called carboxylation. Low Vitamin K intake results in inadequate levels of carboxylated OC, which is linked to decreased bone health and density.

Vitamin D is essential for strong bones as well because it helps the body use calcium from diet and supplementation appropriately. Low levels of Vitamin D have been associated with soft and brittle bones and are likely due to the fact that without D, the body can only absorb between 10-15% of its dietary calcium. Adequate levels of Vitamin D help the body with calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function. 

The Importance of Vitamin K2 in Cardiovascular Health
Vitamin K2s various menaquinones (MKs) may also play an essential role in cardiovascular health. The buildup of calcium in blood vessel walls, known as calcification, reduces their flexibility and increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. Matrix Gla-protein (MGP), a critical VitaminK-dependent protein, helps prevent calcium buildup in blood vessels. However, MGP relies on Vitamin K to function properly. Thus, adequate Vitamin K intake is essential for supporting MGP function and its resulting impact on vascular and cardiovascular health. A high intake of Vitamin K is associated with reduced blood vessel calcification and a reduced risk of cardiovascular issues. Accordingly, a high intake of MKs, particularly MK7 and MK9, is thought to protect the heart. MK7 is also specifically associated with decreased blood vessel stiffness.

Studies have suggested other potential roles of MKs, as Vitamin K is a crucial component in proper blood clotting. Without enough Vitamin K, excessive bleeding can occur, particularly during injury or surgery. Anticoagulants such as warfarin block the activity of Vitamin K, so individuals taking these medications need to maintain consistent Vitamin K intake through diet or supplement use. Current research suggests that long-chain MKs such as MK7 have a more significant impact on normal blood coagulation than K1 or MK4, while MK4 is thought to be superior for bone health. Therefore, a full-spectrum Vitamin K product is important, as not all Vitamin K is created equally.

Essential Vitamins for Effective Immune System Support
Vitamin D is often overlooked when it comes to its effects on the immune system. This is largely due to the fact that most people think they have adequate levels under the assumption that they are getting it through sunlight. Although Vitamin D can be obtained naturally through sun exposure, several factors make it challenging to get enough of this vital nutrient from the sun alone. Season, time of day, day length, cloud cover, smog, shade, sunblock, and geographic region all impact UVB exposure and the potential for Vitamin D production. Age and skin color also impact Vitamin D production; dark-skinned individuals produce less Vitamin D than their light-skinned counterparts. Additionally, the skin of older adults does not produce as much Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight as skin in younger people. Due to these numerous issues, over 40% of people are thought to be deficient in Vitamin D. 

Cod liver oil, a rich source of Vitamin D, has been widely utilized for centuries to increase protection from infections. It is also thought to be the reason why Scandinavian countries have a very low incidence of Vitamin D deficiency despite the fact that they are located in very high latitudes where the sun is less able to provide the proper UVB rays for natural Vitamin D production. Studies have demonstrated that those with healthy Vitamin D levels had a lesser instance of respiratory infections than those with sufficient levels, even after adjusting for variables such as gender, age, season and race. 

Vitamin D is not very prevalent in foods outside of seafood and dairy products (and dairy products are fortified with D2 (more on that below), so the vitamin D is not even naturally occurring), and until recently was not available from a plant source. KD Ultra offers a broad-spectrum Vitamin K2 blend as well as 2,500 IUs of vegan-friendly sourced D3 per capsule.

Mood Enhancement
Clinical studies indicate that vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 deficiencies are linked to the onset of certain mental health issues such as excessive worry, hopelessness, chronic grief, distraction, irritability, and seasonal changes in mood. Therefore, dietary supplementation with these nutrients is very important.

Research shows that taking vitamin D daily supports mental health by enhancing mood and promoting a feeling of well-being and optimism. This is especially important during months when there are fewer hours of daylight. Vitamin D provides its mood-enhancing benefits by boosting the production of tyrosine. Tyrosine is an amino acid the body uses to increase mood-enhancing substances, such as dopamine, in the brain. Vitamin D supplementation also enhances the activity of hormones such as glucocorticoids, which promote healthy responses to environmental changes and stress.

Vitamin K2 supplementation also promotes enhanced mood by protecting nerve cells in the brain from damage that is linked to the onset of mental health problems. This form of nerve cell protection heightens the body's ability to overcome mood disturbances.

Each serving of KD Ultra provides 2500IU's of vitamin D3, 100 mcg of vitamin K1, and 1600 mcg of vitamin K2. These servings are higher than the amounts that are typically added to other products, but still within a safe range. Therefore, KD Ultra™ provides more of the essential nutrients the body needs for an optimal boost in mood, emotion regulation, and mental health.

Ingredients

Other ingredients: Cellulose (vegetarian capsules)

Allergy Information: This formula is Kosher, Vegan, Vegetarian

Suggested Use

Take 1-2 capsules daily of KD Ultra, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. If taking more than one capsule, they may be split up and taken with each meal, or taken all at once.

Precautions: Do not take this product without the consent of your physician if you are currently taking anti-coagulants, or if you are pregnant or nursing. Keep out of reach of children.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.