The calcium direction problem
Almost everyone knows that calcium is important for your bones, and many know that vitamin D helps with its absorption. What is much less known is what happens to that calcium after it has been absorbed — and why that answer matters for both your bones and your blood vessels.
When vitamin D increases calcium absorption from the intestine, that calcium ends up in your bloodstream. Where it goes from there depends on whether the right proteins are active to guide it. Without sufficient vitamin K2, calcium can accumulate in soft tissues — including the walls of blood vessels — instead of being incorporated into bone tissue.
Exactly what vitamin D3 does
Vitamin D contributes to the normal absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus, to the maintenance of normal bones, and to the maintenance of normal muscle function.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is converted in the liver and kidneys to the active hormone form, calcitriol. Calcitriol increases the production of calcium-transporting proteins in the intestinal wall, allowing more calcium to be absorbed from food and supplements. This is vitamin D's most important function for your bones.
However, that increased absorption is only beneficial if the calcium is also sent in the right direction. Unregulated calcium can precipitate in soft tissues — a process that research has linked to arterial stiffness.
The role of vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 activates two proteins through a process called carboxylation. Osteocalcin — produced by bone-forming cells — needs K2 to bind calcium into the bone matrix. Matrix Gla protein (MGP) — present in vessel walls and soft tissues — needs K2 to prevent calcium from depositing there. Without sufficient K2, both proteins remain inactive and cannot do their jobs. The bottom line: K2 does not increase calcium absorption — it determines its destination.
Maresz (2015, Integrative Medicine) mapped the evidence for vitamin K2 and confirmed the essential role of K2-dependent protein activation, both for incorporating calcium into bone and for preventing calcium deposits in the arteries.
Why MK-7 is preferred
Vitamin K2 exists in different forms, called menaquinones (MK-4, MK-7, MK-8, and so on). The number refers to the length of the side chain, which influences the biological half-life and distribution in tissues.
- MK-4 short half-life (hours). Requires multiple doses per day. Less researched regarding vascular effects.
- MK-7 long half-life (3–4 days). One dose per day is sufficient. The best-researched form for bone density and vascular health. Occurs naturally in natto (fermented soybeans).
PPH uses MK-7 — the form with the strongest evidence base and the longest duration of action.
What the research shows
A three-year randomized study by Knapen et al. (2013, Osteoporosis International) found that MK-7 supplementation (180 mcg per day) significantly improved bone mineral density and bone strength in postmenopausal women compared to a placebo.
Beulens et al. (2009, Atherosclerosis) found in a large Dutch cohort that a higher intake of K2 from food was associated with less calcification in the aorta and a lower risk of coronary heart disease.
In clinical research, the combination of D3 + K2 improves bone mineral density more effectively than vitamin D alone, because the absorbed calcium is actually directed to bone tissue.
The PPH formula
PPH Liposomal Vitamin K2 + D3 combines 45 mcg of vitamin K2 (as MK-7) with 25 mcg (1,000 IU) of vitamin D3 in our dry-liposomal form. This form helps with the absorption of both fat-soluble vitamins, even if you do not take them with a high-fat meal.
- Vitamin K2 (MK-7) 45 mcg — 60% of the EU reference intake
- Vitamin D3 25 mcg / 1,000 IU — 500% of the EU reference intake
- Liposomal delivery — overcomes the absorption threshold of fat-soluble substances
- Preservative-free, GMO-free, plant-based HPMC capsule
Conclusion and next step
Vitamin D without K2 is calcium transport without a signpost. The result can be more calcium circulating that ends up in the wrong place. The evidence for the D3 + K2 combination is clear: they work together and should be taken together.
Because your vitality is not optional — it is essential.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- Maresz K. (2015). Proper Calcium Use: Vitamin K2 as a Promoter of Bone and Cardiovascular Health. Integrative Medicine. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4566462/
- Knapen M.H. et al. (2013). Three-year low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation helps decrease bone loss. Osteoporosis International. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23525894/
- Beulens J.W. et al. (2009). High dietary menaquinone intake is associated with reduced coronary calcification. Atherosclerosis. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19179796/
- EFSA (2017). Dietary Reference Values for Vitamin D. EFSA Journal. efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
