Getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs is an important part of maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. However, some nutrients can be more difficult to obtain at certain times of the year.

Vitamin D is particularly important to consider during the autumn and winter months in the UK. From around October to early March, sunlight in the UK generally isn't strong enough for our skin to produce sufficient vitamin D.

The NHS recommends that adults and children over 4 consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D during autumn and winter.

At YR Health, we offer a range of supplements containing vitamin D, including our Vitamin D3 & K2 Tablets, which combine vitamin D3 with vitamin K2 MK-7 in one convenient supplement.

But what does vitamin D do, why is it particularly relevant during the UK winter, and what role does vitamin K2 play?

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that plays an important role in the body's use of calcium and phosphate.

These nutrients are important for maintaining normal bones and muscles. Vitamin D also contributes to the normal function of the immune system.

One of the body's main sources of vitamin D is sunlight. During spring and summer, most people can obtain vitamin D through exposure to sunlight on their skin, alongside dietary sources.

During autumn and winter, however, sunlight in the UK isn't strong enough for our bodies to produce sufficient vitamin D naturally. This is one of the reasons why vitamin D supplementation is commonly recommended during the winter months.

Where can you get Vitamin D?

·         Oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel

·         Red meat

·         Liver

·         Egg yolks

·         Some fortified foods and drinks

However, it can be difficult to obtain enough vitamin D from food alone, which is why supplementation can be useful during the autumn and winter.

Vitamin D3 vs Vitamin D2

There are several forms of vitamin D, including vitamin D2 and vitamin D3.

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a commonly used form of vitamin D found in supplements. Vitamin D contributes to the body's normal use of calcium and phosphorus and helps support normal bones and muscles.

Our YR Health Vitamin D3 & K2 Tablets contain vitamin D3 alongside vitamin K2 MK-7, providing both nutrients in a convenient daily supplement.

What is Vitamin K2?

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that has several important functions within the body.

It contributes to:

·         Normal blood clotting

·         The maintenance of normal bones

Vitamin K includes several different forms. Vitamin K2 refers to a group of compounds known as menaquinones.

Our YR Health Vitamin D3 & K2 supplement contains vitamin K2 MK-7 (menaquinone-7).

Vitamin K can also be obtained naturally through a varied diet. Sources include green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils and cereal grains.

Why are Vitamin D3 and K2 often combined?

Vitamin D and vitamin K have different but complementary roles within the body.

Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and helps the body absorb and use calcium. Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and also plays an important role in normal blood clotting.

Because of these roles, vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 are frequently combined in nutritional supplements.

However, it's important to understand that taking vitamin K2 isn't a requirement for everyone who takes vitamin D. A varied and balanced diet can provide vitamin K, and the NHS states that most people should be able to obtain the vitamin K they need through their diet.

For people who choose a combined supplement, however, a vitamin D3 and K2 formulation provides both nutrients in one convenient product.

Vitamin D3 & K2 from YR Health

·         2,000 IU of Vitamin D3

·         100 micrograms of Vitamin K2 MK-7

·         A convenient plant-based formulation

·         Both nutrients combined into a single tablet

Shop YR Health Vitamin D3 & K2 Tablets →

Other YR Health products containing Vitamin D3 and K2

If you're looking for a broader nutritional approach, YR Health also offers products that combine vitamin D3 and K2 with other vitamins and minerals:

Advanced Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin D3 & K2 MK7 – 180 Vegan Tablets

Advanced Vegan Multivitamins & Minerals with B12, D3 & K2 – 180 Tablets

Vitamin K2 MK-7 Maximum Strength 700mcg – 90 Vegan Capsules

YR Health All Products

Why is Vitamin D particularly important during winter?

For people living in the UK, the change of seasons can make maintaining vitamin D levels more challenging.

From around late March or early April until the end of September, most people can obtain vitamin D through sunlight on their skin.

During autumn and winter, however, the sun isn't strong enough for our bodies to make sufficient vitamin D from sunlight.

This means that vitamin D supplementation becomes particularly relevant during the UK winter.

The UK Government recommends that everyone consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D during autumn and winter.

Some people may be advised to take vitamin D throughout the year. This includes people who spend little time outdoors, people who cover most of their skin when outside and people with darker skin, who may be less able to produce vitamin D from sunlight.

If you've been diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency, you should follow the advice provided by your GP or other healthcare professional, as treatment may involve a different dosage.

How much Vitamin D do you need?

For most adults and children over 4, UK guidance recommends considering a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D during autumn and winter.

It's important to remember that supplement strengths can vary considerably.

Our YR Health Vitamin D3 & K2 Tablets contain 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 per tablet, together with 100 micrograms of vitamin K2 MK-7.

More isn't necessarily better when it comes to vitamins and minerals. Always follow the recommended serving instructions on the product label and take into account any vitamin D you may already be getting from other supplements.

If you're unsure how much vitamin D you should take, speak to your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional.

Who should take extra care with Vitamin K supplements?

Vitamin K is an important nutrient, but vitamin K supplements aren't suitable for everyone without professional advice.

In particular, people taking warfarin or other anticoagulant medication should speak to their doctor, pharmacist or anticoagulation clinic before taking a vitamin K supplement.

Vitamin K can affect how warfarin works, so it's important to seek professional advice before making changes to your vitamin K intake.

If you take regular medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an existing medical condition or are unsure whether a supplement is appropriate for you, consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting supplementation.

Supporting your Vitamin D intake during the UK winter

A healthy, varied diet should always be the starting point for getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

However, vitamin D is unusual because our ability to produce it from sunlight depends heavily on the time of year.

During the UK autumn and winter, there isn't enough sunlight for our skin to produce sufficient vitamin D. This is why UK health guidance recommends considering a daily vitamin D supplement during these months.

For those looking for a convenient supplement containing both vitamin D3 and vitamin K2, the YR Health Vitamin D3 & K2 Tablets combine these two nutrients in a single easy-to-take tablet.

Discover YR Health Vitamin D3 & K2 →

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take Vitamin D in winter in the UK?

UK health guidance recommends that adults and children over 4 consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D during autumn and winter.

What is Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is one of the main forms of vitamin D used in supplements. Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and muscles and supports the normal function of the immune system.

What is Vitamin K2 MK-7?

Vitamin K2 MK-7, or menaquinone-7, is one form of vitamin K2. Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and normal blood clotting.

Do I need to take K2 with Vitamin D3?

Not necessarily. Vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 have different roles in the body, and taking K2 isn't a requirement for everyone who takes vitamin D. However, they are commonly combined in nutritional supplements.

Can I take Vitamin D all year round?

Some people may benefit from taking vitamin D throughout the year, particularly those who spend little time outdoors or who may have reduced ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight. If you're unsure whether year-round supplementation is appropriate for you, speak to a healthcare professional.

Is 2,000 IU of Vitamin D3 suitable for everyone?

Vitamin D supplements are available in different strengths, and individual requirements can vary. YR Health Vitamin D3 & K2 Tablets contain 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 per tablet. Always follow the product's recommended serving and speak to a healthcare professional if you're unsure which strength is appropriate for you.

Key Takeaways

·         Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and muscles.

·         Vitamin D also contributes to the normal function of the immune system.

·         During autumn and winter, sunlight in the UK is generally not strong enough for the body to produce sufficient vitamin D.

·         UK guidance recommends that adults and children over 4 consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D during autumn and winter.

·         Vitamin D can also be obtained from foods including oily fish, red meat, liver and egg yolks.

·         Vitamin D3 is a commonly used form of vitamin D found in supplements.

·         Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting and the maintenance of normal bones.

·         Vitamin K2 MK-7 is one form of vitamin K2 commonly used in supplements.

·         Vitamin D3 and K2 are often combined because they have different roles relating to calcium, bones and other normal body functions.

·         Not everyone taking vitamin D needs additional vitamin K2.

·         Anyone taking warfarin or certain other medications should seek professional advice before taking vitamin K supplements.

·         YR Health's Vitamin D3 & K2 Tablets provide 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 and 100 micrograms of vitamin K2 MK-7 in a convenient daily supplement.

 

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Always follow the recommended serving instructions on the product label. If you have any concerns about supplementation or take medication, consult your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional.

Health Information Sources

NHS – Vitamin D: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/

NHS – Vitamin K: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-k/

NHS – Warfarin: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/warfarin/