For seniors who are concerned about fostering their senior health avoiding the age-related diseases of artheriorsclerosis and osteoporosis are important goals. For many years the role of vitamin D in promoting healthy bone structure has been well known. Only recently has vitamin D’s role in assisting cardiovascular health been established. In 2009 a nationwide health survey reported that vitamin D deficiency was linked to cardiovascular disease in a large sample of the folks in the USA.
In parallel with vitamin D, vitamin K contributes to the replenishment and formation of bone tissue. A vitamin K deficiency will interfere with the formation of bone tissue. Replenishing bone tissue requires both vitamin K and vitamin D, because they work synergistically to optimize bone mineralization. Similarly, a deficiency of vitamin K and vitamin D can lead to arterial calcification which leads to cardiovascular disease. This dual deficiency appears to explain the ‘calcification paradox’ seen in seniors who suffer a loss of calcium from their bones and an abnormal increase in calcium in their arteries. The dynamic duo of vitamin D and vitamin K operate together to to prevent calcium deposits in vascular tissue and to optimize bone mineralization. There is good news for seniors who are concerned about avoiding the age-related diseases of artheriorsclerosis and osteoporosis. Seniors who want to foster their senior health can supplement with vitamin D and vitamin K to prevent both osteoporosis and artheriorsclerosis, because both vitamins are now available in supplement form.