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Everything you need to know about Vitamin K2
Meet vitamin K, the unsung hero of the fat-soluble vitamin family (along with A, D, and E). This trio of nutrients is naturally found in foods and even made by...
Vitamin D Supplements
Maybe we Brits are so obsessed with the weather because deep down in our genetic code, we’re wired to seek out sunshine for vitamin D. We have several vitamin D options for you. A range of high-strength sprays called Beam & Balance with 4,000 IU of vitamin D3 and 100ug of Vitamin K2. If you prefer an all-in-one supplement, there’s Rise & Shine, our superstar omega-3 fish oil with 1,000 IU of added vitamin D3. It supports heart health, brain function, and your immune system.
BEAM & BALANCE
RISE & SHINE
BEAM & BALANCE
TEST KIT
£50.00
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that's super important. It helps with calcium absorption, is essential for bone growth and remodelling, and plays a role in immune function and cellular growth. You primarily get it through sunlight exposure, which triggers its synthesis in the skin, as well as from dietary sources like fatty fish, fish liver oils, egg yolks, and fortified foods.
If you're wondering why you should take vitamin D3 and K2 together, our expert guide explains why they're both essential for good health.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a number of health risks, and getting enough vitamin D in the UK or just from the food you eat can be tough. Supplements are a great solution.
You'll find out more about how much you need, tips for taking and information about our supplements in every product page.
There are many approved health claims for vitamin D, which are:
Vitamin D contributes to the normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus.
Vitamin D contributes to normal blood calcium levels.
Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.
Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system, helping it fight infections and diseases.
Research by the World Health Organization suggests that getting enough vitamin D may reduce the risk of respiratory infections, including the common cold and flu.
An essential during pregnancy, vitamin D can help with your little one's bone development, reducing the risk of neonatal vitamin D deficiency and conditions like rickets. Breastfed babies also benefit from vitamin D supplements for their growth and development.
Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth by promoting the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential minerals for strong teeth.
Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting.
Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
We bare all. So you can relax.
Vitamin D Supplements FAQs
What are the different types of vitamin D, and how do they differ?
The two main types are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3.
• Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is produced by plants & fungi which are exposed to UV light i.e. mushrooms & yeast.
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is produced by the human body in response to sunlight and is also available through dietary sources, such as fish and algae.
According to studies, D3 is 1.7 to 3 times more potent and has a longer-lasting effect than D2 in increasing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels - the active form of vitamin D in humans. This is why we use D3 for all the vitamin D products in our range.
How can I naturally obtain vitamin D from sunlight?
The amount of sunlight you need to get enough vitamin D varies. It depends on factors like your skin tone, where you live, the time of year, and how much you expose your skin. Generally, spending a short time outdoors each day can help your body produce vitamin D. For more information, see our vitamin D blood test guide.
Does vitamin D play a role in immune system support?
Absolutely. A meta-analysis concluded that vitamin D can reduce respiratory tract infections by 50% in people who are deficient and 10% in people who are sufficient.
What is the recommended daily intake of vitamin D for adults?
It really depends. Many factors are at play, including our state of health, age, skin tone, and diet. If you’re deficient, you would want to take a higher dose.
Children aged 1 to 10 years should not have more than 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) a day. Infants under 12 months should not have more than 25 micrograms (1,000 IU) a day. The dose safe for all ages is 10 micrograms (400 IU) per day.
Before supplementing with vitamin D, it’s wise to find out your levels with a vitamin D test kit (super easy to take yourself at home!), or speak with your GP or nutritionist for tailored advice.
Are there specific groups at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency?
In short, yes.
Children under 5, pregnant women, those with malabsorption conditions (IBS, Crohn’s, colitis, coeliac disease), those who suffer from autoimmune conditions, people who are overweight and those on a plant-based diet are more likely to have insufficient levels.
As you grow older, your skin’s ability to make vitamin D starts to drastically decline, so the elderly are also at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.
Darker skin has a much higher level of melanin, the brown pigment which functions to filter and protect the skin from UV rays. The darker your skin, the more efficiently you block out UV rays decreasing your skin’s ability to make your own supply of vitamin D.
Supplementing with Beam & Balance Vitamin D + K2 Spray gives you a plentiful daily dose of vitamin D3, supporting those with a risk of deficiency.
How can I safely incorporate vitamin D supplements into my daily routine?
As we’re all very different, our vitamin D needs vary. Testing to find out your vitamin D levels and requirements, or chatting to a nutritionist will help you to determine a personalised dose and schedule.
Can I take too much Vitamin D?
Yes. Taking too much Vitamin D for too long can cause more harm than good. It’s currently recommended that you don’t take more than 4000 IU a day. Taking too much vitamin D means you can end up with toxic levels of calcium in your blood. This may lead to nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, excessive thirst, poor appetite and frequent urination. If vitamin D toxicity is left uncorrected there may be a risk of kidney complications.
If you are experiencing some of the symptoms associated with low vitamin D or if eating oily fish isn’t part of your daily or weekly diet, then it could be a good idea to get your vitamin D levels tested. You can either request a test through your GP or you can buy a vitamin D at home test kit.
What is the difference between IU and micrograms?
The dosages of vitamin D in different supplements may seem a little confusing because there are two ways of measuring vitamin D:
Micrograms – notated as mcg or ug
International Units – simply notated as IU.
Here’s a quick conversion guide:
1 mcg or ug = 40IU
10 mcg or ug = 400 IU
25 mcg or ug = 1000 IU
50 mcg or ug = 2000 IU
100 mcg or ug = 4000 IU
How do I know if I'm deficient in D3?
• Muscle weakness
• Aches and pains
• Frequent or recurring infections
• Low mood or depression
• Worry and anxiety
• Hair loss
You can get your Vitamin D levels tested through a GP, nutritional therapist, or, take a home vitamin D test kit and send off for the results.
What is K2 and why is it included in your Vitamin D sprays?
We use the most absorbable and most effective form of vitamin K2 called menaquinone-7 or MK7.
Vitamin K works in synergy with vitamin D. Like vitamin D, vitamin K contributes to the maintenence of healthy bones. But whereas vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium absorbed from the intestine and helps regulate the amount of calcium in the blood, vitamin K helps to guide calcium into the right places (bones and teeth).
Without vitamin K’s input with high doses of vitamin D, calcium may end up getting deposited in the wrong paces (artery walls, kidneys, cartilage etc).
Generally, when supplementing with D3, it's important to add K2 alongside at doses of around 3000-5000IU. Although we are all different, so if you're suffering from any health concerns it's best to consult a Nutritional Therapist or your GP.
