Reduce Your Risk of Coronary Artery Calcification with Vitamins D3 & K2
A growing body of research shows that Vitamin D3 and K2 may play a significant role in both preventing and slowing the progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC)—a key factor in heart disease. As heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death globally, understanding the connection between these vitamins and arterial health is more important than ever.
Understanding Coronary Artery Calcification
Coronary artery calcification occurs when calcium deposits build up in the walls of the coronary arteries, leading to reduced flexibility, narrowed blood vessels, and impaired blood flow to the heart. This buildup significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks.
The Link Between Vitamin K Deficiency and Heart Disease
A deficiency in Vitamin K, particularly Vitamin K2, has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin K plays a crucial role in calcium metabolism, helping to direct calcium into the bones and teeth while preventing it from being deposited in the arteries.
A 2017 study found that Vitamin K deficiency may be a contributing factor to vascular calcification and arterial stiffness, both of which are strong predictors of cardiovascular events. (Mansour et al., 2017)
Research on Vitamin D3 and K2 for Arterial Health
European Society of Cardiology Congress Findings
At the European Society of Cardiology Congress (Barcelona, 2022), researchers presented findings from the Aortic Valve Decalcification Trial, which showed that Vitamin D3 and K2 supplementation over two years slowed the progression of coronary plaque and calcification in a specific patient subgroup (Krawiec, 2022). These results add to the growing evidence that these vitamins can protect against coronary artery disease.
Renal Health and Arterial Stiffness
In a 2021 study on renal transplant recipients, Vitamin K2 supplementation was shown to improve both Vitamin K deficiency and arterial stiffness—a condition strongly linked to increased risk of heart disease, cognitive decline, and mortality (Mansour et al., 2021; Zieman et al., 2005).
Dietary Intake and Heart Disease Risk
A large-scale dietary review of 16,057 women aged 49–70, conducted over several years using food frequency questionnaires, found an inverse relationship between dietary Vitamin K2 intake and the risk of coronary heart disease. In short, the more Vitamin K2 participants consumed, the lower their risk (Gast et al., 2009).
Pediatric Study on Dialysis Patients
In another study, 60 pediatric dialysis patients received Vitamin D and K2 supplementation for four months. Researchers found notable improvements in the regulation of calcification in the body—suggesting these nutrients may help protect even the most vulnerable populations (El Barolossy & El-Farsy, 2021).
Concerned About Artery Calcification?
If you're at risk for cardiovascular disease or simply want to be proactive, SageMED offers a safe and non-invasive Carotid Ultrasound Screening that can detect early signs of artery calcification.
What Is a Carotid Ultrasound?
High-resolution scan of the carotid artery in your neck
Predicts heart disease with up to 90% accuracy
No radiation exposure
Takes only 30 minutes
Cost: $195
The technology behind this test is based on studies that show a strong correlation between carotid artery disease and coronary artery disease. If calcification is present in your carotids, there’s a high likelihood it also exists in the coronary arteries. At SageMED, we use the Logiq-E series, one of the highest resolution ultrasound systems available—comparable or even superior to most hospital-based systems.
Should You Take Vitamin D3 and K2?
If you're concerned about your heart health or calcium metabolism, speak with your doctor about whether Vitamin D3 and K2 supplementation is right for you.
Supplement Options Available at WiseMEDS
Vitamin D3 K2 Capsules
Vitamin D3 K2 Liquid Drops
Both formulations offer a bioavailable blend of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and Vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7) to support cardiovascular and bone health.
Final Thoughts
From arterial stiffness and calcification to long-term heart disease prevention, the evidence is clear: Vitamin D3 and K2 supplementation shows promise in supporting arterial health and reducing cardiovascular risk. When paired with proactive screenings like carotid ultrasounds, you can take meaningful steps toward protecting your heart—naturally and effectively.
A growing body of research shows that Vitamin D3 and K2 may be effective in both preventing and slowing the progression of existing coronary artery calcification. Vitamin K deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, suggesting that supplementation can play an important role in disease prevention (Mansour et al., 2017).
The Research
Data presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Barcelona, Spain in August of 2022 supports a link between Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D supplementation and the progression of coronary artery calcification (Krawiec, 2022). Researchers shared the results of the Aortic Valve Decalcification Trial, wherein a subgroup of the study found that supplementation of Vitamins K2 and D over two years helped to slow the progression of coronary plaque & calcification development (Krawiec, 2022). These findings build upon existing literature that supports the idea that Vitamin K2 and D supplementation plays a role in preventing coronary heart disease and calcification.
In a study of renal transplant recipients, Vitamin K2 supplementation was associated with improvement in Vitamin K deficiency and arterial stiffness (Mansour et al., 2021). Arterial stiffness is described by researchers as “a growing epidemic associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, dementia, and death” (Zieman et al., 2005). By conducting a data review of 16,057 women who reported their nutrient intake using a food frequency questionnaire from 1193-1997, ranging in age from 49-70, researchers found an inverse relationship between Vitamin K2 and the risk of coronary heart disease (Gast et al., 2009).
One study of 60 pediatric patients undergoing dialysis treatment investigated the efficacy of Vitamin D and K2 supplementation on the body’s calcification regulators over a four month period (El Barolossy & El-Farsy, 2021). Results of the study showed that Vitamin D and K supplementation improved calcification regulators in pediatric patients receiving dialysis (El Barolossy & El-Farsy, 2021).
Concerned About Artery Calcification?
Did you know that SageMED offers high resolution Carotid Ultrasound screenings? Carotid ultrasounds provide high-resolution scans of your arteries, predicting heart disease with 90% accuracy. The test costs $195, and requires a quick and simple 30 minute appointment. Unlike other types of imaging, ultrasounds do not emit any harmful radiation and are incredibly safe.
The technology uses data from studies that examine a specific and easy to access artery in your neck, the carotid artery. These studies have shown that if you have disease in your carotids then there is an approximately 90% chance that the same process is happening in your heart. The higher the resolution of the scan, the more accurately we can predict the presence of heart disease. Our Logiq-E series is one of the highest resolution ultrasound devices on the market–equal to or even superior to what most hospital-based clinics use. You can learn more here.
Supplementation
After consulting with your doctor, they may recommended Vitamin D3 K2 supplementation to reduce your risk of coronary heart disease. WiseMEDS offers two excellent supplementation choices:
References
El Borolossy, R., El-Farsy, M.S. The impact of vitamin K2 and native vitamin D supplementation on vascular calcification in pediatric patients on regular hemodialysis. A randomized controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr 76, 848–854 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-021-01050-w
Gast, G. C. M., de Roos, N. M., Sluijs, I., Bots, M. L., Beulens, J. W. J., Geleijnse, J. M., Witteman, J. C., Grobbee, D. E., Peeters, P. H. M., & van der Schouw, Y. T. (2009). A high menaquinone intake reduces the incidence of coronary heart disease. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 19(7), 504–510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.numecd.2008.10.004
Mansour, A. G., Hariri, E., Daaboul, Y., Korjian, S., El Alam, A., Protogerou, A. D., Kilany, H., Karam, A., Stephan, A., & Bahous, S. A. (2017). Vitamin K2 supplementation and arterial stiffness among renal transplant recipients—a single-arm, single-center clinical trial. Journal of the American Society of Hypertension, 11(9), 589–597. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jash.2017.07.001
Zieman, S. J., Melenovsky, V., & Kass, D. A. (2005). Mechanisms, pathophysiology, and therapy of arterial stiffness. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 25(5), 932–943. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.atv.0000160548.78317.29
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