DEFENDER

Vitamins A, D, and K2 are fat-soluble nutrients essential for various physiological processes. Vitamin A is well known for its role in vision, immune support, and cellular growth. Vitamin D contributes to bone health and supports the immune system, while vitamin K2 plays a role in maintaining bone and cardiovascular health. Research suggests that these vitamins may interact synergistically to promote optimal function in specific systems, particularly bone and cardiovascular health. AstraGin®, a proprietary blend of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng extracts, has been studied for its ability to enhance nutrient absorption, potentially improving the bioavailability of these vitamins. The combination of these nutrients with AstraGin® has been explored for its potential to support overall health.

The interrelationship between vitamins A, D, and K2 is especially significant in bone health. Vitamin D supports calcium and phosphorus absorption, both essential for bone mineralization. Vitamin K2 activates proteins that facilitate calcium transport into bone tissue, and vitamin A helps regulate bone cell activity. Together, these nutrients may work to maintain healthy bone structure and function.

Vitamins A, D, and K2 are associated with heart health in several ways. Vitamin A is involved in lipid metabolism, which supports cell membrane integrity and cardiovascular function. Research indicates that it may help regulate oxidative stress and promote arterial health.¹ Vitamin D is known to support endothelial function, contributing to vascular health. Vitamin K2 has been studied for its role in activating proteins involved in arterial health, particularly in conjunction with vitamin D. For example, research on postmenopausal women has suggested that combined supplementation with vitamins K2 and D may promote arterial flexibility.²

Vitamins A and D are vital for immune system function. Vitamin A supports the maintenance of healthy epithelial tissues, the body’s first line of defense against pathogens. Vitamin D has immunomodulatory effects, including supporting the activity of T and B cells.³ Studies have linked vitamin D to the regulation of immune cell activity, cytokine production, and antimicrobial peptide expression.⁴ Vitamin K2 also plays a role in immune function through the activation of proteins that support immune responses, such as osteocalcin, which has been shown to influence immune cell activity.

Both vitamins A and D are involved in pathways related to hormone regulation. Retinoic acid, derived from vitamin A, supports the enzymatic activity required for synthesizing hormones like testosterone and estradiol. Vitamin D interacts with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to regulate hormone production, which has implications for maintaining balanced sex hormone levels.

AstraGin^® has been investigated for its potential to enhance the absorption of nutrients by increasing the activity of transport proteins, such as GLUT4. These effects may improve the bioavailability of vitamins, including K2 and other nutrients. AstraGin^® also contains compounds studied for their antioxidant properties and their ability to support vascular health, although further research is needed to establish these effects in clinical settings.

1. Zalaket J, Hanna-Wakim L, Matta J. Cholesterol. 2018 Jun 3;2018:8050512. doi: 10.1155/2018/8050512. PMID: 29971161;PMCID: PMC6008699.

2. Maresz K.. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015 Feb;14(1):34-9.

3. Dupuis, M.L., Pagano, M.T., Pierdominici, M. et al. Biol Sex Differ 12, 12 (2021).

4. Martens PJ, Gysemans C, Verstuyf A, Mathieu AC. Nutrients. 2020 Apr 28;12(5):1248.