Vitamin D & K2 After 50: What the Latest Research Reveals

Vitamin D & K2 After 50

As we age, support for strong bones, healthy arteries, and a sharp mind becomes more vital. Emerging 2025 studies suggest that vitamin D combined with vitamin K2 plays a far more powerful role in healthy ageing than either nutrient alone.

Here's what recent science reveals — and why this combo matters.

New Findings on Vitamin D

Slowed Biological Aging (Telomere Preservation)

A telomere sub-study within the VITAL trial—tracking over 1,000 adults aged 50+—found that daily 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 for four years significantly slowed telomere shortening, equating to nearly three years less biological aging .Though links between telomere length and health aren’t fully established, the findings suggest vitamin D may help counter age-related cellular decline.

Vitamin K2: More Than Just Bone Support

Cardiovascular Protection

A 2024 clinical analysis of the Aortic Valve Decalcification Trial (AVADEC) showed that MK-7 K2 (720 µg/day) + vitamin D over two years slowed coronary artery calcification in high-risk adults and reduced heart events. A European Heart Journal substudy reported that K2 + D reduced plaque growth and all-cause deaths, especially in people with existing arterial calcium.

Brain Health & Neuroprotection

Recent animal studies highlight K2’s cognitive benefits: mice deficient in K2 experienced hippocampal-driven memory decline, while supplementation maintained cognition. Additionally, 2024 findings show K2 reduces neuroinflammation and gene expressions linked to neurodegeneration.

Vitamin D + K2: The Perfect Pair in 2025

Newer clinical evidence highlights the synergy of D + K2 for adults over 50:

  • Heart & artery protection: K2 MK-7 with vitamin D slows calcification and enhances artery flexibility.

  • Bone preservation: Pilot studies show D + K2 improves bone markers in postmenopausal women.

  • Anti-aging at the cellular level: Vitamin D alone showed promise; combined use may amplify benefits — and K2 adds heart and brain protection.

    • Kidney disease or on warfarin? Consult your doctor — K2 impacts blood clotting.

    • Verify blood levels: Test 25(OH)D so dosing can be personalised, as per MDPI 2024 review.

 

Below are some top rated Vitamin D3+K2 supplements on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure:
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link to a recommended product and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only promote products I genuinely believe can benefit my readers. Thank you for supporting this blog—it helps me continue to provide valuable content on healthy ageing and wellbeing.

Nutricost Viitamin D3+ K2 (MK7) Gluten Free Softgels 

Sports Research Vitamin D3+K2 with coconut oil

 

Resources

    1. Lichtenstein, A. H. (2025, April 7). New research deepens understanding of how vitamin K affects brain health. Tufts Now. https://now.tufts.edu/2025/04/07/new-research-deepens-understanding-how-vitamin-k-affects-brain-health

    2. Nutrition Insight. (2024, March 18). Kappa Bioscience’s vitamin K2 MK-7 linked to reduced heart disease risk. Nutrition Insight. https://www.nutritioninsight.com/news/kappa-biosciences-vitamin-k2-mk-7-linked-to-reduced-heart-disease-risk.html

    3. Nutraceutical Business Review. (2024, October 5). Vitamin K2 study shows reduced neuroinflammation and gene markers tied to cognitive decline. Nutraceutical Business Review. https://www.nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/vitamin-K2-study-neuroinflammation-cognitive-health

    4. Nutritional Outlook. (2024, March 17). Vitamin K2 and D supplementation reduces risk of coronary artery calcification, says recent study. Nutritional Outlook. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/vitamin-k2-and-d-supplementation-reduces-risk-of-coronary-artery-calcification-says-recent-study

    5. EatingWell. (2024, April 9). A new study finds vitamin D may slow cell aging. EatingWell. https://www.eatingwell.com/vitamin-d-cell-aging-study-11744733

    6. News-Medical.net. (2024, March 17). Vitamin D supplementation shows limited benefits for bone and heart health in hypertensive patients. News-Medical.net. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240317/Vitamin-D-supplementation-shows-limited-benefits-for-bone-and-heart-health-in-hypertensive-patients.aspx

    7. European Heart Journal. (2023). Vitamin K2 and D reduce arterial plaque growth and cardiovascular events: AVADEC substudy. European Heart Journal, 43(Suppl_2). https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/Supplement_2/ehac544.1227/6745061

    8. Canadian Association of Scientific Integrative Medicine (CASI). (2023). Pilot study: Vitamins D3 and K2 improve bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women. CASI. https://www.casi.org/pilot-study-vitamins-d3-k2-bone-health

 

Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are taking medication, have a health condition, or are over the age of 50. Individual needs vary, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.

 

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