Study finds vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 in combination improve long COVID

[Hip]

A study found that taking vitamin K2 240 mcg and vitamin D3 2000 IU daily in combination reduces markers of inflammation and improves long COVID symptoms.

The long COVID symptoms which were most commonly improved were body pain (muscle symptoms) and post-exertional malaise.


I tried vitamin K2 years ago, and found this increases energy levels noticeably, and within hours, but unfortunately I cannot take K2 as it worsens certain mental symptoms.

 

[SWAlexander]

A study found that taking vitamin K2 240 mcg and vitamin D3

• this is correct, but:​

• People with vWD Types 2 and 5 do not typically need Vitamin K2 supplementation because the disorder is caused by vWF dysfunction, which is unrelated to Vitamin K.
• Vitamin K2 may only be useful if there is an actual Vitamin K deficiency, which could worsen clotting issues by impairing the function of Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.
• Always consult a healthcare provider before taking Vitamin K2, especially for individuals with vWD, as supplementation may interact with other treatments (e.g., desmopressin or clotting factor replacement therapy) or underlying conditions.

 

[cfs since 1998]

I wish this was placebo controlled.

Been on D3/K2 for almost a year. No difference that I can tell. Maybe I would be worse without it, but I doubt it.

 

[marcjf]

Another day, another supplement.

 

[L'engle]

I tried vitamin K2 years ago, and found this increases energy levels noticeably, and within hours, but unfortunately I cannot take K2 as it worsens certain mental symptoms.

Did you find that with both MK-7 and MK-4? I find MK-7 can cause agitation but haven't noticed this with MK-4. MK-4 does seem to cause insomnia for me if I take it consistently, but not the tension created by MK-7.

 

[Hip]

Did you find that with both MK-7 and MK-4?

I am not sure which form I used. I bought Now Foods vitamin K2, but on the jar it does not state whether it is MK-7 and MK-4. It just says "menaquinone".

 

[L'engle]

As well, I've tried a couple of different brands of MK-7 and the first one I tried caused much more agitation than the one I bought recently. They seem to vary quite a bit, and MK-4 is very different.

 

[kushami]

@cfs since 1998, I have been wondering why researchers would bother to do studies of a treatment without a placebo group (in cases in which a placebo group is feasible).

I found what seems like a good explanation of scenarios when it is not needed or appropriate – scroll down to post 3 here:
https://medicalsciences.stackexchan...control-group-not-be-used-in-medical-research

But this research on vitamin K2 and D3 can’t be considered a phase 1 trial, because it was done on sick people, even it if it involves a novel combination or novel dosage (which I’m not sure it does). Although maybe they imply that:

1. In this preliminary trial on the use of vitamins K2 and D3 in the treatment of long COVID, the vitamins were found to show excellent safety, tolerability, and efficacy in reducing long COVID symptoms.

Why would they leave off the placebo group? Cost? But wouldn’t it be better to spend your money to do a study with active and placebo groups, rather than all active, because it would generate better data (all else being equal)?

I suppose only the researchers can answer that question though.

 

[hapl808]

Why would they leave off the placebo group?

Well, without a placebo group you have a much better chance of proving your hypothesis.

 

[GhostGum]

Well, without a placebo group you have a much better chance of proving your hypothesis.

Or it is just a time and money thing, you have a bunch of long covid patients so just get on with doing a study with what you have available.

I also thought this has been floating around and pretty clear the last few years with covid, that Vit D levels impact covid outcomes as well? Especially when they are really low/deficient.

In my very early years of ME I was deficient and in a horrible state, and Vit D made a difference at the time and made me more comfortable which was some relief, but of course not a cure or anything. I try to get as much sun as possible these days to avoid needing supplementation, works for at least 8 months of the year or so.

I have been meaning to add some K2 back into my stack as well because as I understand it also can help with overall vascular health and even prevention of arterial plaquing. Thorne does a great Vit D oil with K2 in it, somewhat pricey but has a lot of doses in it.

 

[bad1080]

MK-4 does seem to cause insomnia

that's very interesting! i stopped taking my K2 (don't know which variant) a week ago and it feels like my sleep improved since then but i didn't connect the two...

edit: i just look it up and it says "MK7 all-trans"

 

[mattie]

Both supps are cheap and easy to get. I’ll give it a go.
Started the protocol today.

250 mcg K2 MK7
And 2000 IU D3

Chat gpt: Vitamin K2 exists in various forms, notably menaquinone-4 (MK-4) and menaquinone-7 (MK-7). While both contribute to bone and cardiovascular health, they differ in several key aspects.

Biological Availability and Half-Life:

• MK-4: This form has a shorter half-life in the body, necessitating higher and more frequent dosing to maintain effective levels. Additionally, MK-4 is typically synthesized and may have lower bioavailability compared to MK-7.

• MK-7: With a longer half-life, MK-7 remains in the bloodstream longer, allowing for lower and less frequent dosing. It is naturally occurring, often derived from fermented foods, and has higher bioavailability.

• MK-4: Found in animal products such as meat and eggs.

• MK-7: Present in fermented foods like natto and certain cheeses.

Effectiveness:

Research indicates that MK-7 is more effective at elevating vitamin K levels in the body due to its longer half-life and better bioavailability.

Conclusion:

Both MK-4 and MK-7 are beneficial for health, but MK-7 offers advantages in terms of dosing convenience and sustained activity. The choice between them should be based on individual health goals, dietary habits, and specific needs.

 

[GhostGum]

Should add that sometimes if people are magnesium deficient too they can really struggle to get their levels up with supplementation, there is a synergy there between the two substances, you need both. Have seen this in the community before and discussed before where some people blood levels will just not increase at all and the theory was there is magnesium deficiency as well, and that taking Vid D can even make a magnesium deficiency worse.

 

[L'engle]

Yes needing more magnesium when taking vitamin d is a constant for many people. I found boron helpful for this problem to some extent, as have others.