Vitamin K2: Hi All What strength pills... - Bone Health and O...

Bone Health and Osteoporosis UK

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Vitamin K2

Hi All

What strength pills does anyone take? My NHS Vitamin D pills don’t contain any K2. RDA seems to vary according to article I read. Also wondering about whether to take magnesium.

I am on an AA holiday after being on it for about 3 years. Recent dexa scan showed improvement and GP happy for me to come off. Was working hard on diet and exercise but had terrible fall in garden on concrete over 2 weeks ago and agony off and on ever since. V slow improvement and Osteopath so good. She pressed for x ray which showed no new but Old fractures in lumbar vertebrae and lower not in good shape as hoped.

Will now ask GP to refer me to specialist. Think that may be rheumatologist? Don’t want to go back on bisphosphenates. Feeling quite discouraged but at least I know now.

Best wishes to all

Ruth

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17 Replies

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HeronNS7 years ago

My supplement is vitamin k2-7 and the recommended dosage is 100 mcg (I think, don't have bottle here, it's 100 of whatever unit) per day. My understanding is that unlike some of the other fat soluble vitamins the chances of building up in the body are very slight so overdose not a concern, as it might be with A or even D for example. Some people are on warfarin type med and that's the only contraindication I know of, although apparently k2 does not affect blood clotting to same extent as k1, so even in those cases a smaller dosage may be okay.

HeronNS7 years ago

Responding to your other concerns, a bit of extra magnesium if you are taking calcium is usually a good idea, to maintain the balance. Take it separate from the calcium, or use a product where you can absorb it through the skin, even an Epsom salts bath. Magnesium is also present in many green plants, magnesium being to plants what iron is to animals. And I suggest a physiotherapist knowledgeable about OP may may be of more benefit to you than a rheumatologist. At least for the time being. All the best.

ruthmunby• in reply toHeronNS7 years ago

Thanks very much for all this info Heron. V helpful

Ruth

Maesyrhelyg• in reply toHeronNS7 years ago

Hi Heron,

I didn’t realise that I was absorbing magnesium through my skin when I add Epsom Salts to my bath.

That’s great news indeed. Thank you!

Kaarina7 years ago

Hi Ruth,

Vit D pills do not contain K2 as you have found out. This is the K2 that I purchase: uk.iherb.com/pr/Life-Extens... You can see the Supplement Facts from the link by clicking on the bottle to enlarge it. I also buy magnesium glycinate.

I asked my GP to refer me and I am now seen twice a year by a doctor in the endocrinology department, who incidentally sent the result of my DEXA in 2015 to my GP. At my last visit a couple of weeks ago I had blood tests and all were fine with my Vitamin D level at 123.2 which we are most happy about. My last Vitamin D test result was similar too. I see him again in April.

ruthmunby• in reply toKaarina7 years ago

Thanks Kaarina that’s really helpful.

Best wishes Ruth

Maesyrhelyg• in reply toKaarina7 years ago

I sent away for a kit to test my Vitamin D levels this week Kaarina.

A result greater than 50 indicates adequate Vit. D status. I was thrilled with my result of 82.7 nmol/L.

I hope that I can keep up that level.

Kaarina• in reply toMaesyrhelyg7 years ago

Excellent news, Maesyrhelyg. Yes, that is the question isn't it? One could get neurotic about it! I do take a prescribed Vit D capsule daily and you do too, if I remember correctly. As mentioned I had a test done recently and the last test was a year ago.

Maesyrhelyg• in reply toKaarina7 years ago

I had been taking the Natecal, combined Calcium/Vit D, cholecalciferol tablets prescribed by my GP for a few years along with the Fosamax, AA, weekly tablet.

I wasn’t happy taking calcium tablets on top of the calcium through my diet.

Lately I have been taking a Vit. D oral spray from Holland and Barrett.

As I have mentioned previously I will see my GP at the end of the month for his approval. Fingers crossed!

Kaarina• in reply toMaesyrhelyg7 years ago

Ah, I remember now. You have refreshed my memory!

Fingers crossed for you too. Do let us know his thoughts on this.

Maesyrhelyg• in reply toKaarina7 years ago

Thanks. Will do! I’m not holding my breath.

Hopefully it will be third time lucky!

Maesyrhelyg7 years ago

Hi Ruth,

Well done on taking the AA tablets for three years and that your scan showed an improvement.

Sorry to hear about your fall in the garden though. I know from experience that a fall seems to knock the stuffing out of you for a while.

I hope that you won't need to go back on the bisphosphonates and that you will soon feel a lot better.

Best wishes and get well soon.

ruthmunby7 years ago

Thanks for that

Ruth

Maesyrhelyg7 years ago

I have seen my doctor for his approval regarding coming off the Cholecalciferol tablets. I had printed out the new guidelines from the link which you had kindly posted Kaarina, and had highlighted the relevant parts which recommended that calcium intake of between 700 and 1200 mg. should be advised, if possible achieved through dietary intake with use of supplements if necessary. I am now very aware of taking foods which contain calcium and the “ Healthy Living for Strong Bones” leaflet from NOS is a great help as it lists lots of calcium rich foods and vitamin D foods to choose from.

I also showed him the result of my Vitamin D blood test that I had done privately. It showed that my levels were adequate and he was then happy for me to discontinue with the combined Calcium and Vit D tablets.

I have found the nurses at NOS very helpful when I have rung them and I have gleaned a lot of information from members on this forum.

It is up to me now to make sure that I have enough calcium in my daily diet and Vit D from supplements during the winter months. Thanks to reading the helpful posts on here I am now also taking Kefir every morning and Vit K2 and Magnesium tablets along with my weekly Alendronic Acid tablet.

Many thanks to everyone for your advice.

Kaarina7 years ago

Hi Maesyrhelyg

You're most welcome. Happy to have been of help. A gold star to your GP for listening and taking on board what was discussed. Hopefully your doctor will retain the information and pass it on to any future patients diagnosed with OP who visit him.

Well done you and let us know how you go on, from time to time. It is good to keep in contact.

I hope the sun is shining where you are, it is a glorious day where I am.

Margaret007• in reply toKaarina7 years ago

You are very lucky to have a GP that will listen ...not had any input what so ever from mine. I have to wait until Jan to see the specialist ( two years since I saw here and was put on Zolondronic acid transfusion had two up to now (yearly )..I has 15 spinal wedge fractures 2015 ...had to sort myself out with physio as OP is a red flag to physios. Sorted the vitamins I should be taking..went to see a GP couldn't see my own a few months ago my left hip was so painful..he gave me a script for painkillers when I checked with the chemist ..contraindication was OP....not a clue..went to our local A&E ..and stayed u til I had had an X-ray...yes my hip is effected..any advice apart from boycotting the doctors.

Maesyrhelyg7 years ago

Hi Kaarina,

As I have learned so much on this forum about Osteoporosis I will definitely continue to sign in regularly. It is good to hear how others are getting on and what treatments are available.

Yes the sun was shining here yesterday as well but today is dull and grey. ☹️

Thanks again.