Köhler Debora plus K2 capsules (60 count)

Debora plus K2 capsules are a dietary supplement containing vitamins D3 and K2. Debora® plus K2 contains vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) as well as vitamin K2 (as menaquinone-7, in its highly bioavailable all-trans form). The fat-soluble vitamins D3 and K2 are dissolved in vegetable oils in Debora® plus K2. Consequently, Debora® plus K2 can also be taken independently of meals.

Vitamins are considered essential because they must be obtained through diet, as the body cannot produce them itself. One exception, however, is the "sunshine vitamin": vitamin D is largely produced by the skin thanks to UVB rays and is stored in muscle and adipose tissue. Nevertheless, about 50% of the German population is undersupplied. Indeed, whether requirements are sufficiently met depends, among other things, on the skin's melanin content, sufficient time spent outdoors, the use of sunscreen, clothing, or age.

How does a vitamin D deficiency manifest? The symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency can appear gradually. They are very varied and are therefore often not recognized immediately. Short-term undersupply can manifest itself, for example, through fatigue, exhaustion, susceptibility to infections, or muscle weakness. The classic clinical pictures of persistent undersupply are rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. The latter involves the progressive decalcification of the skeleton with typical symptoms such as bone deformities or spontaneous bone fractures. In addition, a link to certain cancers, heart and infectious diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and autoimmune diseases is being discussed.

There are two important forms of the sunshine vitamin: vitamin D3 and vitamin D2. The best-known function of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is its role in bone metabolism. Furthermore, vitamin D3 is involved in many other metabolic processes. Thus, vitamin D ensures the normal functioning of the immune system as well as the maintenance of normal muscle function, which is particularly important as muscle mass decreases with age.

Vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 – an intelligent duo for bones: To activate certain endogenous proteins, vitamin D3 depends on vitamin K2. Since vitamin K2 promotes the proteins formed by vitamin D, it is possible for a vitamin K2 deficiency to appear very quickly when vitamin D levels rise. This is why both vitamins should be taken together. A product like Debora® plus K2, which combines both vitamins, is ideal. The vitamin K2 it contains is in a form that is easily absorbed by the body and remains active there for longer. As both vitamins are fat-soluble, they require vegetable oils as a carrier to be particularly well absorbed in the intestine. This is why the gluten-free, fructose-free, yeast-free, and lactose-free Debora® plus K2 capsules contain vitamins D3 and K2 dissolved in virgin linseed oil and sunflower oil.

What role does vitamin K2 play for bones? Bone loss is not always solely related to age. It can also be due to an insufficient intake of vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 ensures that the calcium absorbed with the help of vitamin D is incorporated into the bones by activating the osteocalcin produced by osteoblasts. The latter can, in turn, transport calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals and incorporate them into the bone substance. However, if the body has too little vitamin K2, the bones become increasingly porous and fragile. Calcium, initially intended for the bones, can then deposit in blood vessels and organs and cause damage. For this reason, one should ensure that vitamin K2 is also supplied in sufficient quantities along with vitamin D.

Who are the risk groups for vitamin D deficiency? The group of affected people is very diverse. In the elderly, endogenous vitamin D production decreases with age. In people with gastrointestinal diseases, the absorption of vitamins D3 and K2 is impaired. Other risk groups include people with chronic diseases whose illnesses or medications disrupt vitamin D metabolism.

Where can you find a lot of vitamin D? Foods containing vitamin D include, for example, fatty fish, liver, and egg yolk. Cod liver oil is a particularly important source of vitamin D. However, regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin D does not always correspond to typical eating habits, so that vitamin D intake through diet only accounts for a small part of the vitamin D supply. In these cases, the daily consumption of a dietary supplement containing vitamin D3 may be sensible.