7 Remarkable Benefits of Vitamin D3 with K2 for Brain Health

September 8, 2025

Close up of a person with great brain health working a crossword puzzle

At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, many of our guests come to us after years of frustration. They’ve been told their symptoms are “just aging” or “in their head.” Yet they still feel exhausted, foggy, or not like themselves. Our integrative approach looks deeper, uncovering root causes rather than masking symptoms. 

One of the overlooked solutions we often discuss is the benefits of vitamin D3 with K2. These nutrients are known for bone health, but when combined, their influence stretches far beyond the skeleton. They support vascular function, immune resilience, energy balance, and—most importantly—the brain. 

Whether you’re a college student struggling with focus, a busy professional fighting fatigue, or someone concerned about memory later in life, this duo deserves your attention. 

Why Vitamin D3 and K2 Work Best Together 

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) helps the body absorb calcium from food and directs it into the bloodstream. Without enough, fatigue, muscle weakness, and low immunity often follow. Sunlight and fatty fish provide some D3, but supplementation is often necessary to maintain healthy levels. Food sources best known for containing D3 are cod liver oil (the most concentrated source), fatty fish (including salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, and sardines), egg yolks (in small amounts), beef liver (in small amounts), and cheese (in modest amounts).  

Vitamin K2 (menaquinone), less familiar to many, activates proteins that shuttle calcium into bones and teeth while keeping it out of arteries and soft tissues. Fermented foods like natto, sauerkraut, and kefir or certain cheeses contain K2, though most people don’t get enough through diet alone. While vitamin K2 content in cheese can vary depending on factors such as the type of cheese, the aging process and the fat content, examples of cheese that can contain vitamin K2 are Gouda (especially aged Gouda), blue cheese (particularly stilton), Swiss cheese (especially gruyere and Emmentaler), Edam (aged), Brie (particularly Camembert), Parmesan (especially full-fat parmesan), cheddar, and cream cheese. It is important to reiterate that it is difficult to receive recommended dosages of vitamins D3 and K2 from food alone. 

On their own, both D3 and K2 are valuable. Together, they act like a well-coordinated team: D3 opens the door for calcium, and K2 shows it where to go. This teamwork supports not only bone density but also heart and brain function¹. 

1. Sharpening Cognitive Function 

One of the most exciting discoveries about this nutrient pair is their link to memory and cognition. Studies have found that individuals with higher vitamin D intake had up to a 40% lower incidence of dementia². Meanwhile, vitamin K2 has been tied to better verbal memory and fewer cognitive complaints in older adults³. 

In fact, research on brain tissue shows that higher concentrations of vitamins D and K were associated with reduced odds of dementia and mild cognitive impairment⁴. 

This isn’t just about protecting memory later in life. Students, professionals, and parents balancing full schedules all rely on sharp focus, clear thinking, and resilience against mental fatigue. The benefits of vitamin D3 with K2 may help provide that support at any age. 

2. Supporting Brain Circulation 

Cognitive health depends on steady blood flow. When arteries harden or blood vessels narrow, the brain receives less oxygen and fewer nutrients. 

Vitamin D3 supports vascular flexibility and reduces inflammation⁵. Vitamin K2 assists to activate proteins that prevent calcium buildup in blood vessels⁶. Together, they help maintain healthy circulation, which benefits not just the heart but also the brain. 

Strong circulation fuels focus during a long workday, boosts recovery after exercise, and reduces the risk factors tied to vascular dementia over time. 

3. Reducing Brain Inflammation and Oxidative Stress 

Your brain cells are constantly under pressure from stress, environmental toxins, and even your own immune responses. Left unchecked, oxidative stress and inflammation damage neurons and contribute to cognitive decline. 

  • Vitamin D3 helps regulate immune activity in the brain, preventing harmful overreactions that damage nerve cells⁷. 
  • Vitamin K2 acts as an antioxidant and, in lab studies, reduced amyloid toxicity, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease⁸. 
  • Research suggests K2 also calms overactive microglia—the immune cells of the brain—protecting neurons from inflammation⁹. 

These protective roles aren’t just for older adults. Anyone experiencing brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or the effects of chronic stress may benefit from these mechanisms. 

4. Slowing Down Biological Aging 

Aging isn’t just about wrinkles—it happens at the cellular level. Each of your chromosomes is capped with telomeres that shorten over time. Accelerated telomere shortening has been linked to age-related conditions, including dementia. 

A four-year trial found that adults taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily experienced less telomere shortening than those who didn’t supplement¹⁰. While vitamin K2’s role in telomere protection is still being studied, its antioxidant and circulatory benefits complement D3’s impact on cellular aging. 

This matters for every adult, not only those worried about dementia. Slowing cellular aging supports energy, performance, and resilience in daily life. 

5. Strengthening Bones and Physical Performance 

Bone health isn’t only a concern for older adults. Athletes, young professionals, and parents all rely on strong bones for stability and performance. A healthy skeletal system supports everything from running after kids to completing a challenging workout. 

Vitamin D3 can enhance calcium absorption, while K2 helps to ensure it’s deposited in bone tissue where it belongs. Studies confirm that this combination improves bone mineral density and reduces fracture risk¹¹. 

Instead of thinking about bones only in terms of “not breaking,” consider them as the structural base for the activities, sports, and daily movements that define your lifestyle. 

6. Strengthening Immune Defense 

Brain health and immunity are more connected than most people realize. Chronic infections and systemic inflammation increase the risk of cognitive decline. 

Vitamin D3 helps to boost production of antimicrobial peptides, the body’s natural defenders against infection. Vitamin K2 assists in fine-tuning the immune response, preventing harmful inflammation¹². Together, they build a stronger, more balanced defense system. 

This isn’t just about fighting seasonal colds. A balanced immune system helps reduce brain fog, improves mental clarity, and supports overall vitality. 

7. Boosting Mood, Energy, and Sleep 

Low vitamin D levels are consistently linked with mood challenges, poor sleep, and fatigue¹³. Supplementation has been shown to improve energy and overall well-being, especially for those deficient. 

Vitamin K2 assists to support mitochondrial function—the energy engines of your cells—providing steady energy to the brain and body¹⁴. Guests often notice better concentration, improved sleep patterns, and brighter moods when both nutrients are optimized. 

These benefits affect daily life: more productivity at work, steadier energy through workouts, and greater resilience against stress. 

The Integrative Advantage 

At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we know no two guests are alike. Some come worried about memory, while others struggle with energy, sleep, or motivation. That’s why we listen to your clinical symptoms, run extensive blood work, evaluate, and personalize each plan. 

For many, supplementing with vitamin D3 and K2—when indicated—becomes part of a larger strategy to restore balance. Our integrative approach looks beyond symptoms to uncover the root cause, helping guests of all ages regain clarity, energy, and confidence. 

Final Word: The Brain-First Benefits of D3 with K2 

The benefits of vitamin D3 with K2 extend across the entire body. Together, these nutrients support circulation, immune balance, DNA integrity, and most importantly, brain health. 

For adults of every age, from students to professionals to retirees, this combination offers a research-backed way to assist you in supporting memory, focus, and vitality. While they cannot cure or prevent dementia, evidence suggests they may help reduce risks tied to cognitive decline. 

If you’re looking for a place to start your journey back to wellness, click HERE or call 281-698-8698 to schedule a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation. No pressure, just a friendly conversation to see if our approach is right for you. 

References 

  1. van Ballegooijen, Adriana J., et al. “The Synergistic Interplay between Vitamins D and K for Bone and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review.” International Journal of Endocrinology, 2017. 
  2. Ghazizadeh, Mahtab, et al. “Vitamin D Supplementation and Incident Dementia: Effects of Sex, APOE, and Baseline Cognitive Status.” Alzheimer’s & Dementia: DADM, vol. 15, 2023. 
  3. Presse, N., et al. “Vitamin K Status and Cognitive Function in Older Adults.” Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 2013. 
  4. Tellus, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Consumption of Vitamins D and K May Keep Memory Diseases Away, 2025. 
  5. Pilz, Stefan, et al. “Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention.” Nature Reviews Cardiology, 2016. 
  6. Schurgers, Leon J., et al. “Matrix Gla-Protein: The Calcification Inhibitor in Need of Vitamin K.” Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 2008. 
  7. Eyles, David, et al. “Vitamin D and Brain Development.” Physiology & Behavior, 2013. 
  8. Popescu, Cristina D., et al. “Vitamin K2 Holds Promise for Alzheimer’s Prevention and Treatment.” Nutrients, vol. 13, no. 7, 2021. 
  9. Azuma, Kotaro, et al. “Vitamin K Properties in Stroke and Alzheimer’s Disease.” Molecules, vol. 30, 2025. 
  10. Richards, J. B., et al. “Vitamin D and Telomere Length in Older Adults.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2025. 
  11. Sharma, Anjali, et al. “Studies on the Synergistic Interplay of Vitamin D and K for Improving Bone and Cardiovascular Health.” International Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, vol. 10, no. 3, 2022. 
  12. Torreggiani, Massimo, et al. “Vitamins K2 and D3 Improve Long COVID, Fungal Translocation, and Symptoms.” Nutrients, vol. 17, no. 2, 2025. 
  13. Gao, Q., et al. “Vitamin D Deficiency and Sleep Disorders: A Systematic Review.” Nutrients, 2018. 
  14. Kidd, P. M. “Vitamins D and K as Pleiotropic Nutrients.” Alternative Medicine Review, vol. 15, 2010. 

Written By: Steven F. Hotze, M.D.

Steven F. Hotze, M.D., is the founder and CEO of the Hotze Health & Wellness Center, Hotze Vitamins and Physicians Preference Pharmacy International, LLC.

 

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Since 1989, Hotze Health & Wellness Center has helped over 33,000 patients get their lives back using bioidentical hormones that restore hormones to optimal levels, strengthen immune systems, and increase energy levels. Our treatment regimen addresses the root cause of hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, menopause, perimenopause, low testosterone, allergies, and candida.

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