Can low vitamin K levels affect lung health?

Can low vitamin K levels affect lung health?

How Low Vitamin K Levels Impact Lung Function and Respiratory Health

Having low levels of vitamin K may negatively affect lung function and increase the risk of developing certain lung conditions. A recent study published in ERJ open research examined the connection between vitamin K levels and respiratory health. The results showed that participants with lower vitamin K levels had poorer lung function measurements and were more likely to report chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and wheezing¹.

Vitamin K’s Role in Lung Function

Vitamin K is primarily known for its role in blood clotting. However, researchers in this study wanted to explore how vitamin K influences lung function in more depth. The study included over 4,000 participants and used dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP), an indicator of vitamin K levels, to assess the association between vitamin K and lung function².

The study found that lower vitamin K levels were associated with poorer lung function, as measured by forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume. However, no association was found between vitamin K levels and airflow obstruction³.

Moreover, lower vitamin K levels were linked to an increased risk of self-reported COPD, asthma, and wheezing⁴. These findings shed light on how vitamin K may influence respiratory health and emphasize the importance of maintaining adequate levels of this essential nutrient.

Study Limitations and Future Research

While this study provides valuable insights, it has certain limitations. It cannot conclusively prove that low vitamin K levels directly cause lung disorders or declines in lung function. The researchers did not have information on participants’ dietary intake or supplemental vitamin K intake, which could have influenced the results. Additionally, the study included mostly Caucasian participants from one country, limiting its generalizability⁵.

• Gluten may cause brain inflammation, suggests study on mice.
• Eating nuts daily linked to 17% lower depression risk.
• Exercise Fat-Burning Zone

To gain a more comprehensive understanding, future research should include long-term data collection and diverse participant populations. Dr. Torkil Jespersen, the study author, suggests that prospective studies tracking vitamin K status and lung function over time would be beneficial. The effects of vitamin K supplements on lung disease should also be investigated, and a long-term randomized placebo-controlled study (InterVitaminK) is currently underway to address these questions⁶.

Incorporating More Vitamin K into Your Diet

To ensure adequate vitamin K intake, individuals can focus on incorporating vitamin K-rich foods into their diets. Leafy greens such as kale, collards, and broccoli are excellent sources of vitamin K. Other sources include beef liver, Swiss cheese, eggs, fermented soybeans (natto), asparagus, peas, parsley, lentils, grapes, raspberries, and blueberries⁷⁸.

It’s important to note that individuals on medications like warfarin should consult with their doctors before making significant changes to their vitamin K intake. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that interacts with vitamin K. However, for those not on anticoagulant medications, consuming whole food sources of vitamin K is recommended. Animal-derived vitamin K2 is preferable because it has a more direct effect on regulating calcium levels. However, plant-based vitamin K1 can also be obtained from various legumes and fruits⁹.

In conclusion, maintaining sufficient vitamin K levels is crucial for optimal lung function and respiratory health. While this study provides significant insights, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between vitamin K and lung diseases. By incorporating vitamin K-rich foods into our diets, we can support overall health and potentially reduce the risk of respiratory conditions.

References:

• Asthma
• COPD
• Diet
• Nutrition
• Respiratory