People with low levels of vitamin K in their blood might experience bad lung function and conditions like asthma and COPD, according to a research study. Although the findings do not alter present vitamin K consumption suggestions, they support more research study, consisting of possible vitamin K supplements for specific people.
A research study released in ERJ Open Research exposes a connection in between low levels of vitamin K in the blood and bad lung function, consisting of conditions like asthma and COPD.
People with low levels of vitamin K in their blood are most likely to have bad lung function and to state they experience asthma, persistent obstructive lung illness (COPD), and wheezing, according to a research study released on August 9 in the journal ERJ Open Research
Vitamin K is discovered in leafy green veggies, veggie oils, and cereal grains. It contributes in blood clot, therefore assists the body to recover injuries, however scientists understand really little about its function in lung health.
Portrait image of scientist TorkilJespersen Credit: Torkil Jespersen/ ERJ Open Research
Researchers state their brand-new findings do not modify the present guidance on vitamin K consumption, however they do support more research study to see if some individuals might take advantage of taking vitamin K supplements.
The research study was performed by a group of Danish scientists at Copenhagen University Hospital and the University ofCopenhagen It included a group of 4,092 individuals aged in between 24 and 77 years residing in Copenhagen.
Study individuals participated in lung function screening, called spirometry, provided blood samples, and addressed surveys on their health and way of life. The blood tests consisted of a marker of low levels of vitamin K in the body called dp-ucMGP. Spirometry determines the quantity of air an individual can breathe out in one 2nd (forced expiratory volume or FEV 1) and the overall volume of air they can take in one required breath (required crucial capability or FVC).
Findings on Vitamin K and Lung Function
The scientists discovered that individuals with markers of low levels of vitamin K had lower FEV 1 and lower FVC typically. People with lower levels of vitamin K were likewise most likely to state they had COPD, asthma, or wheezing.
Researcher, Dr Torkil Jespersen stated: “We currently understand that vitamin K has a crucial function in the blood, and research study is starting to reveal that it’s likewise essential in heart and bone health, however there’s been really little research study taking a look at vitamin K and the lungs. To our understanding, this is the very first research study on vitamin K and lung function in a big basic population. Our results recommend that vitamin K might play a part in keeping our lungs healthy.
Vitamin K, necessary for blood clot and bone health, exists primarily in 2 types: K1 and K2. Vitamin K1 is mainly discovered in green leafy veggies like kale, spinach, and broccoli, along with specific veggie oils. On the other hand, Vitamin K2 prevails in fermented foods like natto, animal items such as liver and egg yolks, fatty meats, and some dairy items like tough cheeses. Including a varied variety of these foods in one’s diet plan makes sure a well balanced consumption of both types of this crucial nutrient.
Implications and Ongoing Research
“On their own, our findings do not modify present suggestions for vitamin K consumption, however they do recommend that we require more research study on whether some individuals, such as those with lung illness, might take advantage of vitamin K supplements.”
The research study group is currently dealing with a big medical trial comparing vitamin K supplements with a placebo (dummy tablet) to take a look at any results on heart and bone health in the basic population (the In terVitamin K trial). Based on their brand-new outcomes, they will now consist of analyses of lung function in this trial.
Expert Commentary
Dr Apostolos Bossios from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden is Secretary of the European Respiratory Society’s assembly on Airway illness, asthma, COPD, and persistent cough, and was not associated with the research study. He stated: “This research study recommends that individuals with low levels of vitamin K in their blood might have poorer lung function. Further research study will assist us comprehend more about this link and see whether increasing vitamin K can enhance lung function or not.
“In the meantime, we can all attempt to consume a healthy, well balanced diet plan to support our general health, and we can secure our lungs by not smoking cigarettes, participating in workout, and doing all we can to cut air contamination.”
Reference: “The association of vitamin K status with lung function and disease in a general population” by Torkil Jespersen, Freja Bach Kampmann, Thomas Meinertz Dantoft, Niklas Rye Jørgensen, Line Lund Kårhus, Flemming Madsen, Allan Linneberg and Sanne Marie Thysen, 9 August 2023, ERJ Open Research
DOI: 10.1183/2312054100208-2023
