Vitamin K is crucial for various bodily functions, including blood clotting, bone strength, and heart health. Recent research conducted by Copenhagen University Hospital and the University of Copenhagen has found a connection between low levels of vitamin K and lung-related conditions.
The study involved 4,092 participants ranging from 24 to 77 years old. These individuals underwent lung function tests, provided blood samples, and answered health and lifestyle questionnaires. The findings indicated that those with insufficient vitamin K levels experienced asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and wheezing.
Specifically, participants with lower forced expiratory volume (the amount of air exhaled in a second) and forced vital capacity (the amount of air inhaled in one forced breath) were identified as having inadequate vitamin K levels.
The lead researcher of the study, Dr. Torkil Jespersen from Copenhagen University Hospital stated that while vitamin K’s role in blood health is well-known, its impact on lung function has been understudied. This study marks the first exploration into the relationship between vitamin K and lung performance within a large general population. Dr. Jespersen believes that these findings suggest a potential contribution of vitamin K in maintaining respiratory health.
Dr. Jespersen also suggested that more research is necessary to determine whether certain individuals, particularly those with existing lung diseases, could benefit from vitamin K supplementation. In light of this discovery, researchers are currently conducting an extensive clinical trial to examine the effect of vitamin K supplementation on heart and bone health. Additionally, they plan to investigate its influence on lung function based on this initial study.
Dr. Apostolos Bossios from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, who is the secretary of the European Respiratory Society’s assembly on Airway diseases, asthma, COPD, and chronic cough, emphasized the importance of further research to comprehend this link between low vitamin K levels and impaired lung function. He suggests that a balanced diet rich in vitamin K sources such as leafy vegetables (spinach, cabbage, kale), soybean and canola oil, meat, cheese, eggs, avocados, olives, and nuts may be beneficial for overall health.
To identify potential signs of vitamin K deficiency in individuals, some common indicators include small clots under the nails, bleeding in the mucous membrane or gums. Dark stool and easy bruising are also symptoms. Other signs may consist of sleepiness, pale skin complexion, heavy/painful menstruation among women as well as frequent fractures and joint pain.
As researchers delve deeper into understanding the impact of vitamin K on lung health and explore supplementation possibilities for specific groups of people with respiratory issues such as COPD or asthma; maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle remains essential for everyone’s overall wellbeing. Avoiding smoking and engaging in regular exercise are additional measures individuals can take to protect their lungs. Furthermore, efforts to reduce air pollution are crucial in preserving respiratory health for all.
Published by Medicaldaily.com
