Inadequate Vitamin K Levels Linked to Impaired Lung Function: Asthma, COPD, and More
A recent study suggests that individuals with insufficient levels of vitamin K in their bloodstream could experience compromised lung function and may be prone to conditions like asthma and COPD. While these findings don’t prompt an immediate alteration in existing vitamin K intake recommendations, they do advocate for further investigation, including potential vitamin K supplementation for specific individuals.
A study featured in ERJ Open Research highlights a correlation between low vitamin K levels in the blood and compromised lung function, encompassing ailments such as asthma and COPD.
The investigation reveals that individuals displaying low levels of vitamin K in their blood are more inclined to experience diminished lung function and report suffering from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and wheezing. This study, published on August 9 in the journal ERJ Open Research, observed a group of 4,092 participants between the ages of 24 and 77 residing in Copenhagen.
Conducted by a team of Danish researchers from Copenhagen University Hospital and the University of Copenhagen, the study involved lung function testing through spirometry, blood sample collection, and health and lifestyle questionnaires. Blood tests assessed a marker for low vitamin K levels known as dp-ucMGP. Spirometry measured forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC).
The outcomes reveal that individuals with indicators of deficient vitamin K levels demonstrated, on average, lower FEV1 and FVC values. Moreover, these individuals were more likely to report having COPD, asthma, or wheezing.
Dr. Torkil Jespersen, a researcher, noted, “While we already understand the significance of vitamin K in blood health, emerging research indicates its importance in heart and bone health. However, the connection between vitamin K and lung function has received minimal attention. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study exploring the link between vitamin K and lung function in a large general population. Our findings suggest that vitamin K could contribute to maintaining lung health.”
Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health, is primarily found in two forms: K1 and K2. Vitamin K1 is prevalent in green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli, as well as specific vegetable oils. Vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods such as natto, animal products like liver and egg yolks, fatty meats, and certain dairy products like hard cheeses. Incorporating a diverse range of these foods ensures a balanced intake of both vitamin K forms.
The study’s implications underscore the need for further research on whether vitamin K supplementation could benefit certain populations, such as those with lung conditions. The research team is conducting a large clinical trial, the InterVitaminK trial, comparing vitamin K supplementation to a placebo to assess effects on heart and bone health in the general population. This trial will now also incorporate lung function analyses based on the recent findings.
Dr. Apostolos Bossios from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, who was not part of the study, emphasizes the study’s suggestion that insufficient vitamin K levels may lead to compromised lung function. He anticipates that additional research will provide more insight into this relationship and whether boosting vitamin K intake can enhance lung function. In the meantime, he recommends maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, engaging in exercise, and minimizing exposure to air pollution to protect lung health.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vitamin K Deficiency
What is the study about?
The study explores the relationship between low vitamin K levels and compromised lung function, including conditions like asthma and COPD.
What are the findings of the study?
The study indicates that individuals with low vitamin K levels are more likely to experience poor lung function and report asthma, COPD, and wheezing.
Does this change current vitamin K recommendations?
No, the study’s findings don’t alter current vitamin K intake recommendations. However, they suggest the need for further research and potential vitamin K supplementation for specific individuals.
How was the study conducted?
The study involved 4,092 participants aged 24 to 77. They underwent lung function testing, blood sample collection, and completed health and lifestyle questionnaires.
What did the study reveal about vitamin K’s role in lung health?
While vitamin K’s importance in blood, heart, and bone health is known, this study suggests its potential role in maintaining lung health, a previously underexplored area.
What are the two forms of vitamin K?
Vitamin K exists primarily as K1 and K2. K1 is found in leafy greens and vegetable oils, while K2 is prevalent in fermented foods, animal products, and certain dairy products.
What are the implications of the study?
The study prompts further research on whether vitamin K supplementation could benefit individuals with lung conditions, expanding its potential health benefits beyond blood and bone health.
What’s the next step for this research?
The research team plans to conduct a clinical trial comparing vitamin K supplementation with a placebo to assess its effects on heart, bone health, and now lung function.
What advice does an expert offer?
Dr. Apostolos Bossios recommends maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, staying active, and reducing exposure to air pollution to support overall lung health.
5 comments
Wait, so vitamin K’s in charge of blood AND might protect our lungs? That’s like a superhero nutrient. Can’t wait for more trials, to see if pills really give our lungs a boost!
Numbers, tests, data – this study’s got ’em all. Low vit K, bad lungs? Got it. But no big advice change, just more research and maybe pills? Science train keeps chuggin’!
omg, like, who knew vitamin K did more than blood stuff? lungs need it too? super cool. gotta gobble up those greens and stuff, maybe even try that natto thing? let’s breathe easy!
hey, so they saying if ya ain’t got ‘nough vitamin K, your lungs might go haywire? asthma, COPD, wheezin’? dat don’t sound fun at all. but they say more study needed, supplem-what? ‘splain it better, doc!
Veggies, oils, K1, K2, who knew they were lung heroes? Stay greener, get those vitamins, breathe stronger. Kudos to researchers, unlocking lung & vitamin K secrets!