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Poor Lung Function Linked To Vitamin K Deficiency

Recent research has shed light on an unexpected connection between vitamin K deficiency and poor lung function, particularly in individuals suffering from respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although the study’s findings do not prompt an immediate change in vitamin K intake recommendations, they do underscore the need for further exploration, including potential vitamin K supplementation for specific populations.

A study conducted by a team of Danish researchers at Copenhagen University Hospital and the University of Copenhagen, reveals a notable correlation between low levels of vitamin K in the bloodstream and compromised lung function. The study involved 4,092 participants aged between 24 and 77 years living in Copenhagen. These individuals underwent comprehensive lung function testing known as spirometry, provided blood samples, and completed health and lifestyle questionnaires.

Vitamin K is a crucial nutrient known for its role in blood clotting and wound healing. However, its involvement in lung health has remained relatively unexplored until now. This study marks a pivotal step in understanding the potential link between vitamin K levels and lung function.

The researchers utilized a biomarker called dp-ucMGP to assess the presence of low vitamin K levels in the participants’ bodies. The spirometry measurements included forced expiratory volume (FEV1), which quantifies the amount of air exhaled in one second, and forced vital capacity (FVC), which measures the total air volume exhaled in one forced breath. The outcomes were significant: individuals with markers of vitamin K deficiency exhibited lower FEV1 and FVC averages. Moreover, this group was more likely to report experiencing COPD, asthma, or wheezing.

Lead researcher Dr. Torkil Jespersen highlighted the significance of these findings: “We already know that vitamin K has an important role in the blood, and research is beginning to show that it’s also important in heart and bone health, but there’s been very little research looking at vitamin K and the lungs. To our knowledge, this is the first study on vitamin K and lung function in a large general population. Our results suggest that vitamin K could play a part in keeping our lungs healthy.”

Despite the promising insights, it’s essential to note that these findings don’t prompt an immediate change in vitamin K intake recommendations. Instead, they lay the groundwork for future investigations into the potential benefits of vitamin K supplementation for individuals with compromised lung function. The researchers are already planning a substantial clinical trial called the InterVitaminK trial, where they will compare the effects of vitamin K supplementation with placebo on heart and bone health in the general population. Importantly, this trial will now incorporate analyses of lung function based on recent findings.

Dr. Apostolos Bossios, Secretary of the European Respiratory Society’s assembly on Airway diseases, asthma, COPD, and chronic cough, provided expert commentary on the study. He noted, “This study suggests that people with low levels of vitamin K in their blood may have poorer lung function. Further research will help us understand more about this link and see whether increasing vitamin K can improve lung function or not.”

In the interim, maintaining a well-rounded and balanced diet that includes vitamin K-rich foods is advised. Vitamin K1 can be sourced from green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli, as well as certain vegetable oils. By ingesting these, you can make sure you are intaking enough of this vital nutrient.

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