Portrait photo of scientist Torkil Jespersen. Credit: Torkil Jespersen/ERJ Open Research.
Researchers state their brand-new findings do not alter the existing suggestions on vitamin K consumption, but they do support further research study to see if some people might benefit from taking vitamin K supplements.
The study was carried out by a team of Danish scientists at Copenhagen University Hospital and the University of Copenhagen. It involved a group of 4,092 individuals aged in between 24 and 77 years residing in Copenhagen.
Study individuals took part in lung function screening, called spirometry, offered blood samples, and responded to questionnaires on their health and lifestyle. The blood tests included a marker of low levels of vitamin K in the body called dp-ucMGP. Spirometry procedures the quantity of air a person can breathe out in one second (forced expiratory volume or FEV1) and the overall volume of air they can inhale one required breath (required important capacity or FVC).
Findings on Vitamin K and Lung Function
The researchers found that people with markers of low levels of vitamin K had lower FEV1 and lower FVC on average. People with lower levels of vitamin K were also most likely to state they had COPD, asthma, or wheezing.
Scientist, Dr Torkil Jespersen stated: “We already understand that vitamin K has an important role in the blood, and research study is starting to show that its also crucial in heart and bone health, however theres been very little research taking a look at vitamin K and the lungs. To our knowledge, this is the very first study on vitamin K and lung function in a large general population. Our outcomes suggest that vitamin K could play a part in keeping our lungs healthy.
Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health, exists primarily in two types: K1 and K2. Vitamin K1 is mainly discovered in green leafy vegetables like kale, broccoli, and spinach, as well as specific vegetable oils.
Ramifications and Ongoing Research
” On their own, our findings do not alter current recommendations for vitamin K intake, however they do recommend that we require more research study on whether some individuals, such as those with lung disease, might take advantage of vitamin K supplements.”
The research team is already working on a big clinical trial comparing vitamin K supplements with a placebo (dummy tablet) to look at any effects on heart and bone health in the basic population (the InterVitaminK trial). Based upon their new results, they will now include analyses of lung function in this trial.
Professional Commentary
Dr. Apostolos Bossios from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden is Secretary of the European Respiratory Societys assembly on Airway diseases, asthma, COPD, and chronic cough, and was not associated with the research study. He stated: “This study suggests that people with low levels of vitamin K in their blood might 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 meantime, we can all try to consume a healthy, well balanced diet plan to support our general health, and we can protect our lungs by not smoking cigarettes, taking part in workout, and doing all we can to cut air contamination.”
Referral: “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/ 23120541.00208-2023.
People with low levels of vitamin K in their blood might experience poor lung function and conditions like asthma and COPD, according to a research study. Although the findings do not change current vitamin K consumption suggestions, they support additional research study, including possible vitamin K supplementation for certain people.
A study released in ERJ Open Research exposes a connection in between low levels of vitamin K in the blood and poor lung function, including conditions like asthma and COPD.
Individuals with low levels of vitamin K in their blood are more likely to have poor lung function and to state they struggle with asthma, persistent obstructive lung illness (COPD), and wheezing, according to a study released on August 9 in the journal ERJ Open Research
Vitamin K is discovered in leafy green vegetables, vegetable oils, and cereal grains. It contributes in blood clot, and so assists the body to heal wounds, but scientists know very little about its function in lung health.
Researcher, Dr Torkil Jespersen said: “We currently understand that vitamin K has an important role in the blood, and research is starting to show that its also important in heart and bone health, however theres been extremely little research study looking at vitamin K and the lungs. To our knowledge, this is the very first research study on vitamin K and lung function in a big basic population. Our outcomes recommend that vitamin K might play a part in keeping our lungs healthy.
He stated: “This study recommends that individuals with low levels of vitamin K in their blood might have poorer lung function. More research will assist us comprehend more about this link and see whether increasing vitamin K can improve lung function or not.