It may not be as popular as other better-known vitamins like vitamin D, but vitamin K (found in green leafy vegetables) may improve lung health.
A large new study published in the August 10 issue of ERJ Open Research suggests that people with low levels of this vitamin also have less healthy lungs. They were more likely to report asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and wheezing.
“Our results suggest that vitamin K may play a role in maintaining the health of our lungs,” said researcher Dr Torkil Jespersen of Copenhagen University Hospital and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.
“On their own, our results do not change current recommendations for vitamin K intake, but they do suggest that we need more research into whether some people, such as those with lung disease, may benefit from vitamin K supplements,” Jespersen said in the journal. . news release.
In addition to green leafy vegetables, vitamin K is found in vegetable oils and cereal grains. It plays a role in blood clotting and helps the body heal wounds, but researchers know very little about its role in lung health.
To study it, Danish researchers recruited more than 4,000 Copenhageners aged 24 to 77.
Study participants underwent a lung function test called spirometry, which measures the amount of air a person can exhale in one second (forced expiratory volume, or FEV1), and the total amount of air they can inhale in one second. breathing (forced vital capacity, or FVC).
Participants also provided blood samples and answered questionnaires about their health and lifestyle. Blood tests included a marker of low levels of vitamin K in the body.
Individuals with markers of low vitamin K levels in the body had, on average, lower FEV1 and FVC. Those with lower vitamin K levels were also more likely to say they were suffering from COPD, asthma, or wheezing. The study only found an association between vitamin K levels and lung function, it could not prove a causal relationship.
“This study shows that people with low blood levels of vitamin K may have poorer lung function. Further research will help us better understand this link and see if increasing vitamin K can improve lung function,” said Dr. Apostolos Bossios of the Swedish Karolinska Institute and Assembly Secretary for Diseases. , COPD and Chronic Cough from the European Respiratory Society. Bossios was not involved in this investigation.
“In the meantime, we can all eat a healthy, balanced diet that supports our overall health, and we can protect our lungs by not smoking, exercising, and doing our best to reduce air pollution,” Bossios added. statement.
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