‘Five foods high in Vitamin K that could keep lungs healthy and reduce the risk of asthma.
People with higher levels of vitamin K could have healthier lungs than those with lower levels, according to a new study.
Researchers found that people with higher levels of vitamin K – which the body needs for blood clotting, helping wounds to heal – were less likely to have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or have a wheeze. They were also more likely to perform better on lung health checks.
The researchers said their study is not enough to recommend that people should use vitamin K supplements for lung health but they have called for further research into the topic.
Researcher Dr Torkil Jespersen said: “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.
“On their own, our findings do not alter current recommendations for vitamin K intake, but they do suggest that we need more research on whether some people, such as those with lung disease, could benefit from vitamin K supplementation.”
Vitamin K is found in leafy greens as well as in other foods.
- green leafy vegetables such as Broccoli and Spinach
- Vegetable oils
- Cereal grains
Small amounts can also be found in meat and dairy foods.
Dr Samantha Walker, director of research and innovation at Asthma and Lung UK, said: “This interesting research looks at the link between vitamin K and having a lung condition, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
“We’d be interested to see further research in this area so we can better understand if levels of vitamin K are directly associated with lung function, which could help us better understand the impact of diet on people with lung conditions.
“Research such as this is important, because lung conditions are the third biggest killer in the UK, but only 2% of public funding is spent on research into lung conditions that would help diagnose, treat and manage them much more effectively.”
The study, published in the journal ERJ Open Research, saw a team of Danish researchers from Copenhagen University Hospital and the University of Copenhagen examine more than 4,000 people living in Copenhagen aged 24 to 77. People involved in the study took part in lung function testing, called spirometry, gave blood samples and answered questionnaires on their health and lifestyle.
The blood tests showed whether or not people had low levels of vitamin K. Meanwhile the spirometry test measured the amount of air a person can breathe out in one second and the total volume of air they can breathe in one forced breath.
Researchers found that people with low levels of vitamin K performed worse on these tests. Meanwhile people with low levels of vitamin K were twice as likely to report that they had COPD, 81% more likely to report that they have a wheeze and 44% more likely to report having asthma.’
Please be aware
People taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, should not take vitamin K supplements without consulting a doctor first, and should be wary of eating too many foods containing vitamin K, as it can stop the medication working properly.
Articles within this blog are provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, including medication, you should contact your local health care provider.
All the best Jan
