Vitamin K and lung function

Vitamin K is found in leafy green vegetables, vegetable oils, and cereal grains. It plays a role in blood clotting, helping the body to heal wounds, but researchers know very little about its role in lung health. A recent study has revealed a connection between low levels of vitamin K in the blood and poor lung function, including conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).

In this population study to assess whether lower vitamin K status was associated with lung function and lung disease or lung symptoms, 4092 individuals, aged 24 to 77 years, were assessed using questionnaires, spirometry, and measurements of plasma dp-ucMGP (a biomarker of vitamin K status).

Results showed that lower vitamin K status was associated with lower forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and lower forced vital capacity (FVC). In addition, lower vitamin K status was significantly associated with COPD, wheezing, and asthma. Researchers concluded that people with low levels of vitamin K in their blood may have poorer lung function, however, further research is needed to understand more about the link between low vitamin K status and lung function, and to determine whether improving vitamin K status has a beneficial effect on lung function in individuals with compromised lung function.