While more research is needed to establish a concrete link and explore potential interventions, the findings highlight the importance of a wholesome lifestyle in supporting optimal lung function

Individuals with low levels of vitamin K, commonly found in leafy green vegetables, might experience compromised lung function and a higher likelihood of respiratory issues such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and wheezing, reveals a study published in ERJ Open Research on Thursday.

Conducted by researchers from Copenhagen University Hospital and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, the study examined over 4,000 participants aged 24 to 77. The participants underwent lung function tests called spirometry, which measure key indicators of lung health. These include the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), which gauges the amount of air expelled in a single second, and the forced vital capacity (FVC), which assesses the total volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled.

The study incorporated blood samples and questionnaires about participants’ health and lifestyle. A marker indicating low levels of vitamin K in the body was also analyzed. Individuals exhibiting this marker tended to have lower average FEV1 and FVC measurements. These individuals were more likely to self-report having COPD, asthma, or wheezing.

Although the study established an association between vitamin K levels and lung function, it was unable to establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship.

“Our results suggest that vitamin K could play a part in keeping our lungs healthy,” said researcher Dr. Torkil Jespersen of Copenhagen University Hospital and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.

“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,” Jespersen added in a journal news release.

Dr Apostolos Bossios, an expert from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute who was not involved in the study, recommended that individuals maintain a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients to support overall health.

“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,” Dr Bossios said.

While more research is needed to establish a concrete link and explore potential interventions, the findings highlight the importance of a wholesome lifestyle in supporting optimal lung function.

Vitamin K is present in vegetable oils and cereal grains and plays a crucial part in blood clotting and the body’s wound-healing processes. However, its significance in maintaining lung health remains relatively unexplored by researchers.

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