Low levels of vitamin K linked to poor lung function

Low levels of vitamin K in the blood are linked to poor lung function, a new Danish study published today reveals.

The researchers from Copenhagen University Hospital and the University of Copenhagen say while vitamin K is known to play a role in blood clotting, very little about its role in lung health.

To establish an association, the team examined 4,092 people aged between 24 and 77 years, all of whom lived in Copenhagen.

The study participants took part in spirometry and answered questionnaires on their health and lifestyle. They also had blood tests, which included dp-ucMGP, a marker of low levels of vitamin K in the body.

On average, people with markers of low levels of vitamin K had lower FEV1 and lower FVC and they were also more likely to say they had COPD, asthma or wheezing.

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.”

The research team are to use the findings from this study in the InterVitaminK trial – a large clinical trial to compare vitamin K supplementation with a placebo – to establish if there are any effects on heart and bone health in the general population.

Jespersen T, Kampmann FB, Dantoft TM et al. The association of vitamin K status with lung function and disease in a general population. ERJ Open Res 10 August 2023

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