A recent study suggests that incorporating leafy green vegetables into your diet can promote healthy lungs and reduce the risk of asthma. The research indicates that individuals with low levels of vitamin K in their blood are more likely to experience poor lung function and report asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and wheezing.
Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, as well as vegetable oils and cereal grains, are rich sources of vitamin K. While the role of vitamin K in blood clotting and wound healing is well-known, its impact on lung health remains relatively unexplored.
To investigate this further, a team from the University of Copenhagen conducted a study involving 4,000 participants. The individuals underwent lung function testing, provided blood samples, and answered questionnaires about their health and lifestyle. The results revealed that those with low levels of vitamin K showed poorer performance on lung function tests and were twice as likely to report COPD, 44% more likely to have asthma, and 81% more likely to experience wheezing.
Dr. Torkil Jespersen, one of the study authors, highlighted the significance of their findings: “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.”
The researchers emphasized that the current recommendations for vitamin K intake remain unchanged but expressed the need for further research to determine if certain individuals could benefit from vitamin K supplements. The NHS advises adults to consume approximately 1 microgram of vitamin K per kilogram of body weight. Hence, an individual weighing 65kg would require 65 micrograms of vitamin K daily. It is generally believed that a varied and balanced diet should provide sufficient vitamin K.
Commenting on the study, Dr. Samantha Walker, director of research and innovation at Asthma and Lung UK, expressed interest in further investigating the link between vitamin K levels and lung health. She also stressed the importance of research funding for lung conditions, given that they are the third leading cause of death in the UK, yet receive only 2% of public funding.
The findings of this research were published in the journal ERJ Open Research, shedding new light on the potential benefits of vitamin K from leafy green vegetables in maintaining lung health and preventing respiratory conditions like asthma.
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