Healthy Lungs: Vitamin K in Broccoli Against Asthma

According to new research, individuals with low levels of vitamin K in their blood are more likely to experience reduced lung function and suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Scientists in Copenhagen assert that consuming leafy green vegetables can help prevent this issue. Foods like spinach, kale, and broccoli are rich in vitamin K and may help ward off asthma and the occurrence of wheezing in the lungs.

Vitamin K is Important Not Just for the Heart, but for the Lungs as Well

As is well known, vitamin K plays a crucial role in blood clotting, which helps the body heal wounds. However, researchers know very little about its role in lung health.

The Copenhagen scientists analyzed data from 4,000 individuals who participated in lung function tests, provided blood samples, and answered questionnaires about their health and lifestyle. The researchers found that participants with low vitamin K markers had poorer lung function test results and were twice as likely to report having COPD. Additionally, these individuals were 44% more likely to have asthma and 81% more likely to report wheezing.

One of the study’s authors, Dr. Thorkild Jespersen, notes that they discovered the important role of vitamin K not only for blood, heart, and bone health but also for lung health. He states that this is the first study examining its connection to lung health in a large general population. The findings suggest that vitamin K may play a role in keeping human lungs healthy.

The research team tells the Daily Mail that their new findings do not change current recommendations regarding vitamin K intake. However, they do support further studies to determine whether some individuals could benefit from taking vitamin K supplements.

The Important Link Between Vitamin K and Lung Diseases

It is noted that adults need approximately 1 microgram of vitamin K per day for each kilogram of body weight. For instance, if a person weighs 65 kg, they require 65 micrograms of this vitamin daily. Experts also emphasize that individuals should be able to obtain all the necessary vitamin K by following a varied and balanced diet.

Dr. Samantha Walker states that this intriguing study explores the connection between vitamin K and lung diseases such as asthma or COPD. Therefore, it would be interesting to see further research in this area to better understand whether vitamin K levels are directly related to lung function.

The findings could help specialists gain a better understanding of the impact of diet on individuals with lung diseases. This is particularly important, as lung diseases rank third among the leading causes of death in the UK. However, only 2% of government funding is allocated to research on lung diseases that could help diagnose, treat, and manage them much more effectively.