Many of us may not be aware of the miraculous benefits of vitamin K. Interestingly, it can be found in many everyday food products, with our bodies primarily obtaining it from green vegetables.
According to scientists, most adults, especially the elderly, experience a deficiency of this biologically active compound, which protects the brain from cognitive decline.
A new study from Tufts University (USA) reveals that vitamin K is particularly beneficial for supporting the cells in the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory.
What Did the Researchers Discover?
During their study, the university team divided 60 middle-aged mice into two groups. One group was fed a diet low in vitamin K, while the other was given a typical mouse diet rich in this vitamin. The researchers then conducted behavioral tests to assess the rodents’ memory and learning abilities, as reported by BBC Science Focus.
The scientists found that the mice lacking vitamin K struggled with learning and memory. Compared to those on a standard diet, they had difficulty recognizing objects they had seen before, a clear sign of memory impairment.
Mice with vitamin K deficiency also took significantly longer to navigate a water maze, indicating challenges with spatial reasoning.
Ultimately, the researchers analyzed the brain tissue of the mice, focusing on the hippocampus, which generates new cells in a process known as neurogenesis, crucial for brain health and protection against damage.
It turned out that the mice with vitamin K deficiency showed signs of reduced neurogenesis in their brain tissue, as they produced fewer new neurons.
“Neurogenesis is believed to play a critical role in learning and memory, and its disruption can directly contribute to cognitive decline,” explained Tong Zheng, the lead author of the study.
The team also observed signs of increased inflammation in the brains of mice lacking vitamin K, another key factor in cognitive deterioration.
“People need to eat healthy foods. They should particularly include vegetables in their diet,” emphasized Professor Sarah Booth, the senior author of the study.
Moreover, the team noted that older adults tend to receive less vitamin K compared to younger generations.
The researchers highlighted key plant-based foods rich in vitamin K that should be included in daily diets. These include leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, spinach, lettuce, peas, broccoli, parsley, avocados, and kiwis.
The findings of the study were published in the Journal of Nutrition.