Study finds link between low Vitamin K level and poor lung function — but doctors are sceptical

Dr Torkil Jespersen, one of the researchers, commented, “To our knowledge, this is a first-of-its-kind study investigating the connection between Vitamin K and lung function within a broad general population. Our outcomes propose that Vitamin K might contribute to maintaining optimal lung health.”

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What did the study find?

The study, involving 4,092 residents of Copenhagen, aged from 24 to 77 years, revealed an unforeseen link between Vitamin K and lung function.

Spirometry is the most common type of pulmonary function or breathing test. (Wikimedia Commons)

Participating in the study, individuals underwent lung function assessments using a technique called spirometry, provided blood samples for analysis, and completed detailed questionnaires about their health and lifestyle.

The blood tests included an examination of a specific marker associated with low levels of Vitamin K in the body. Spirometry, a measurement technique, quantified the volume of air that participants could exhale in one second (known as forced expiratory volume or FEV1), as well as the total volume of air they could inhale in a single deep breath (forced vital capacity or FVC).

The research outcomes unveiled a significant pattern: Individuals displaying indicators of diminished Vitamin K levels exhibited notably lower FEV1 and FVC averages. Moreover, those with lower Vitamin K levels were more prone to report conditions such as COPD, asthma, or instances of wheezing.

Dr Jespersen, in a statement to the media, said, “While our findings do not inherently modify the existing guidelines for Vitamin K intake, they do underscore the necessity for additional exploration. Specifically, we need to investigate whether certain groups, such as individuals grappling with lung ailments, might derive benefits from Vitamin K supplementation.”

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What do Indian doctors says?

Weighing in on the study’s implications and cautioning against hasty conclusions, renowned pulmonologist from Manipal Hospitals in Bengaluru, Dr Satyanarayana Mysore, remarks, “The correlation drawn between Vitamin K and COPD is grounded in an observational context, not a conclusive cause-and-effect relationship. Directly attributing diminished lung function to Vitamin K deficiency would be a premature assertion.”

Food rich in Vitamin K. (Supplied)

He adds that it is worth noting that within the realm of COPD patients, a subgroup displays lower Vitamin K levels. This does not, however, warrant immediate Vitamin K assessments or supplement prescriptions.

“A judicious approach necessitates awaiting the results of a comprehensive multi-centre investigation, alongside a meticulous meta-analysis to validate and elucidate these initial findings,” he notes.

Dr Mysore underscores the importance of contextual considerations, particularly concerning individuals utilising Vitamin K antagonists for blood-thinning purposes, such as in cases of clot management.

He highlights the intriguing aspect that patients dealing with pulmonary embolism or equipped with artificial heart valves — both requiring Vitamin K antagonist usage — have not manifested compromised lung function solely due to Vitamin K.

Dr Mysore urges measured interpretation of the study’s outcomes, emphasising the need for patience as the research journey unfolds.

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Arguing along similar lines, gastroenterologist Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, former president of IMA Cochin chapter, states that Vitamin K is essential for Matrix Gla protein, which is present in healthy lung tissue, and helps with its normal elasticity.

“The authors speculate therefore that Vitamin K deficiency leads to diminished lung function due to loss of elasticity. However, a more likely explanation for the observation is deficiency of Vitamin K as a result of antibiotic use in people with lung disease,” Dr Rajeev notes.

He says that people with chronic lung diseases are often exposed to multiple courses of antibiotics for exacerbations. This disrupts gut bacteria, which are the main producers of Vitamin K in the body.

“When gut bacteria are disrupted from antibiotic use, Vitamin K levels in the body are known to decline. Thus, the correlation between low Vitamin K levels and lung diseases need not necessarily mean that Vitamin K is essential for lung function,” Dr Rajeev argues.

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Vitamin K and its uses

Vitamin K is essential for normal blood clotting. It plays a crucial role in bone mineralisation and cell growth. Lack of it may cause bruising, nosebleeds, and brittle bones. While women need about 90 micrograms a day, men need 120 micrograms a day.

Dr Kiran Madala, Convenor of the Telangana State IMA Scientific Committee, says that the process of blood clotting, known as the coagulation cascade, relies on important factors that need Vitamin K to work properly. These are called factors II, VII, IX, X, and proteins C and S. They play a crucial role in making sure our blood can form clots when needed.

Vitamin K1 is mostly found in plant foods, while Vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods and animal products. (Wikimedia Commons)

“Think of them as the team that helps your body stop bleeding when you get a cut or an injury. This intricate process is pivotal for clot formation. Surprisingly, if you have a portion of meat that weighs 100 grams, it has more than 11 mcg of Vitamin K2,” Dr Madala explains.

He adds that the liver in our body holds a lot of Vitamin K. It’s really important because it helps store and convert proteins that help our blood clot better. So, you can think of the liver as a storage place for this special vitamin that does good things for our blood.

In addition to acquiring Vitamin K through dietary intake, the body also obtains this vital nutrient from the bacteria residing in the digestive tract. However, disruptions to the delicate balance of intestinal bacteria, often linked to various diseases, can impede proper Vitamin K synthesis and absorption.

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Which are Vitamin K rich foods?

Dr Madala lists kale, broccoli, asparagus, spinach, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, pumpkin, soybeans, and kiwis as plant-based food rich in Vitamin K, while animal-based food like chicken, pork, beef, liver, and egg are a great source of Vitamin K.