Vitamin K deficiency increases risk of age-related diseases

Added 15.10.2009

Vitamin K deficiency increases risk of age-related diseases

A recent analysis proposes adequate levels of vitamin K may ward off are-related diseases, such as arterial calcification linked to cardiovascular disease, bone fragility after oestrogen loss (osteocalcin), kidney stones and possible cancer. Vitamin K was used as an example to test a previous theory (triage theory) by lead researcher Dr. Bruce Ames. The triage theory, in simple terms, suggests that micronutrient (essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids) shortage accelerates the degenerative diseases of aging including cognitive decline, immune dysfunction, cardiovascular disease and cancer. It explains these diseases of aging may be unintentional consequences of mechanisms developed during evolution to protect against micronutrient shortages. The risk of developing these diseases could potentially be reduced by ensuring adequate intake of micronutrients. This theory could have a tremendously beneficial impact promoting long-term health and preventing degenerative disease as well as suggesting optimal micronutrient intake levels.

In this new analysis by the same researchers, low levels of vitamin K was linked to weaker bones, cardiovascular disease, kidney calcification and spontaneous cancer.

Are you getting enough vitamin K?

Although the optimal intake of vitamin K has yet to be established, many scientists agree that the vast majority of us do not get enough vitamin K. In the UK there is no established RDA for vitamin K; however, supplementing with 75 to 150 mcg is considered adequate for health benefits.

Which form of vitamin K?

There are three forms of fat-soluble vitamin K: vitamin K1 found in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli and parsley, and vitamin K2 found in meat, dairy, eggs and natto (Japanese food made from fermented soybeans). Vitamin K2 is also produced by our intestinal flora. Vitamin K2, in particular MK-7, is scientifically documented to have more health benefits than vitamin K1. K3 is not recommended for human use.

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Dr. Bo Nielsen's comments:

This vitamin K study is very interesting because it shows how important vitamin K is to prevent many age-related disease. Vitamin K together with vitamin D have for a long time been "the forgotten vitamins." For many years we did not recognise the importance of getting enough of these vitamins. Today, everyone knows how important vitamin D is and that the optimal daily dose should be more than 2,000 IU per day. The most recent research reveals most of us do not get enough vitamin K, especially the MK-7 form. People in Japan have the highest intake of vitamin K (MK-7) in the world, which no doubt contributes to them having a long lifespan. In this study, researchers evaluated the effect of low vitamin K intake on 16 vitamin K dependant proteins and found a sufficient level of vitamin K is essential for optimal function of VKD proteins that are important for maintaining long-term health and avoiding premature aging.