The IAA One Minute Blog

A new study suggests that people who have low levels of vitamin K also have less healthy lungs. They are more likely to report having asthma, COPD and wheezing. Vitamin K (found in leafy green vegetables) may boost lung health.

New Study on Vitamin K

Researchers recruited more than 4,000 participants, ages 24 to 77.

Study participants underwent lung function testing, which measures the amount of air a person can breathe out in one second (forced expiratory volume or FEV1) and the total volume of air they can breathe in one forced breath (forced vital capacity or FVC).

Participants also gave blood samples and answered questionnaires on their health and lifestyle. The blood tests included a marker of low levels of vitamin K in the blood.

People with markers of low vitamin K levels had lower FEV1 and lower FVC on average.  

The study was published in “ERJ Open Research.”

Vitamin K and Your Body

You typically get enough vitamin K through food, occurring mainly in plant-based foods.

Vitamin K plays a role in:

1. Blood clotting: Vitamin K assists with the blood clotting process. It makes four of the 13 proteins needed for blood clotting. Blood clots stop your injuries or wounds from bleeding so they can heal.
2. Bone health: Vitamin K strengthens bones. It does this by helping make osteocalcin, which helps prevent low bone density.

What IAA has to Say

Insurance Administrator of America is here to keep you informed in the world of health. IAA wants you to think about adding some green to that dinner plate!