Recent research suggests a correlation between the consumption of green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli and enhanced lung health.
There are two primary forms of vitamin K found in foods. The more common type, vitamin K1, is largely present in vegetables and plays a crucial role in blood clotting. On the other hand, vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods and certain dairy products, eggs, and meats; it supports calcium regulation in the body and is beneficial for bone health.
Researchers from Edith Cowan University in Australia examined whether dietary intake of vitamins K1 and K2 was linked with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and overall lung function.
“Chronic respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma rank among the most common non-communicable diseases globally and were responsible for approximately 4 million deaths in 2019, affecting 454.6 million people,” the scientists highlighted in their study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. They further noted that while these conditions can be managed with existing treatments, neither is curable, emphasizing the need for effective prevention strategies.
The Mayo Clinic indicated that smoking is the leading cause of COPD, though exposure to dust, chemicals, and pollutants can also contribute.
In a detailed analysis involving over 179,000 participants over 15 years, researchers found that “increased dietary vitamin K1 intake is associated with better lung function and reduced rates of COPD.”
Those who consumed the highest amounts of vitamin K1 were found to be 16% less likely to have COPD, especially among smokers and individuals in high-risk jobs. Interestingly, vitamin K2 intake did not show a similar effect on COPD rates.
“No links between vitamin K1 or K2 intake and asthma were found,” the researchers stated.
Associate Professor Mark Sim, a contributor to the research, suggested that vitamin K might activate proteins that maintain lung tissue flexibility and help prevent damage. However, as the study is observational, it can’t definitively prove that vitamin K1 reduces COPD risk—only that higher consumption levels seem to correlate with improved lung health.
Chengfeng Li, another researcher involved in this study, mentioned that adding even one serving of leafy vegetables could be an effective way to boost vitamin K1 intake. Other vitamin K1-rich foods include collard greens, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, and turnip greens.
