Vitamin Okay is primarily recognized for its function in blood clotting and bone health however rising analysis means that it may also have connections to lung well being. While Vitamin K won’t have a direct connection to any specific respiratory problems, analysis signifies that people with inadequate ranges of Vitamin Okay are inclined to expertise a better frequency of respiratory signs akin to bronchial asthma, COPD and wheezing.

Nonetheless, no direct hyperlink has been established between Vitamin Okay deficiency and any particular lung situation. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anjali Khalane, Consultant Pulmonologist and Sleep Disorders Specialist at Ruby Hall Clinic, defined how is Vitamin Okay related to the lungs –

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Vitamin Okay has been advised to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation performs a major function in numerous lung ailments, akin to bronchial asthma and persistent obstructive pulmonary illness (COPD). By decreasing irritation, Vitamin Okay may probably have a constructive affect on lung well being.
• Matrix Gla Protein (MGP): Vitamin Okay is important for the activation of a protein referred to as Matrix Gla Protein (MGP). MGP is concerned in regulating calcium within the physique and stopping calcium buildup in gentle tissues, together with blood vessels and probably the lungs. This is essential as a result of the calcification of lung tissues may contribute to lung-related points.
• Blood Vessel Health: Vitamin Okay can be concerned in sustaining the well being of blood vessels. Since the lungs are wealthy in blood vessels, sustaining correct vascular perform is essential for optimum lung perform. Impaired blood vessel perform may contribute to lung ailments.
• Osteocalcin and Lung Tissue: Osteocalcin, a protein activated by Vitamin Okay, is principally related to bone well being. However, latest research have advised that it may also play a job in lung well being by influencing lung tissue perform and growth.

What are a number of the ways in which decrease ranges of vitamin Okay can affect the lungs?

Dr Sameerkumar Nanaware, Consultant – Pulmonology, MBBS, MD (TB and Chest) at SRV Hospitals in Chembur, answered, “Lower levels of Vitamin K can cause a reduction of a specific protein called matrix GLA protein (MGP) which is known to help reduce lung tissue calcification. Hence, indirectly lower Vitamin K levels may increase the risk of lung calcification and symptoms related to the same.”

Dr Anjali Khalane elaborated –

• Reduced lung perform: People with low ranges of Vitamin Okay usually tend to have lowered lung perform, which implies they may face issue in respiratory. This will be as a result of various elements, together with airway narrowing, irritation, and decreased manufacturing of surfactant, a substance that helps hold the lungs’ airways open.
• Increased threat of bronchial asthma and COPD: Asthma and COPD are persistent lung ailments that may trigger respiratory issues. Studies have proven that individuals with low ranges of vitamin Okay usually tend to have these ailments.
• Wheezing: Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that may happen when the airways slim. People with low ranges of vitamin Okay usually tend to wheeze.
• Inflammation: Inflammation is a pure immune response that may assist shield the physique from an infection. However, persistent irritation can harm the lungs and make it troublesome to breathe. People with low ranges of vitamin Okay usually tend to have persistent irritation of their lungs.

Does it trigger long-term harm and might it’s reversed?

Dr Sameerkumar Nanaware revealed, “While there isn’t a direct link between Vitamin K and the lungs, individuals with deficient Vitamin K levels exhibit diminished ventilatory capacity which can be demonstrated as low levels of FEV1 and FVC on spirometry (Pulmonary Function test) which can be reversed by supplementing Vitamin K.”

What are the alternative ways to extend ranges of Vitamin Okay?

Dr Anjali Khalane advised, “By eating more Vitamin K-rich foods such as leafy greens and cow liver and seeking the right advice from experts, people can raise their levels of Vitamin K.”

Dr Sameerkumar Nanaware suggested, “Vitamin K can easily be supplemented in the diet by increasing the intake of green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, and soyabean oil as well as fruits such as kiwi, blueberries and blackberries are a rich source of Vitamin K.”