Researchers at the Karolinska Institute have suggested that vitamin K supplements may support healthy aging, a point highlighted in recent work published in the journal nutrients.
The review considered multiple studies on how vitamin K interacts with aging processes. Observational data indicate that vitamin K and vitamin K–dependent proteins (VKDPs) are linked to a broad spectrum of age-related conditions. Yet, clear evidence showing a direct impact of vitamin K on cellular aging remains elusive.
Some investigations hint that supplementation with vitamin K1 or K2 could play a role in managing cognitive decline in older adults. It is also noted that vitamin K2 is produced by certain gut bacteria, underscoring the broader influence of the gut microbiome on overall health. Cheese is another dietary source of vitamin K2. [Attribution: Karolinska Institute]
Although the precise effects of vitamin K on human health are not fully established, researchers have identified potential connections to aging markers such as genomic instability, cellular aging, mitochondrial function, and systemic inflammation. These associations may be tied to vitamin K’s impact on the gut microbiome and related metabolic pathways.
Scientists conclude that, while vitamin K clearly contributes to maintaining health, the evidence for supplementing beyond typical dietary intake remains mixed. Moreover, it is unclear whether increasing consumption is necessary, given that clinically significant deficiencies in vitamin K are quite rare in most populations. [Attribution: broader nutrition science consensus]
Nutrition plays a vital role in overall health outcomes. A comprehensive global assessment from 2019 linked diets low in vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, and high in processed foods, sugar, and sodium to elevated death risk in both men and women. These findings reinforce the importance of balanced dietary patterns for longevity and disease prevention. [Attribution: Global Health Data]