Vitamin K and the Risk of Dementia

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes in two forms. The main type is called phylloquinone, found in green leafy vegetables like collard greens, kale, and spinach. The other type, menaquinones, are found in some animal foods and fermented foods, and can also be produced by bacteria in the gut microbiome. 

In a recently published study, researchers from AlMaarefa University in Saudi Arabia have found that vitamin K has the potential to improve cognitive abilities. The study was presented at the Experimental Biology meeting on April, 5th, 2022. 

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and affects millions of people around the world. Currently, there is no cure for dementia; however, some medications are available that can help with the symptoms. 

Vitamin K Decreased Cognitive Impairment 

Vitamin K plays a role in both brain and bone health. For the study, researchers evaluated the effects of vitamin K on cognitive function in a rat model. The team conducted a 17-month-long trial on rats, having one group that received a vitamin K supplement and a control group that did not. 

The team found that the rats that received the vitamin K supplements had reduced levels of cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety. They also notice that the rats had improved spatial memory and learning ability. 

There are different forms of vitamin K, one of them is MK-7, which is found in fermented vegetables that are excellent for the gut microbiome, and that have a well-established link to cognitive decline. One of the researchers Dr. Jennifer Bramen recommended incorporating these into our diets to promote brain health and cognition. 

Source:

Erika Watts. (2022, Apr 12). Vitamin K may be helpful for people at risk of dementia. Medical News Today. Retrieved from: 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vitamin-k-may-be-helpful-for-people-at-risk-of-dementia

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