Higher dietary vitamin K intake is linked to lower levels of neurofilament light chain, a marker of neurodegeneration, particularly in middle-aged and older adults. This suggests vitamin K may support brain health and potentially slow age-related cognitive decline, offering a nutritional strategy for promoting longevity and healthy ageing.
September 2024 – Frontiers in Nutrition
Key takeaways
- Vitamin K linked to brain health: Higher dietary vitamin K intake is associated with lower levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), a biomarker of neurodegeneration. This suggests vitamin K may help protect against age-related cognitive decline, offering a potential dietary strategy to support brain health and longevity
- Optimal intake may reduce neurodegeneration risk: The neuroprotective benefits of vitamin K plateau at around 200 µg/day, indicating a potential threshold for its effects. This finding could guide dietary recommendations for ageing populations aiming to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases
- Middle-aged and older adults benefit most: The link between vitamin K and lower NfL levels is stronger in middle-aged and older adults, emphasising its potential role in slowing neurodegenerative processes as people age, making it particularly relevant for longevity-focused nutrition
- Vitamin K supports anti-inflammatory, antioxidant pathways: Vitamin K may protect neurons by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, key mechanisms in maintaining cognitive function. This highlights its potential in supporting brain health and mitigating age-related neurological decline
Read the article at: Luo, Jing, and Song Lin. “Dietary Vitamin K Intake Is Associated with Decreased Neurofilament Light Chain among Middle-Aged and Older Adults from the NHANES.” Frontiers in Nutrition, vol. 11, 2024, doi:10.3389/fnut.2024.1396707.
