When it comes to overall physical and mental health, we all know that proper nutrition plays a huge role. But a recent study has pinpointed one particular nutrient that seems to be especially important for brain functioning: Vitamin K.

What is Vitamin K?

Before we dive into the study’s findings, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of what exactly Vitamin K is. This important nutrient is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s essential for proper blood clotting and bone maintenance.

There are two main types of vitamin K: K1, which is found in leafy green vegetables, and K2, which is found in fermented foods and animal products like eggs and cheese.

The Study: Vitamin K and Brain Health

The study, which was published in the Journal of Gerontology: Series A, examined the relationship between vitamin K levels and brain function in a group of older adults.

The researchers analyzed data from over 3500 participants, looking at measures of brain function like processing speed, verbal abilities, and memory.

What they found was that participants with higher levels of vitamin K in their blood performed better on all of the cognitive tests.

Specifically, those with higher levels of both K1 and K2 had better processing speed and verbal abilities, while those with higher levels of K2 had better episodic memory.

Why Does Vitamin K Matter?

So why is vitamin K so important for brain functioning? The researchers believe that it has to do with the role that vitamin K plays in controlling calcium in the body.

Calcium is necessary for many bodily processes, including muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting. But when calcium levels get too high, it can actually be toxic to cells in the body, including those in the brain.

Vitamin K helps to regulate calcium levels by activating certain proteins that bind to calcium and move it out of the bloodstream and into the bones and other tissues where it’s needed.

This process, in turn, may help to protect brain cells from damage due to excess calcium.

Getting Enough Vitamin K

So how can you make sure you’re getting enough vitamin K to support brain health? Eating a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fermented foods, and animal products is a good place to start. Some of the top sources of vitamin K include:.

Kale
Spinach
Broccoli
Sauerkraut
Natto (fermented soybeans)
Eggs
Cheese

It’s worth noting that while vitamin K deficiency is relatively rare, certain populations may be at a higher risk.

These include those with liver or gastrointestinal diseases, as well as people taking certain medications like antibiotics or blood thinners.

Conclusion

The role of nutrition in overall health is undeniable, and this recent study highlights just how important certain nutrients can be for brain functioning.

By ensuring you’re getting enough vitamin K through your diet or supplements, you may be able to protect your brain and potentially improve cognitive functioning as you age.