Vitamin K, a nutrient found in leafy greens and some vegetable oils, may help older adults live longer, according to a new study.
Researchers studied nearly 4,000 American’s aged 54 to 76 from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, an NHLBI-sponsored medical research study that looks at early, or subclinical, atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries. The condition can lead to heart attack and stroke over time. The researchers categorized participants according to their vitamin K blood levels and then compared their risk of heart disease and risk of death across the categories over approximately 13 years of follow-up.
The researchers found that people with the lowest vitamin K levels had a 19% higher risk of death compared to those with adequate vitamin K intake. However, the vitamin was not associated with a risk of heart disease, they note.
Vitamin K is found in leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, collard greens, and kale and is also found in some vegetable oils such as soybean and canola. The nutrient has long been known for its importance for maintaining healthy blood vessels. The study adds to existing evidence of its health benefits. It was funded in part by NHLBI and appeared in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.