A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition has found that low vitamin K intake impairs memory, reduces neurogenesis, and increases neuroinflammation in mice. Researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University discovered that a diet lacking sufficient vitamin K led to impaired memory performance, reduced formation of new neurons in the hippocampus, and signs of increased brain inflammation.
Vitamin K is essential for blood coagulation, but evidence suggests it also contributes to cardiovascular health, bone metabolism, and neurological function. The recommended daily intake for vitamin K varies by age and sex, with adult men requiring 120 μg per day and women requiring 90 μg per day. Despite these recommendations, many older adults fail to meet their daily vitamin K requirements.
The study, which involved middle-aged mice fed either a standard diet or a diet lacking vitamin K, found that the vitamin K-deficient group showed clear impairments in learning and memory. The mice spent less time exploring new objects and took longer to learn spatial information compared to those on the standard diet.
Further analysis revealed reduced levels of vitamin K in the brain tissue of deficient mice and significantly reduced neurogenesis, which is critical for learning and memory. The researchers also identified increased signs of neuroinflammation, including activated microglia and simplified brain structures.
While supplementing with vitamin K is not necessary, this research highlights its potential role in supporting brain health, particularly in the context of aging. The study’s findings align with human observational studies that associate a higher intake of vitamin-rich foods with better cognitive outcomes in older adults.
Source: https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/vitamin-k-deficiency-linked-to-memory-and-brain-cell-decline-398329