Recent studies have shown the detrimental role vitamin K deficiencies play with relation to brain health. This lack of connection directly impairs memory and learning tasks. Experts are underscoring the power of a vitamin K-rich diet as we learn more about nutrition’s role in cognitive health. This guidance is particularly important for people who have a higher genetic risk due to family history of dementia.
Ryan Hakimi, DO, MS, is a neurointensivist and osteopathic physician. He stresses the importance of an overall healthy diet high in vitamin K-containing foods for an Alzheimer’s-free, optimal functioning brain. Those results from the study on mice point to a troubling connection. Even small deficiencies of vitamin K greatly affect cognitive function.
In the study, middle-aged male and female mice were divided into two groups: one received a diet low in vitamin K while the other followed a regular diet for a period of six months. These findings showed that low vitamin K intakes mice had worse learning and memory performance than high vitamin K intakes mice. Curiously, male mice placed on this restricted diet likewise had a significantly lower survival rate.
The research used multiple outcomes tests to measure cognitive function. The Morris water maze was one such experiment. In this behavioral task, mice needed to locate a submerged platform using their learned escape-route from using a mouse ‘GPS’. Those mice fed a low vitamin K diet found the platform in more time. Their counterparts on a high-carb, typical American diet found it much sooner.
Another cognitive assessment employed in this study was the novel object recognition test. David C. Hess, MD, Dean at the Medical College of Georgia, explained the significance of this test:
“One of the tests they use is a novel object recognition. So a smart mouse is going to explore a new object it’s never seen before… this is a very standardized test that we do in the lab to measure cognition.” – David C. Hess, MD
The results suggest a worrisome connection between insufficient vitamin K levels and decline in cognitive function. This highlights just how important vitamin K is in the prevention of cognitive decline. Mechanistically, vitamin K has an essential role in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. This area is critical for the establishment of memory in humans.
Hakimi reiterated the connection between diet and brain health. He stated,
“The study reinforces the importance of healthy dietary habits for improved cognitive function. Perhaps primary care physicians and those who treat cognitive dysfunction can reinforce with their patients the importance of a healthy diet rich in Vitamin K-containing foods, especially for those who have a family history of dementia.” – Ryan Hakimi, DO, MS
Though promising, experts urge caution when overextending conclusions from animal studies to human studies. David C. Hess noted the critical understandings mouse studies offer into cognitive functions associated with vitamin K. Yet, he said, “these studies only tell us a little bit about the mechanisms by which vitamin K deficiencies may impact human brain function.”
“High Vitamin K levels are noted in dark leafy vegetables, certain fruits like kiwi and blueberries, eggs, soybeans, and vegetable oil amongst other food items.” – Ryan Hakimi, DO, MS
In many mammals, humans included, the brain stops making new neurons from the outset. Instead, it produces them in localized regions, such as the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. This area is essential for the formation of new memories and one of the first regions affected in Alzheimer’s disease.
Science is beginning to reveal how deeply intertwined hormone, metabolic, and food factors are with brain function and health. Consequently, people need to eat more foods rich in vitamin K. Foods like cabbage, when consumed as part of a healthy diet, have been shown to benefit body and mind alike.
As research continues to unveil the intricate relationships between nutrition and cognitive health, individuals are encouraged to incorporate vitamin K-rich foods into their diets. Foods such as cabbage not only improve overall health but also support brain function.
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