As one gets older the more difficult it becomes to digest, absorb and metabolise nutrients, and some medications may also inhibit the whole process. This is when supplements may be needed – those who do not have a diet which contains enough vital vitamins and minerals may need to take something extra. According to studies and health experts, supplementation of vitamin K is essential for those aged over 60. Why?
When one thinks about vitamins which are integral for health, there’s one that might not come to mind but should.
Some new research is showing how the nutrient can affect health in significant ways.
Analysis of data combined from numerous studies found that older adults with low blood levels of vitamin K had a 19 percent higher risk of dying early from any cause.
“Older adults—particularly older men—are the age group that consume the least amount of vitamin K,” says Dr Sarah Booth.
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In a study with the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, vitamins K1 and K2 as the emerging group of vitamins required for human health was analysed.
The study noted: “Vitamin K2 may be a useful adjunct for the treatment of osteoporosis, along with vitamin D and calcium, rivaling bisphosphonate therapy without toxicity.
“It may also significantly reduce morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular health by reducing vascular calcification.
“Vitamin K2 appears promising in the areas of diabetes, cancer, and osteoarthritis.”
The study concluded that vitamin K supplementation may be useful for a number of chronic conditions and supplementation may be required for both bone and cardiovascular health.
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In another study, vitamin K as a powerful micronutrient in ageing and age-related diseases was investigated.
“Vitamin K is a multifunctional micronutrient implicated in age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis,” said the study.
It continued: “Several chronic inflammatory and mineralization-related diseases have been associated with vitamin K deficiency, namely cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis.
“Since these are highly prevalent age-related health conditions, and both inflammation and pathological mineralization are associated with the ageing process, a new concept of vitamin K involvement in ageing and ’inflaming’ is arising.”
Other research has shown that too little vitamin K is associated with various age-related concerns, such as cognitive function and mobility.
Older adults with insufficient vitamin K are likely to be at higher risk for mobility disability.
Researchers call for further studies to confirm findings and clarify the mechanisms that might link vitamin K to mobility.
Vitamin K is a group of vitamins that the body needs for blood clotting, helping wounds to heal, said the national health body.
It continued: “There’s also some evidence vitamin K may help keep bones healthy.
“Good sources of vitamin K include green leafy vegetables – such as broccoli and spinach, vegetable oils and cereal grains
“Small amounts can also be found in meat and dairy foods.”
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