A Tufts University study from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center reveals that vitamin K plays a significant role in brain health as we age. Published in the Journal of Nutrition, the research suggests that vitamin K deficiency can impair memory, hinder the growth of new brain cells, and amplify brain inflammation.
With life expectancy rising globally, understanding nutritional supports for cognitive function becomes urgent. While genetics and lifestyle matter, this study highlights how everyday diet can influence cognitive aging. Vitamin K, long known for its role in blood clotting, is increasingly recognized for broader benefits to cardiovascular, bone, and neurological health.
In a controlled experiment with C57BL/6 mice, researchers divided subjects into two groups. One group received a diet adequate in vitamin K, while the other had only 10% of the recommended intake. Behavioral tests showed that vitamin K–deficient mice performed worse on memory tasks, including object recognition and spatial navigation in the Morris water maze.
Brain analyses revealed changes in the hippocampus, a region essential for learning and memory. Deficient mice had lower MK-4 vitamin K levels and reduced formation of new neurons. They also exhibited signs of neuroinflammation, with increased activity of microglia, the brain’s immune cells, linking deficiency to inflammation linked with neurodegenerative risk.
For Thai readers, the findings matter. Our meals often feature green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, making it feasible to ensure sufficient vitamin K intake. Observational data from broader studies has associated higher vitamin K consumption with better cognitive outcomes in older adults.
The study’s implications extend beyond diet. Understanding how vitamin K supports brain health could guide future therapies aimed at slowing cognitive aging. While prioritizing vitamin K from food remains the recommended approach, this work opens doors to deeper questions about nutrition’s role in maintaining brain function with age.
Thailand could benefit from promoting vitamin K–rich foods as part of public health strategies to support the elderly. Emphasizing traditional, nutrient-dense Thai diets may help preserve cognitive vitality alongside physical well-being.
In sum, Thai communities are encouraged to reflect on nutrient-rich, culturally familiar foods that support brain health. By embracing these dietary practices, we can help sustain both memory and overall wellness with age.
According to research from the Journal of Nutrition, the study is titled Low vitamin K intake impairs cognition, neurogenesis, and elevates neuroinflammation in C57BL/6 mice. Data and conceptual findings are attributed to the research team at Tufts University’s nutrition center and collaborating institutions.