A new study shows that low level of vitamin K can be associated with increased inflammation and reducing new brain cells in the hippocampus, a region of the brain involved in learning and memory.
Lack of vitamin K affects photo brain: Shuterstock
Scientists continue to explore how nutrition influences brain health as we grow older. Researchers at Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aaging (HNRCA) at Tufts Vutecu University about the important role of Vitamin K.
Research suggests that the lack of sufficient amount of vitamin K can adversely affect cognitive function as people get older, according to Scytechdaily.
In experiments on mice, a deficient diet in vitamin K has led to inflammation, memory disorders and a decrease in new cerebral cells in the hippocampus, an essential region for learning.
The study performed on middle -aged mice, found that “Low levels of vitamin K have been related to increasing inflammation and reducing new brain cell growth, a region of the brain involved in learning and memory and known for its ability to generate new neurons.”
Vegetables with green leaf containing vitamin K
Vitamin K, which is found in vegetables with green leaves such as Brussels cabbage, broccoli, green peas, kale cabbage and spinach, is already known for its role in blood coagulation.
According to the main author Sarah Booth, director of HNRCA and teacher at Tufts' Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Polycy, previous research has also suggested that vitamin K can support cardiovascular health and joints.
“There are also research that indicates that vitamin K contributes to the function of the brain and that the function of the brain decreases during the aging process. Vitamin K seems to have a protective effect. Our research tries to understand the mechanism that underlies this effect, so that one day we are able to target these mechanisms,” says Tong Zheng, the main author of the study and scientific researcher.
Learning and memory affected
In the new research, published in the Journal of Nutrition, the researchers performed a six -month dietary intervention to compare the cognitive performance of mice, which were fed with a poor diet and those who received a standard diet.
When the researchers then examined the cerebral tissue of the mice, they found significant changes in the hippocampus, a region of the essential brain for learning and memory. Specifically, they observed a small number of proliferating cells in the dental gyrus of the hippocampus in mice with vitamin K deficiency.
Brain inflammation
Researchers also found evidence of neuroinflaming in the brain of mice with vitamin K deficiency.
“We found a larger number of activated microglii, which are the main immune cells in the brain”says Zheng.
“People have to have a healthy diet. They have to eat vegetables,” Booth said, stressing that a healthy diet is essential for longevity and maintaining cognitive functions.
