Vitamin K is best known for helping blood clot properly. However, it turns out it may be doing something entirely different for your brain.
The study found that insufficient vitamin K harms brain health and memory as we age.
In fact, when researchers put mice on a vitamin K-deficient diet, the results were alarming. The mice performed poorly on memory and learning tests compared to control mice.
But there’s more…
Looking deeper, scientists discovered that low K levels lead to fewer new neurons forming in the hippocampus—the brain region crucial for learning and memory.
Even more concerning, they found increased activation of the microglia (immune cells) in the brains of the vitamin K-deprived mice, indicating higher inflammation levels.
And as we know, chronic inflammation is the enemy of a healthy brain.
So how do you make sure you're getting enough of this memory-boosting nutrient? Fortunately, many delicious foods are rich in vitamin K including:dark leafy greens like kale and spinachBrussels sproutsbroccoligreen peascabbageAnd the benefits go beyond brain health—vitamin K also supports your heart and joints.
With benefits across multiple body systems, vitamin K deserves far more attention.
The evidence is mounting that this forgotten vitamin is a secret weapon against age-related cognitive decline.
People taking blood-thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) should be careful with getting too much vitamin K or taking supplements. As always, check with your doctor before starting any new supplements.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
P.S. How the air you breathe is silently stealing your memory.
Source:
Tong Zheng, Shannon Marschall, Jasper Weinberg, Xueyan Fu, et al., Low Vitamin K Intake Impairs Cognition, Neurogenesis, and Elevates Neuroinflammation in C57BL/6 Mice, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 155, Issue 4, 2025, Pages 1119-1126, ISSN 0022-3166, DOI:10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.01.023
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