A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition reveals that a diet low in vitamin K may impair memory and accelerate cognitive decline. Researchers observed that mice with vitamin K deficiencies exhibited poorer cognitive performance, reduced brain vitamin K levels, and impaired recognition memory. These findings highlight the importance of vitamin K for maintaining brain health and preventing age-related cognitive issues.

Vitamin K, commonly associated with blood clotting, also plays a crucial role in brain function. The study found that mice on a low vitamin K diet had lower levels of Menaquinone-4 (MK4), the primary form of vitamin K in the brain, as well as decreased vitamin K in their livers and kidneys. Additionally, male mice on the deficient diet experienced decreased survival rates and lower weight gain compared to females.

Further analysis revealed changes in the hippocampus, a brain region vital for memory. Vitamin K-deficient mice showed a higher number of activated microglia—immune cells in the brain. While microglia are essential for brain health, their overactivation can lead to chronic inflammation, a factor increasingly recognized in age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.

Lead researcher Tong Zheng emphasized the protective effect of vitamin K on brain function, noting that brain function declines during the aging process. The study suggests that vitamin K contributes to brain health, and understanding its mechanisms could lead to targeted interventions to preserve cognitive function.

Incorporating vitamin K-rich foods such as leafy greens, broccoli, and fermented products into one's diet may help support memory and overall brain function.