Researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, conducted a study in which they analyzed data from 1,381 participants (average age of 59, with 52% women) in the Framingham Offspring Study. The Tuft scientists measured blood levels of vitamin K1, as well as dietary intake of both vitamin K and vitamin D, and related these to 14 different biological markers of inflammation. According to Lead Author Kyla Shea, both blood levels and dietary intake of K1 were associated with decreased levels of 14 inflammatory markers.

Specifically, after making adjustments to exclude people with heart disease, they found that increased vitamin K1 intake still correlated with lower levels of five biomarkers: a 15 percent reduction in CD40 ligand, 8 percent reduction in interleukin-6 concentration, 4 percent reduction in serum osteoprotegerin concentration, a 4 percent reduction in tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 and a 3 percent reduction in intracellular adhesion molecule-1 concentration. They also found that increased vitamin D intake was associated with a decrease in one inflammation biomarker, urinary isoprostane - even after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, use of aspirin, time of year and the use of hormone replacement therapy after menopause. "Our findings provide one potential alternative mechanism for a putative protective effect of vitamin K in the progression of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, since both diseases are characterized by inflammation," writes Shea. 

Chronic inflammation, a condition in which the body's natural protective mechanisms over-react, has been associated with a range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, type-2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. As the researchers note, the mechanism by which vitamin K1 may fight inflammation isn't known, and additional research is warranted. Vitamin K1, which is found in found in leafy greens such as spinach, kale, cabbage and broccoli, as well as in cereals, milk and soybeans, is a marker for a healthy diet. As a result, this study may also indicate that other compounds also found in a healthy diet may contributed to reduced inflammation.

News Release: Vitamin K reduces chronic inflammation throughout the body www.naturalnews.com    June 24, 2009