As people age, the virility of their limbs functionality lowers down. There mobility lessens with time and they commonly suffer from muscle and joint pains. Many factors play their part in causing disability in older adults. Though it is a naturally-occurring old-age condition, the extent varies greatly from person to person. It could be because of difference in their internal health. A new study has unearthed a new reason - deficiency of vitamin K may lead to restricted mobility and disability in old people. The study was published in the 'Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences'.
Kyla Shea, first and corresponding author on the study said, "Because of our growing population of older people, it's important for us to understand the variety of risk factors for mobility disability. Low vitamin K status has been associated with the onset of chronic diseases that lead to disability but the work to understand this connection is in its infancy. Here, we're building on previous studies that found that low levels of circulating vitamin K are associated with lower gait speed and a higher risk of osteoarthritis."
(Also Read: 4 Subtle Signs And Symptoms Of Vitamin K Deficiency)
Vitamin K deficiency leads to mobility disability
The scientists procured participant data of 635 men and 688 women of ages 70-79 years, who participated in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study (Health ABC). The team examined two biomarkers: circulating levels of vitamin K (phylloquinone) and a functional measure of vitamin K (plasma ucMGP). They compared some older adults with sufficient level of circulating vitamin K with adults that had low levels. The team found that both men and women with less vitamin K level were 1.5 times more likely to develop mobility limitation and nearly twice as likely to develop mobility disability.
Senior author Sarah Booth added, 'The connection we saw with low levels of circulating vitamin K further supports vitamin K's association with mobility disability. Although the two biomarkers we looked at are known to reflect vitamin K status, biomarker levels can also be affected by additional known or unknown factors. Further experiments to understand the mechanisms of biomarkers and vitamin K and their role in mobility are needed."
(Also Read: Know All About Foods Rich In Vitamin K)
Vitamin K-rich foods
The quantity of vitamin K in the diet determines circulating vitamin K level in the body. Here are some foods that are known to be the best sources of vitamin K -
Foods Rich In Vitamin K -
Spinach
Kale
Broccoli
Lettuce
Kiwi
Black Mustard Seeds
Eggs
Fish
Soybean Oil
One cup of raw kale provides 141 per cent of vitamin K daily requirement. Raw spinach covers as much 181 per cent of daily value and a cup of broccoli offers 138 per cent.