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Green Vegetables Linked to Better Lung Health, Lower COPD Risk in Study

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Consuming green leafy vegetables rich in vitamin K1 may help maintain lung health and lower the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study.
  • The research, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that higher vitamin K1 intake was linked to better lung function and a reduced risk of COPD, particularly in smokers and those exposed to dust or pollution.
  • While vitamin K2 showed no such association, researchers suggest increasing green vegetable intake is a simple step to boost vitamin K1 levels and support lung health.

Eating green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli could significantly benefit lung health, potentially lowering the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a new study suggests. Researchers found a strong link between higher intake of vitamin K1 and improved lung function, as well as a reduced likelihood of developing COPD.

The study, conducted by a team from Edith Cowan University in Australia and published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, examined the relationship between vitamins K1 and K2 and chronic respiratory diseases, including COPD and asthma. Chronic respiratory diseases remain a leading cause of death globally, with COPD alone causing approximately four million deaths in 2019 and affecting over 450 million people.

Over 179,000 participants were monitored for about 10.5 years. The findings indicated that individuals with the highest vitamin K1 consumption had a 16 percent lower risk of COPD compared to those with low intake. This protective effect was even more pronounced in smokers and individuals working in environments with high exposure to dust, chemicals, or pollution. Interestingly, vitamin K2 did not show any correlation with a reduced risk of COPD or asthma.

One additional serving of green vegetables per day is a realistic way to increase vitamin K1 intake.

— Chengfeng LiA researcher highlighting a simple dietary change to improve vitamin K1 levels for better lung health.

Associate Professor Marc Sim, one of the study's researchers, explained that vitamin K might activate specific proteins that help keep lung tissue flexible and resilient against damage. However, he cautioned that the study is observational and does not definitively prove that vitamin K1 directly prevents COPD. It only highlights an association between higher K1 intake and better lung health.

Fellow researcher Chengfeng Li recommended that increasing daily consumption of green vegetables is a practical way for the public to boost their vitamin K1 intake. Other sources of vitamin K1 include collard greens, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, and turnip greens. The researchers emphasized that while dietary changes are important, they should be combined with other measures to protect lung health, particularly avoiding smoking and exposure to pollution, which are major risk factors for COPD.

Vitamin K is thought to activate certain proteins that help keep lung tissue supple and more resistant to damage.

— Associate Professor Marc SimExplaining the potential mechanism by which vitamin K might benefit lung health.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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