Vitamin K1 Linked to Lower Risk of Type-2 Diabetes

A recent study suggests that low levels of vitamin K1 may be associated with a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Specifically, every 100 micrograms daily increase of vitamin K1 was associated with a 17% lower risk of developing diabetes.

The study included 1069 participants with an average age of 67.5. None of the individuals had diabetes at the onset of the study, but after 5.5 years, 131 had been diagnosed.

The researchers found that levels of vitamin K1 at the start of the study were linked to the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Higher levels of vitamin K1 correlated with lower risk.

They also found that the individuals who increased their vitamin K1 intake during the study period were 51% less likely to develop diabetes than participants who decreased or did not change their intake level.

The study was conducted by researchers at Universitat Rovira I Virgili, the Institute of Health Carlos III, and the University of Navarre, all in Spain. It was published in September, 2012 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Previous studies have linked vitamin K1 with improved heart health, better bone health, and lower risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Vitamin K in the form of vitamin K1 is found in green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, lettuce and spinach. You can also get your daily dose of vitamin K1 in supplement form.