Low Vitamin K Levels In Seniors Can Impair Walking, Mobility
Previous studies established a link between low levels of this vitamin and impaired mobility. In addition, your risk for cardiovascular disease and and osteoarthritis also increases.
A 2018 study that reviewed the available evidence suggested that around 30% of older adults have limited mobility.
The most common causes of impaired mobility in older people are the onset of lung problems and arthritis.
A common measure of mobility is the ability to walk and climb stairs.
Vitamin K: Mobility Leads to Healthy Aging
Researchers typically define mobility as the “ability to move independently” from one place to another.
Physical independence is integral to healthy aging and older adults’ quality of life. From being able to get out of bed to walking and climbing stairs, much of daily activity involves mobility.
You Mobility Depends On This Vitamin
Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble compounds that have a similar chemical structure and are present in some foods. Phylloquinone is the main dietary form of vitamin K and is present mainly in leafy greens.
In this study, researchers defined immobility as two consecutive 6-monthly reports of experiencing “any amount of difficulty either with walking a quarter of a mile or climbing 10 steps without resting.”
The seniors with low levels were twice as likely to develop immobility compared to seniors with adequate vitamin levels.
It’s clear that a diet for aged adults needs to include foods that are rich in this vitamin. These foods include the following:
- kale
- collard greens
- spinach
- turnip greens
- Brussels sprouts
- broccoli
- asparagus
- lettuce
- sauerkraut
- soybeans
- edamame
- pickles
- pumpkin
- pine nuts
- blueberries