People with poor lung function or lung disease were found to have low levels of vitamin K, a recent study showed.*

Questionnaires were completed by 4,066 participants, aged 24-77, providing information about general health, chronic diseases, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and diet.

Exams were conducted from 2017–2020 to evaluate individuals' lung function using spirometry (a common test that measures how much air a person breathes in and out). Urine and blood values were measured to assess vitamin K status.

Individuals with lower vitamin K levels had poorer lung function (as indicated by diminished forced expiratory volume and forced vital capacity) compared to those with higher vitamin K levels.

Those with lower vitamin K had greater odds of having COPD, wheezing, and asthma compared to those with higher vitamin K status.

Editor's Note: Participants were enrolled in the Danish study of Functional Disorders.

* ERJ Open Res. 2023 Sep; 9(5):00208-2023.

Vitamin E Benefits People with Liver Disease

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials found significant improvement in markers of liver inflammation and microscopic structure and function of liver tissue in people who received the antioxidant vitamin E.*

The study subjects had metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

The meta-analysis included seven trials that compared the effects of vitamin E to another nutrient or drug or a placebo among a total of 853 men and women with MASLD or MASH.

Vitamin E significantly reduced serum levels of the liver enzymes ALT and AST, which are elevated in liver disease.

Vitamin E lowered steatosis (the buildup of liver fat) and inflammatory cells within the lobules of the liver, and reduced ballooning of liver cells.

Editor's Note: "Our meta-analysis of RCTs found that vitamin E significantly reduced serum ALT and AST levels. This is consistent with the results of other published meta-analyses," the authors concluded.

*J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024 Aug 16; 16723.

Krill Oil Boosts Skin Health

Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding pilot studies found improvements with orally administered krill oil in the skin of healthy adults.*

In the first study, 26 adults were given 1,000 mg krill oil per day and 25 participants received a daily placebo for 12 weeks. The second 12-week study included 29 participants who received 2,000 mg krill oil per day and 21 participants who received a placebo.

Blood omega-3 levels, water loss across skin layers, hydration and elasticity were measured at the beginning of the study and at six and 12 weeks.

"The results from these two studies in healthy volunteers suggest that krill oil supplementation may improve the skin's capability to retain water, in addition to improving its hydration and elasticity," the authors concluded. 

Editor's Note: Krill oil is a source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. As essential membrane components, omega-3 fatty acids modulate cell membrane and support skin barrier function.

* J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Aug 21; 16513.

Lower Mortality Risk with Greater Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet

In a study reported in JAMA Network Open, women with high adherence to a Mediterranean diet had a lower relative risk of mortality compared to women with low adherence to the diet.*

Researchers analyzed data from 25,315 participants in the Women's Health Study who enrolled from 1993-1996. Participant responses to questionnaires completed at the beginning of the study were scored for adherence to a Mediterranean diet and categorized as having low, intermediate or high adherence.

Those whose adherence was high had a 23% lower relative risk of dying during the 25 years of follow-up and an 11% lower relative risk after adjustment for lifestyle factors, compared to women whose adherence was low.

Editor's Note: "Participants with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet generally exhibited healthier lifestyles, including lower BMI and higher intake of fruits, nuts, whole grains, legumes, and fish, while consuming less red and processed meat," the authors stated. 

* JAMA Network Open. 2024 May 31; 1533.