Foods with vitamin K protect against the development of arthritis

0

Vitamin K helps prevent cartilage calcification, a process associated with osteoarthritis.

The development of arthritis is often associated with age due to its prevalence among older people. However, its occurrence can be influenced by injuries, other diseases, or lifestyle factors, including daily diet. In particular, studies have shown that a predisposition to arthritis occurs against the background of a lack of vitamin K.

Vitamin K can be found in foods such as green leafy vegetables, cereals, and some types of meat. It is mainly needed by the body for wound healing, as it affects blood clotting. But it also helps keep bones healthy.

The journal Nutrients published an analysis of a number of studies that examined the relationship between vitamin K and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, among its symptoms are pain and stiffness in the joints. Scientists who conducted the analysis stated that taking this vitamin prevents the process of cartilage calcification associated with osteoarthritis. On the other hand, the absence of vitamin K deficiency is associated with a lower risk of pathological changes in the joints in general.

“Vitamin K activates matrix proteins that inhibit bone morphogenetic protein-mediated cartilage calcification,” the scientists said.

They noted that further studies are needed to determine exactly how much vitamin K is needed to prevent arthritis.