The benefits of vitamin K to cardiovascular and skeletal health are well known; however, new research seems to suggest that this key vitamin may also have a positive effect on insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when cells no longer respond to normal insulin levels in the blood, and thus do not take up glucose from the blood. Insulin resistance is associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes.
A study examining the effects of vitamin K supplementation in 355 men and women aged 60-80 years found that 500 mcg of vitamin K per day for 36 months was associated with a significant improvement in insulin resistance in men, but not in women. Insulin resistance was measured according to the homeostasis model (HOMA-IR).
The mechanism by which vitamin K acts to improve insulin resistance, and why positive results were obtained only in men remains uncertain. It is possible that vitamin K acts to decrease inflammation, thereby improving insulin sensitivity. Other recent studies have associated vitamin K which anti-inflammatory actions. Furthermore, previous observational studies have reported similar results in both men and women, suggesting that further research needs to be done to fully assess vitamin K’s potential role in protecting against insulin resistance, and possibly, type 2 diabetes.
Yoshida M et al. Effect of vitamin K supplementation on insulin resistance in older men and women. Diabetes Care. 2008. 31(11): 2092-2096.
For more information see Vitamin K2
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