Dutch scientists believe they have found a link between a vitamin K deficiency and the contraction of the most severe forms of Covid-19, reports the Guardian.
To achieve this result, the researchers studied on the one hand, 184 patients hospitalized for a severe form of Covid-19 in Nijmegen, Holland, and on the other, a control group made up of non-sick people. This study was carried out in partnership with the Maastricht Cardiovascular Research Institute, between March 12 and April 11.
Having glimpsed such a link, scientists now want to be able to do a clinical trial and are currently seeking funding to launch it.
Vitamin K, a set of essential molecules for coagulation
In its most severe forms, Covid-19 causes blood to clot and causes the elastic fibers in the lungs to degrade. Vitamin K, which is found in certain foods, is essential for the production of proteins that regulate coagulation and can thus protect against lung disease.
Pending more successful results, Dr. Rob Janssen, a scientist working on the project, told the Guardian that he was promoting a healthy intake of vitamin K, except for those taking blood thinners. “Even if it doesn’t help with the severe forms of Covid-19, (vitamin K) is good for your blood vessels, your bones and probably also your lungs,” he added.
What foods are rich in vitamin K?
Vitamin K includes several molecules including vitamin K1 or phylloquinone, of plant origin, and vitamin K2 or menaquinone, of animal, bacterial origin.
Vitamin K1 is found in spinach, broccoli, lettuce and green vegetables in general. While K2 is present in some cheeses or in natto, a Japanese food made from fermented soybeans.
“I have worked with a Japanese scientist in London who considers it remarkable that in certain regions of Japan whose inhabitants eat a lot of natto, no death of Covid-19 has been counted,” also said Dr. Rob Janssen .
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