A newly published analysis[1] using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 finds that elevated intake of several nutrients, including Vitamin K and Folate (Vitamin B9), was associated with higher cognitive elasticity (functioning) in men and women over 65. The results of this analysis, conducted by Pharmavite LLC, the leading nutrition-powered wellness company and makers of Nature Made® vitamins, demonstrate the critical need for supplementation with these vitamins as there remains a sub-optimal intake among adults in the US.
The cross-sectional study included participants 60 years and older with validated cognitive function data (cognitive function test or CFT) or valid depression score data (Patient Health Questionnaire or PHQ). The researchers examined their nutrient intake to discern associations with cognitive function and depression.
According to the study authors, the key nutrients showing the most consistent associations with cognitive function were Vitamin K and Folate (others were vitamins A and B6, lutein and zeaxanthin, and several minerals).
Yet, a large portion of the population remains unable to obtain adequate amounts of essential nutrients to maintain healthy brain function throughout life. Among those nutrients are Vitamin K2 and Folate.
Overcoming Nutrient Deficiencies: The Impact of Vitamin K2 and B9 on Cognitive Health
In a webinar series, Dr. Emily Ho from the Linus Pauling Institute noted that adequate vitamin intake is only relative despite a high-quality diet; it is not absolute. This is evidenced by data from the NHANES 2003-2006 survey, which found that more than 75% of the US population does not have adequate amounts of vitamin K. Many American adults must supplement to achieve optimal B9 intake levels even with mandated folic acid fortification. [2]
Recent evidence highlights that Vitamin K2 is the predominant form of vitamin K in the brain, with higher levels correlating with improved cognitive performance.[3] Research has shown that Vitamin K2 supports a healthy vascular structure within the brain. Additionally, adults over age 40 often exhibit reduced extrahepatic K status. Beyond improving vascular health, Vitamin K2 positively affects the brain through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions and supports mitochondrial function. Studies on MenaQ7® Vitamin K2 supplementation have demonstrated enhanced K status and improved arterial elasticity, both crucial for optimal brain function.[4]
Folate (vitamin B9) deficiency has been linked to accelerated cognitive function decline and might serve as a marker for assessing cognitive health in older individuals. Research indicated that low serum folate levels significantly increased the risk of severe cognitive decline, with around 30% of adults aged 65 and older exhibiting insufficient folate levels.[5] Early and prolonged B-vitamin supplementation, particularly with folate, effectively reduced the risk of cognitive decline and memory issues.[6,7] Additionally, combining vitamin B12 and folic acid lowered blood homocysteine levels and improved cognitive scores.[8] Quatrefolic® is the only folate form (5-MTHF) that can cross the blood-brain barrier and thus more efficiently support brain function.
Additional supportive data comes from a recent randomized clinical trial showing that daily multivitamin supplementation for two years improved episodic memory and overall cognitive activity. [9]
“Current research has illuminated the potential necessity for a personalized approach to combatting cognitive decline associated with aging, emphasizing the pivotal role of nutrients in sustaining a healthy brain,” says Jean-François Jeanne, Substantiation and Applications Manager at Gnosis by Lesaffre, supply partner of Pharmavite. “Pharmavite’s analysis illuminates how nutrient intake can impact cognitive abilities, especially Vitamin K2 and
Folate, providing a powerful incentive to enhance multivitamins and other nutritional products with scientifically proven amounts of K2 and Folate, such as MenaQ7 and Quatrefolic.”