Our video series continues with educational information about vitamin K. See below for the video, the captions, and links to practical resources that can help you take action right now. If you didn’t see the earlier videos, start at the beginning of the series here for an introduction about gut health, lung health, and the inflammation fighters known as “Short-Chain Fatty Acids,” and catch up on our videos about B vitamins here, and read on for information about vitamin K.
Thank you to our volunteer Nyah Parekh for dedicating countless hours to developing this new video series. Nyah has had a passion for video editing since childhood and continues to develop her skills through volunteer projects. We are so appreciative and impressed by Nyah’s creativity and attention to detail. Check out her work below!
Video script
Vitamin K, or the lung and heart protector
Did you know that certain probiotics, like Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus, help your body produce vitamin K2?
Vitamin K2 is vital for lung, bone, and heart health.
For people with pulmonary fibrosis, it may:
- Slow lung scarring by blocking key pathways linked to fibrosis
- Prevent calcium buildup in arteries, lowering the risk of heart disease — which PF patients are prone to
- Strengthen bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis — a common side effect of steroid use
Since K2 is scarce in most diets, a healthy gut microbiome helps you naturally boost your levels.
Learn More:
Vitamin K is best known for helping blood clot, but it does much more than that. It also helps direct calcium to the places your body needs it and keeps it out of the places it doesn’t.
There are two main forms. Vitamin K1 comes mostly from leafy greens like kale, spinach, and broccoli, and it’s the form most of us get plenty of. Vitamin K2 is the harder one to come by. It shows up in fermented foods like natto, aged cheeses, yogurt, and sauerkraut — foods that aren’t part of most people’s regular diet.
That’s where your gut comes in. Certain probiotic strains, including Bacillus subtilis and several Lactobacillus species, produce vitamin K2 right in your digestive tract. Since K2 is scarce in most diets, a healthy microbiome becomes one of your main sources — another example of why gut health and lung health are connected.
For people living with pulmonary fibrosis, emerging research suggests vitamin K2 may:
- Slow lung scarring by blocking key pathways linked to fibrosis.
- Prevent calcium buildup in arteries, lowering the risk of heart disease — something people with PF are especially prone to, given the added strain on the heart and lungs. Our blog on pulmonary hypertension covers more on that connection.
- Strengthen bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis — a common side effect of long-term prednisone and other corticosteroid use.
Safety Note:
Vitamin K interacts with certain medications like the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin), which works by blocking vitamin K. If you take warfarin, do not start a vitamin K supplement or make a big change in how many leafy greens or fermented foods you eat without talking to your doctor first. Always discuss with your medical providers — your care team can help you find the right approach. You can read more in our blog about dietary supplements and their interactions with prescribed medications.
Educational Resources:
Now that you know about vitamin K, visit these resources for practical ways to boost your vitamin intake, production, and absorption:
About dietary supplements:
- https://pulmonaryfibrosisnow.org/2020/09/29/supplements-to-help-with-pulmonary-fibrosis/
- https://pulmonaryfibrosisnow.org/2023/07/31/dietary-supplements-and-their-interactions-with-prescribed-medications/
About probiotics and gut health:
- https://pulmonaryfibrosisnow.org/our-research-3/ – https://pulmonaryfibrosisnow.org/2021/05/26/eating-foods-with-probiotics-to-help-with-symptoms-of-ibs/
- https://pulmonaryfibrosisnow.org/2023/01/26/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd-and-pulmonary-fibrosis-pf/
About food and nutrition for lung health:
- https://pulmonaryfibrosisnow.org/2019/07/11/6-super-foods-for-the-lungs/
- https://pulmonaryfibrosisnow.org/2019/07/10/antioxidant-rich-foods-for-lung-health/
- https://pulmonaryfibrosisnow.org/2019/07/12/what-kind-of-pulmonary-fibrosis-diet-is-right-for-you-2/
About bone health and medications:
- https://pulmonaryfibrosisnow.org/2023/04/28/prednisone-and-other-corticosteroids/
- https://pulmonaryfibrosisnow.org/2019/07/14/foods-to-help-with-side-effects-from-pulmonary-fibrosis-medication/
As you explore, let us know if you have any questions about diet, nutrition, or anything else related to quality of life and pulmonary fibrosis. To stay in touch:
- Contact us here
- Sign up for our support groups
- Join our community forum
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