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. 2024 Apr 9;16(8):1098.
doi: 10.3390/nu16081098.

Mediterranean Diet Favors Vitamin K Intake: A Descriptive Study in a Mediterranean Population

Ezequiel Pinto  1   2 , Carla Viegas  3   4 , Paula Ventura Martins  5 , Catarina Marreiros  3 , Tânia Nascimento  1   2 , Leon Schurgers  6 , Dina Simes  3   4
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Mediterranean Diet Favors Vitamin K Intake: A Descriptive Study in a Mediterranean Population

Ezequiel Pinto et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with improved longevity and the prevention and management of chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs). Vitamin K, which is present in MD core components such as leafy green vegetables, is also known as a protective factor for CIDs. Estimates of vitamin K intake in Mediterranean settings are still scarce, and the association between MD and vitamin K intake is yet to be established. This study analyzed vitamin K intake and MD adherence in the Algarve region, in Portugal. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a nonrandom sample of adults using an online questionnaire which included a validated food-frequency questionnaire and a screener for MD adherence. A total of 238 participants were recruited (68% women and 32% men). Adherence to the MD was low (11%). Only 10% of the participants had vitamin K intake below the adequate intake. Adherence to the MD was positively correlated with vitamin K intake (r = 0.463; p < 0.001) and age (r = 0.223; p < 0.001). Our findings underscore the importance of promoting adherence to the MD for optimal vitamin K intake, and future research should focus on developing effective interventions to promote this dietary pattern, particularly among younger individuals and men.

Keywords: Mediterranean diet; cross-sectional study; dietary intake; vitamin K.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dina Simes and Carla Viegas are cofounders of Genogla Diagnostics. Leon Schurgers receives grants from institutions from Gnosis by Lesaffre, Bayer, and Boehringer Ingelheim, is a consultant for IDS, and is a shareholder of Coagulation Profile. The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

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