Mobility is the ability of a person to move freely to do his/her activities. Usually, a person’s mobility will decrease with increasing age. Several factors can cause decreased mobility in the elderly, including lung problems, arthritis, to loss of body balance.

Not only that, according to the results of a recent study conducted by Tufts University, there are other factors that must be considered to prevent declining mobility. Vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin, has an important role in the mobility of the elderly. The results of the research showed that a lack of vitamin K could increase the risk of mobility problems.

According to research published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, those with low vitamin K can develop mobility problems of up to 1.5 times more severe than those with adequate vitamin K. Also, older people who lack vitamin K have higher risk of mobility impairment, regardless of their gender.

To get these results, the researchers analysed 688 women and 635 men aged 70-79 years old. Each participant was asked to undergo a mobility test every six months for 6-10 years. Their blood was also collected in order to determine the level of vitamin K in their body.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Adobe Stock

Source(s):

• Shea, M.K., Kritchevsky, S.B., Booth, S.L., et all (2019). Vitamin K Status and Mobility Limitation and Disability in Older Adults: The Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study. The Journals of Gerontology, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glz108.
• Medical News Today - Low vitamin K may reduce mobility in older adults (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325475.php, June 17, 2019.