Vitamin K in brain metabolism and cognitive function: mechanistic evidence, human associations, and unresolved questions

Kukula O.

METABOLIC BRAIN DISEASE, cilt.41, sa.191, ss.1-12, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Cilt numarası: 41 Sayı: 191
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s11011-026-01962-1
  • Dergi Adı: METABOLIC BRAIN DISEASE
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Scopus, Pharma Collection (ProQuest), Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-12
  • Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Vitamin K acts as a critical regulator across diverse biological systems, contributing significantly to skeletal integrity,

cardiovascular functions, metabolic homeostasis, and immune defenses. Experimental studies increasingly suggest that

it also plays an important role in the nervous system, supporting neuronal growth, differentiation, and survival. Its

antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects, along with its capacity to act as an alternative electron carrier

in mitochondria, further indicate potential neuroprotective properties. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from

recent cell and animal studies, mechanistic research on sphingolipid metabolism, and observational data evaluating

vitamin K status and cognitive outcomes. Findings from populations receiving long-term vitamin K antagonist therapy

were reviewed to highlight potential clinical implications. Regulation of sphingolipid pathways by vitamin K appears

to support neuronal proliferation and resilience, while adequate vitamin K levels have been associated with better

cognitive performance. Conversely, prolonged exposure to vitamin K antagonists has been linked to impairments in

visual memory and verbal fluency, as well as reductions in brain volume. Evidence also indicates that vitamin K is

essential for the synthesis and maintenance of myelin and neuronal membrane components, and for activating vitamin

K–dependent proteins that preserve neuronal integrity. Beyond its established role in coagulation, emerging preclinical

and observational evidence suggests that vitamin K may possess neuroprotective potential through molecular, structural,

and antioxidant mechanisms. The observed association between vitamin K antagonist therapy and cognitive decline in

older adults highlights the need for comprehensive clinical studies to clarify causality, determine therapeutic relevance,

and better define the role of vitamin K in brain health.