
ALT Scientists have developed a modified form of vitamin K that could help the brain produce new neurons. Vitamin K is best known for supporting blood clotting and bone health. However, researchers in Japan have discovered that specially modified vitamin K compounds may also influence how new brain cells develop. The team created 12 vitamin K-based compounds and tested them on neural progenitor cells, which can develop into neurons. One compound was approximately three times more effective than natural vitamin K at encouraging these immature cells to become neurons. Even more interesting, experiments in mice showed that the modified compound could cross the blood-brain barrier and produce higher levels of MK-4, an active form of vitamin K, inside the brain. The findings suggest a possible new approach to brain regeneration: instead of only protecting existing neurons, scientists may one day be able to encourage the brain to produce new ones.




































