Recent research indicates a possible link between intermittent fasting and reduced blood clot risk, a factor in heart attacks.
A new study published in Life Metabolism suggests that intermittent fasting may reduce blood clot formation, thereby decreasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Platelets, small blood cells, play a crucial role in clot formation, and their activation can lead to thrombus development. Notably, the study observed that intermittent fasting could inhibit this platelet activation process. Researchers attribute these effects to the production of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) in the gut, which might be enhanced by fasting.
The study involved 160 participants with coronary artery disease and a complementary experiment in mice. Participants were split into groups, with one following an intermittent fasting regimen and the other consuming an ad libitum diet over ten days. Both human and rodent subjects exhibited a reduction in platelet aggregation, suggesting fasting inhibits clot formation. Notably, increased levels of IPA were detected in fasting participants and mice, which directly inhibited platelet activation in vitro.
Although promising, the research is not without limitations. The study’s short duration does not provide insight into the long-term effects of intermittent fasting. Furthermore, the research could not explore different fasting patterns or ensure participants fully adhered to the fasting regimen. Acknowledging these factors, scientists call for further studies to validate the initial findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.
The research also highlighted the gut microbiota’s role in producing IPA, with C. sporogenes identified as a key bacterium. Mice given C. sporogenes exhibited higher IPA levels and reduced platelet aggregation. This suggests a possible dietary influence on gut health and, subsequently, cardiovascular health. Antibiotic treatments that disrupted gut bacteria were shown to diminish the beneficial effects of fasting, emphasizing the potential impact of diet on gut-derived metabolites.
Despite the need for more research, medical professionals see potential in intermittent fasting as a non-pharmacologic approach to managing thrombosis risk. Dr. Christopher Yi, not involved in the study, noted the study’s novelty and its implications for future therapy pathways for vascular and cardiovascular diseases. Similarly, Dr. Patrick Kee pointed out that intermittent fasting promotes favorable gut bacteria, contributing to weight loss, better diabetes control, and reduced inflammation. Therefore, integrating lifestyle changes with current medical treatments may offer promising avenues for cardiovascular disease management.
While more research is needed, intermittent fasting shows promise in reducing heart disease risk through its effects on platelet activation and gut health.
