Blood clots can be dangerous and lead to serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and blockages in the lungs. A new study published in Life Metabolism suggests that intermittent fasting may help reduce the risk of blood clot formation.
Intermittent Fasting and Blood Clot Reduction
Researchers analyzed the effects of intermittent fasting on blood clotting using 160 human participants, blood samples, and mice. They found that intermittent fasting appears to prevent platelet activation and clot formation. This process is linked to an increase in the production of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) by gut bacteria. IPA then influences clotting mechanisms.
Further experiments in mice indicated that intermittent fasting might also reduce brain and heart damage caused by restricted and restored blood flow. These findings open the door for future research and potential medical applications of intermittent fasting in cardiovascular health.
How Intermittent Fasting May Reduce Clot Risk
The study focused on understanding how intermittent fasting impacts blood clotting. Intermittent fasting involves alternating periods of eating and fasting. Clots form through a complex process that includes platelet activation. While platelets help stop bleeding, excessive activation can lead to harmful clots, such as those causing heart attacks.
Researchers recruited 160 participants with coronary artery disease. They excluded those taking antiplatelet medications in the past two weeks and individuals with conditions like anemia or heart failure. All participants were on aspirin.
The participants were randomly divided into two groups: one followed intermittent fasting, while the other ate freely. This continued for ten days. Researchers collected blood samples before and after the intervention. A similar setup was used for mice.
The results showed that intermittent fasting inhibited platelet activation and reduced blood clot formation in both humans and mice. Researchers also found that intermittent fasting reduced platelet aggregation, a key step in clot formation.
The Role of IPA in Blood Clotting
Further testing in mice identified IPA as a key metabolite responsible for the anti-clotting effects. Those who practiced intermittent fasting had higher IPA levels in their blood. When researchers directly tested IPA on human platelets, they found that it inhibited activation in laboratory settings.
To explore this further, they injected IPA into mice. The treated mice experienced a delayed clotting time, similar to those given clopidogrel, a common blood-thinning medication. When mice received both IPA and clopidogrel, the results were even stronger.
Further analysis suggested that IPA interacts with a specific platelet component called the pregnane X receptor. This receptor plays a role in platelet activation and clot formation. Researchers also found that gut bacteria, particularly C. sporogenes, produce IPA. Mice that underwent intermittent fasting had more C. sporogenes in their gut. When these bacteria were introduced into other mice, their IPA levels increased, and clotting times improved.
In additional tests, mice were subjected to restricted blood flow to the brain (cerebral ischemia) and heart (myocardial ischemia), followed by restored circulation. Mice that practiced intermittent fasting showed better heart and brain outcomes compared to those that did not.
Expert Opinions on the Findings
Dr. Christopher Yi, a vascular surgeon at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, who was not involved in the study, shared his insights with Medical News Today:
“This study presents a novel, non-drug approach to managing blood clot risk. IPA demonstrated effects similar to clopidogrel, a widely used antiplatelet medication. Using both together could further reduce clot formation, offering a potential new treatment path for vascular disease.”
Limitations of the Study
Although the study included human participants, it also relied on mice, meaning further research is needed to confirm its findings in people. Additional studies should explore the long-term effects of intermittent fasting and whether different fasting patterns produce similar benefits.
The study also had a short intervention period of just ten days, making it unclear whether prolonged fasting would yield greater effects. Another limitation was participant adherence to fasting guidelines, which could not be strictly controlled. Additionally, the research focused on a specific type of fasting, so results may not apply to all fasting methods.
There were also limitations regarding participant diversity. Future research should include a wider range of individuals to ensure the findings apply broadly. Lastly, the study received funding from multiple grants, and one author disclosed a conflict of interest but was not involved in manuscript review.
Can Intermittent Fasting Lower Heart Disease Risk?
This study highlights another potential benefit of intermittent fasting, but further research is needed. Dr. Yi noted that intermittent fasting could serve as a lifestyle-based approach to lowering heart disease risks, particularly for those prone to strokes or heart attacks. It could complement existing medications and treatments for cardiovascular disease.
The findings also emphasize the importance of gut health in overall well-being. People interested in intermittent fasting should consult their doctors to determine the best approach based on their health needs.
Dr. Patrick Kee, a cardiologist at Vital Heart & Vein, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the importance of a balanced diet alongside fasting. He suggested that a healthy diet combined with fasting could provide significant benefits for cardiovascular health.
Read more:
- Moving Blood Clots: Causes, Types, Treatment & Prevention
- Detecting Blood Clots: Symptoms, Risks & Actions
- Blood Clots in Legs: Symptoms and Risks
