A recent study published in Life Metabolism found that intermittent fasting can help prevent blood clot formation by increasing the production of Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a metabolite influenced by gut microbiota.
A blood clot (thrombus) is a mass formed when the blood coagulation process is activated when clotting is unnecessary.
Blood clots can block blood vessels, disrupting blood flow. In severe cases, they can lead to heart attacks, strokes, or pulmonary embolism.
Intermittent fasting is a dietary practice involving alternating fasting periods and eating. Common methods include fasting for 16 hours per day (the 16:8 method) or fasting on alternate days. It has been widely recognized for its health benefits, including body fat reduction and improved insulin sensitivity.
The research team recruited 160 participants with coronary artery disease for the study.
Participants who had taken antiplatelet medication in the past two weeks or had conditions such as anemia or heart failure were excluded from the study.
The remaining participants were randomly divided into two groups: One group practiced intermittent fasting, and the other followed an unrestricted diet.
Participants followed these dietary patterns for 10 days, during which blood samples were collected before and after the study period.
The study found intermittent fasting helps inhibit platelet activation and blood clot formation.
Specifically, researchers observed higher levels of IPA in the blood serum of those who followed intermittent fasting.
IPA is a key metabolite that influences blood coagulation. In laboratory experiments, IPA directly inhibited human platelet activation, suggesting its potential role in reducing blood clot formation.
Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that intermittent fasting increases IPA production, helping prevent thrombosis.
