Intermittent fasting, a dietary practice that involves alternating periods of eating and fasting, may play a crucial role in reducing the risk of life-threatening blood clots, according to a recent study published in Life Metabolism. Researchers found that fasting enhances the production of a key gut metabolite that helps inhibit platelet activation and clot formation, potentially lowering the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Fasting and Its Impact on Blood Clot Formation

Blood clots, or thrombi, can lead to severe complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolisms. Medical experts have long sought ways to mitigate clotting risks, particularly for individuals with cardiovascular diseases. The latest research suggests that intermittent fasting may offer a promising non-pharmacological strategy.

The study involved 160 participants diagnosed with coronary artery disease, as well as controlled experiments on mice. Researchers divided the human participants into two groups: one followed an intermittent fasting regimen, while the other maintained a standard diet. After ten days, blood samples revealed that fasting significantly reduced platelet activation, a key step in clot formation.

The Role of Indole-3-Propionic Acid in Clot Prevention

Further analysis identified indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) as the metabolite responsible for this protective effect. IPA, produced by gut bacteria, was found in higher levels among fasting individuals and mice. Laboratory tests confirmed that IPA directly inhibits platelet activation, mimicking the effects of antithrombotic medications like clopidogrel.

To strengthen their findings, researchers administered IPA injections to mice, observing prolonged clotting times similar to those induced by clopidogrel. The combination of both IPA and clopidogrel resulted in even greater clot-preventing effects, suggesting a potential complementary role for fasting in thrombosis management.

Potential Implications for Cardiovascular Health

Dr. Christopher Yi, a board-certified vascular surgeon at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, commented on the study: “This research presents an exciting non-pharmacologic approach to reducing thrombosis risk. IPA’s antithrombotic efficacy is comparable to commonly used medications, which could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies in vascular and cardiovascular disease management.”

The study also explored the impact of intermittent fasting on ischemic events, such as cerebral and myocardial ischemia (restricted blood flow to the brain and heart). Mice that had undergone fasting exhibited better recovery outcomes compared to those on a standard diet, reinforcing fasting’s potential role in protecting against ischemic damage.

Study Limitations and Future Research

While the findings are promising, researchers caution that further studies are necessary to confirm the long-term effects of intermittent fasting on blood clot prevention. Limitations of the study include its short duration (ten days) and the inability to blind participants to their dietary interventions. Additionally, variations in fasting patterns were not explored, leaving room for future research to determine the most effective fasting methods for cardiovascular health.

Despite these limitations, the study marks an important step in understanding how dietary habits influence blood clot formation. With further investigation, intermittent fasting could become a recognized preventive measure against thrombotic events, offering a natural and accessible approach to heart health.