06/09/2025
I benefici del digiuno intermittente
A study published in Life Metabolism suggests that intermittent fasting (IF) may reduce the risk of heart attacks by preventing dangerous blood clots.
Researchers analyzed data from 160 participants with coronary artery disease, along with human blood samples and mice, and found that IF appears to inhibit platelet activation and clot formation.
This effect is attributed to the increased production of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) by gut microorganisms during IF. IPA, in turn, affects the blood clotting process, demonstrating antithrombotic efficacy similar to that of the antiplatelet drug clopidogrel in mice.
The study revealed that IF increased levels of the bacteria C. sporogenes in mice, which is known to produce IPA. Further experiments showed that mice receiving IPA experienced prolonged clotting times, and IF also improved heart and brain outcomes after induced ischemia.
While the study highlights a potential new benefit of IF, experts caution that more research is needed to confirm these findings, understand the long-term effects, and address limitations such as the short intervention period and potential unblinded participant behavior.
Experts suggest intermittent fasting could serve as a lifestyle-based intervention to reduce cardiovascular risks, especially when combined with a healthy diet rich in fiber and leafy greens. However, more research is required regarding intermittent fasting as a potential treatment for coronary artery disease.
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📄 RESEARCH PAPER
📌 Zhiyong Qi et al., Intermittent fasting inhibits platelet activation and thrombosis through the intestinal metabolite indole-3-propionate", Life Metabolism (2025)
