A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Tsukuba has shed light on the mechanism by which natto consumption inhibits arteriosclerosis. Published in Scientific Reports, the study revealed that consuming natto, a food rich in vitamin K2, induces changes in the intestinal microflora, effectively suppressing inflammation and preventing arteriosclerosis.
Arteriosclerosis is a chronic condition characterized by the buildup of lipid and inflammatory cells in the walls of blood vessels. This condition is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke. Previous research has indicated that natto consumption can help mitigate cardiovascular diseases by improving arterial flexibility and modulating inflammatory responses. However, the precise way in which natto suppresses arteriosclerosis has remained elusive.
To investigate this further, the research team utilized three different types of natto with varying vitamin K2 content—high vitamin K2, normal, and low vitamin K2 natto. They then systematically assessed the impact of natto consumption on atherosclerosis in a mouse model over a period of time. The results showed a significant reduction in atherosclerotic lesions across all groups that consumed natto. Additionally, the intake of natto led to changes in the composition of the intestinal microflora, influencing the production of cytokines and chemokines associated with arteriosclerosis.
These findings suggest that incorporating natto into one’s diet may have therapeutic effects on arteriosclerosis. Furthermore, the study revealed that the addition of Bacillus subtilis natto, a strain of bacteria found in natto, to macrophages—immune cells involved in promoting arteriosclerosis—resulted in a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. This effect was particularly prominent in the high vitamin K2 natto consumption group. Moreover, both regular and low vitamin K2 natto increased the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.
Overall, these findings indicate that Bacillus subtilis natto, apart from its role as an intestinal bacterium, may inhibit arteriosclerosis by modifying the composition of the intestinal microflora and suppressing the activation of immune cells. This study provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of natto consumption in preventing and treating arteriosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases.
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