Intermittent fasting improves cardiometabolic health in MetS patients

Intermittent fasting (IF) appears to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors through the alteration of the gut microbial community and functional pathways in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients, results of a recent study have shown.

“IF is an effective strategy to improve cardiometabolic health,” the authors said.

This randomized clinical trial of adults with MetS (aged 30 to 50 years) was conducted at a community health service centre. Participants underwent 8 weeks of 2-day modified IF. Cardiometabolic risk factors (eg, body composition, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and endothelial function) were assessed at baseline and at 8 weeks. The authors also measured the diversity, composition, and functional pathways of the gut microbiota, as well as circulating gut-derived metabolites.

Of the 39 MetS patients included in this study, 21 were in the IF group and 18 in the control group. IF participants had a 69-percent reduction in their calorie intake on fasting days compared to nonfasting days. The 8-week IF led to a significantly decreased fat mass, ameliorated oxidative stress, modulated inflammatory cytokines, and improved vasodilatory parameters.

In addition, IF resulted in significant changes in gut microbiota communities, increased production of short-chain fatty acids, and reduced the circulating levels of lipopolysaccharides. Alteration of the gut microbiota attributed to IF significantly correlated with cardiovascular risk factors and induced distinct genetic shifts of carbohydrate metabolism in the gut community.

“The study provides potential mechanistic insights into the prevention of adverse outcomes associated with MetS,” the authors said.