Intake of Fermented Soybeans, Natto, Is Associated with Reduced Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women: Japanese Population-Based Osteoporosis (JPOS) Study

Abstract

Japanese fermented soybeans (natto in Japanese), which contain a large amount of menaquinone-7, may help prevent the development of osteoporosis. We assessed the possibility of an association between habitual natto intake and bone mineral density (BMD) and BMD change over time in healthy Japanese women who participated in a large representative cohort study (Japanese Population-based Osteoporosis Study: JPOS study). The BMD was measured at the spine, hip, and forearm in 944 women (20-79 y old) at baseline and at a follow-up conducted 3 y later. Dietary natto intake was assessed by a FFQ on both occasions. Additional covariates including age, height, weight, lifestyle factors, dietary calcium intake, and the intake of other soybean products, were also measured. The total hip BMD at baseline increased (P for trend = 0.0034) with increasing habitual natto intake in the postmenopausal women, although this was not the case at other skeletal sites. There were significant positive associations between natto intake and the rates of changes in BMD at the femoral neck (P < 0.0001) and at the distal third of the radius (P = 0.0002) in the postmenopausal women. The association in the femoral neck persisted even after adjusting for covariates. No significant association was observed between the intake of tofu or other soybean products and the rate of BMD change in the postmenopausal women. Natto intake may help prevent postmenopausal bone loss through the effects of menaquinone 7 or bioavailable isoflavones, which are more abundant in natto than in other soybean products.

Changes in smoking and dietary habits among Japanese female nurses based on the Gunma Nurses' Health Study

“…The intake frequency of milk and dairy products, Ikeda et al showed that calcium intake and the amount of natto, tofu, and other soybean products consumed was higher among postmenopausal women than among premenopausal women, and intake of calcium and soybean products was higher at follow up than at baseline for healthy Japanese women Ikeda et al, 2006 . Women who had consumed more milk and dairy products and soybean products might have been aware of their benefits with respect to bone health.…”

Bioavailability and Chemical/Functional Aspects of Synthetic MK-7 vs Fermentation-Derived MK-7 in Randomised Controlled Trials

“…By contrast, in Japan the intake of natto in some regions provides a high intake of MK-7 [20]. A population-based study in Japan showed a positive association between natto intake and BMD in the femoral neck in post-menopausal women [21], and it has been postulated that supplementation of the Western diet with MK-7 might prevent osteoporosis [22].…”

Oral anticoagulant treatment and risk for bone fractures in uremic hemodialysed patients

“…One explanation may be that the Japanese consume natto, a food very rich in menaquinone-7 (K2). 13 In conclusion, uremic hemodialysed patients may present serious complications when treated with coumarin-derived anticoagulants. The main complications are hemorrhage, increased risk for bone fracture, and a high prevalence of arterial calcifi cation with calciphylaxis.…”