Can a Japanese Superfood Help Prevent Bone Loss?

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

This study offers strong population, level evidence that natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans, may help reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women. Natto is high in menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a form of vitamin K2 that helps activate proteins needed for healthy bones. Frequent natto consumption was linked to less bone loss in key skeletal sites like the femoral neck.

If you’re looking for a food-based way to support bone health, especially post-menopause, adding natto to your weekly diet might be worth considering.

Read more

Fermented Soybeans (Natto) Linked to Better Bone Density in Elderly Men

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

This large study from Japan looked at whether eating fermented soybeans (natto) helps protect bone health in older men. The results were compelling: men who ate more natto had stronger bones in the hip and thigh areas. The benefit seemed to come mainly from the high amount of vitamin K2 in natto. The more natto people ate, the less uncarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) they had—a marker of low vitamin K status. Lower ucOC was linked to better bone density. This study supports the idea that foods rich in vitamin K2, like natto, can help protect against osteoporosis in aging men.

Read more