Water is poured from a glass carafe into a glass

Study of metabolic & cardiovascular consequences of water fasting

B. D. Horne et al.

December 2012

Diet, Fasting & Detox

The Intermountain Heart Collaborative Study Group investigated the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of intermittent water fasting.

After animal studies had already demonstrated a life-prolonging effect of fasting, this crossover study investigated whether fasting triggers changes in human biomarkers that may have an impact on short- and long-term health. For this purpose, 30 healthy volunteers without recent fasting experience were randomly subjected to a one-day water fast .

After the therapy, increased levels of growth hormone, hemoglobin, red blood cells, hematocrit, cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were found. Triglycerides, bicarbonate and weight were reduced. After 48 hours, all values normalized except for weight and triglycerides.

The study showed that fasting induces short-term changes in biomarkers of metabolic, cardiovascular and general health.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Cardiovascular diseases
Institution: Intermountain Heart Institute, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Title: Study on the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of water fasting
Brief description: The study shows that a one-day water fast improves biomarkers of metabolic and cardiovascular health in the short term.
Original title: Randomized cross-over trial of short-term water-only fasting: metabolic and cardiovascular consequences
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23220077/