Improvement of Bowel Movement in Healthy Adults Through Intake of Natto Powder For 4 Weeks - A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Clinical Study

Natto is a traditional Japanese food, made from whole soybeans fermented with Bacillus subtilis var.natto.Although natto bacteria regulate intestinal flora, little research has been conducted on its effects on bowel movements.This study examined the effects of natto powder on human health, including bowel movements, mood, fatigue, and sleep quality.This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative study was conducted on 30 healthy adults.For 4 weeks, the subjects consumed either 3 g of natto powder or an equivalent amount of placebo powder daily.In Visual Analogue Scale, almost all items showed improvement in bowel movements in both groups.However, the change in pain during defecation was greater in the test group than in the placebo group, resulting in a significant difference between the two groups.Changes in the stool color and odor were also to be greater in the test group than in the placebo group.Additionally, we found that the test powder reduced fatigue and improved sleep quality more effectively than the placebo powder.For those not accustomed to natto, powdered natto is a convenient way to enjoy its health benefits.