Habitual natto intake elevates serum MK-7 levels, enhances osteocalcin carboxylation, and supports bone density: a meta-analysis of Japanese evidence.

OBJECTIVE

Natto, a traditional Japanese fermented soybean food, is the richest natural source of menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a form of vitamin K2 involved in osteocalcin activation and bone mineralization. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of habitual natto consumption on serum MK-7 concentrations, osteocalcin carboxylation status, and bone mineral density (BMD) in Japanese populations.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus through January 2025. Eligible studies compared habitual natto consumers with low- or non-consumers and reported outcomes for serum MK-7, carboxylated or undercarboxylated osteocalcin (OC/ucOC), or BMD. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using Cohen's d and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Six observational and quasi-experimental studies (N = 2,327) met inclusion criteria. Natto intake is associated with significantly elevated serum MK-7 [d = 2.10, 95% CI (1.55, 2.66) after sensitivity analysis removing an outlier], increased OC [d = 0.26, 95% CI (0.08, 0.43)], decreased ucOC [d = -0.50, 95% CI (-0.74, -0.26)], and modestly greater BMD across sites [d = 0.65, 95% CI (0.09, 1.21); sensitivity analysis: d = 0.35, 95% CI (0.21, 0.48)]. The certainty of evidence ranges from moderate for serum MK-7 to low or very low for osteocalcin and BMD outcomes, reflecting the predominance of observational designs and remaining imprecision. Publication bias appears minimal.

CONCLUSIONS

Habitual natto consumption is associated with improved vitamin K status and bone metabolism markers. However, given the observational nature of the available evidence and its moderate-to-low certainty, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Natto may represent a culturally grounded dietary approach for supporting bone health and osteoporosis prevention, but its generalizability beyond Japanese populations warrants further investigation.