Nattokinase
Commonly used for
Heart Health
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What is it? / Overview
Wellness uses some people report: circulation support. This is anecdotal, and there isn't strong clinical evidence that it works for everyone. Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from fermented soybeans (natto) that may enhance fibrinolysis and modestly lower blood pressure. Preliminary studies are encouraging but evidence is insufficient to recommend it as a substitute for established cardiovascular therapies.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Nattokinase enzyme, standardized in fibrinolytic units (FU)
Typical dose studied: 2,000 FU/day (~100 mg); studies have used 2,000–4,000 FU/day
Timing: With or without food, same time daily
Never a replacement for anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy. Avoid before surgery due to bleeding risk. Popular cardiovascular supplement with promising but early evidence.
How well does it work? / Evidence
? Emerging / limited evidence
Who should avoid it?
Avoid with: Bleeding disorder / Coagulopathy
Interacts with: Warfarin; Direct oral anticoagulants; Antiplatelet medications
Already taking it? Do not combine with prescription blood thinners without physician approval. Stop at least 2 weeks before any planned surgery given its fibrinolytic/antiplatelet activity.
Research & references
Jensen GS et al. (2016). Nattokinase and reduced blood pressure in prehypertension. Integrative Blood Pressure Control. Kurosawa Y et al. (2015). Nattokinase decreases fibrinogen and factor VII/VIII. Scientific Reports. Hsia CH et al. (2009). Nattokinase decreases fibrinogen and blood pressure. Nutrition Research.
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