From the Guidelines
Nattokinase may help reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, but there is no direct evidence to support this claim in the provided studies 1. However, it is known that certain nutrients and lifestyle modifications can lower CRP levels, such as a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise 1.
Key Considerations
- Lifestyle modifications: Regular exercise and a healthy diet, such as a Mediterranean diet, have been shown to reduce CRP levels 1.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Certain nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin C and magnesium, have been associated with increased CRP levels, while adequate intake of these nutrients may help reduce inflammation 1.
- Monitoring and supervision: If nattokinase is used to reduce CRP levels, it is essential to monitor CRP levels and overall health under medical supervision, as individual results may vary.
- Potential interactions: Nattokinase may interact with blood thinners, such as warfarin, and should be used with caution in patients with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant medications.
Important Notes
- The optimal dose and duration of nattokinase for reducing CRP levels are unknown.
- More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between nattokinase and CRP levels.
- A healthcare professional should be consulted before using nattokinase for this purpose.
From the Research
Nattokinase and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Levels
- The effect of nattokinase on CRP levels has been studied in various research papers.
- One study found that high-dose nattokinase significantly inhibited the increase in circulating CRP levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats on day 7 after the beginning of the treatment 2.
- However, the CRP level in the high-dose nattokinase group reached the same level as that in the control group on day 14, suggesting that the effect of nattokinase on CRP levels may be temporary 2.
- Other studies have investigated the effects of various cardiovascular drugs on CRP levels, but none of these studies have specifically examined the effect of nattokinase on CRP levels in humans 3.
- Factors that can lower CRP levels include cyclooxygenase inhibitors, platelet aggregation inhibitors, lipid-lowering agents, beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists, antioxidants, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) 3.
- Exercise training with weight loss has also been shown to lower serum CRP levels, although the changes in CRP levels were not proportionally associated with the extent of weight reduction 4.
- The study on nattokinase and its fragments in spontaneously hypertensive rats found that nattokinase decreased plasma fibrinogen levels, but did not specifically examine the effect on CRP levels 5.
- Another study on nattokinase in human subjects found that it decreased plasma levels of fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII, but did not examine the effect on CRP levels 6.