Is combining sauerkraut and nattokinase effective in inhibiting NLRP3?

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Last updated: February 21, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Combining sauerkraut and nattokinase may potentially help inhibit NLRP3, but more research is needed to confirm this effect. Sauerkraut is a fermented food rich in probiotics and antioxidants, while nattokinase is an enzyme derived from natto (fermented soybeans). Both have anti-inflammatory properties that could theoretically help inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation, as discussed in the context of inflammation and immune response 1.

To try this combination:

  • Consume 1/4 to 1/2 cup of unpasteurized sauerkraut daily
  • Take 100-200 mg of nattokinase supplement once or twice daily, considering its safety profile as demonstrated in studies such as 2 and 3, which show nattokinase to be well-tolerated and effective in various health conditions.

The potential NLRP3 inhibition may occur through:

  1. Probiotics in sauerkraut supporting gut health and reducing inflammation
  2. Antioxidants in sauerkraut neutralizing free radicals
  3. Nattokinase's fibrinolytic and anti-inflammatory effects, which have been explored in the context of vascular diseases 2 and metabolic health 4.

However, this specific combination has not been extensively studied for NLRP3 inhibition. While generally safe for most people, consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications. Recent advancements in delivery systems, such as the use of chitosan/γ-polyglutamic acid microcapsules to enhance nattokinase stability and bioavailability 5, may also be considered in the development of more effective supplementation strategies.

References

Research

NLRP3 Inflammasome: A key contributor to the inflammation formation.

Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 2023

Research

Toxicological assessment of nattokinase derived from Bacillus subtilis var. natto.

Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 2016

Research

Layer-by-layer self-assembly embedding of nattokinase in chitosan/γ-polyglutamic acid: Preparation, fibrinolytic activity, stability, and in vitro digestion study.

European journal of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics : official journal of Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Pharmazeutische Verfahrenstechnik e.V, 2024

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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