Nattokinase for Cardiovascular Health: Dosage Recommendations
The recommended dosage of nattokinase for supporting cardiovascular health is 2000 fibrinolytic units (FU) once daily, which is approximately 100 mg per day. 1, 2
Evidence for Nattokinase in Cardiovascular Health
Nattokinase is a serine protease enzyme derived from natto, a traditional Japanese fermented soybean food. It has gained popularity as a dietary supplement for cardiovascular health due to its potential benefits:
- Nattokinase possesses potent fibrinolytic activity, antihypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, and lipid-lowering properties that may benefit cardiovascular health 3
- Peak serum levels of nattokinase occur approximately 13.3 hours after oral administration, suggesting a once-daily dosing regimen is appropriate 1
- Clinical studies have used a standard dose of 2000 FU (approximately 100 mg) daily in softgel form with good tolerability 1, 4
Clinical Effects on Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Research has demonstrated several potential benefits of nattokinase supplementation:
- Significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (average reduction of 3.45 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (average reduction of 2.32 mmHg) compared to placebo 5
- Improved clinical symptoms in patients with various vascular diseases without development of adverse drug reactions or drug interactions 2
However, it's important to note some limitations in the evidence:
- A 3-year randomized controlled trial found no significant effect of nattokinase (2000 FU daily) on subclinical atherosclerosis progression or blood pressure in healthy individuals at low risk for cardiovascular disease 4
- Some studies suggest that low-dose nattokinase supplementation may not have significant lipid-lowering effects and could potentially increase total cholesterol and blood glucose levels 5
Safety Considerations
Nattokinase appears to have a favorable safety profile:
- No notable adverse events were reported in clinical studies due to intake of nattokinase 5
- It has been safely used in combination with anticoagulants like fondaparinux and enoxaparin in patients with vascular diseases 2
Practical Recommendations
When considering nattokinase supplementation:
- Start with the standard dose of 2000 FU (approximately 100 mg) once daily 1, 2
- Monitor blood pressure regularly to assess response, as nattokinase has demonstrated antihypertensive effects 5
- Be aware that nattokinase may have fibrinolytic properties and could potentially interact with anticoagulant medications, though clinical studies have shown safe concurrent use 2
- Consider that the effects may be most beneficial for individuals with hypertension rather than those at low risk for cardiovascular disease 5, 4
Conclusion
While nattokinase shows promise for cardiovascular health support, particularly for blood pressure reduction, the evidence for its effects on atherosclerosis progression remains limited. The standard dosage of 2000 FU (approximately 100 mg) daily appears to be well-tolerated and is the most commonly studied effective dose.