Can high doses of nattokinase cause elevated Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) levels?

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Last updated: April 7, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

There is no evidence that high doses of nattokinase directly cause elevated ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) test results. Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme derived from fermented soybeans that primarily affects blood clotting pathways rather than the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system that ACE is part of. However, nattokinase does have some theoretical mechanisms that could indirectly influence ACE activity through its effects on blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular function. If you're taking nattokinase supplements and notice unusual ACE test results, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider. The typical dosage of nattokinase ranges from 1000-2000 FU (fibrinolytic units) daily, and exceeding recommended doses might increase the risk of potential interactions with your body's regulatory systems. It's particularly important to inform your doctor about nattokinase use if you're also taking blood pressure medications, blood thinners, or if you're being tested for cardiovascular conditions, as nattokinase could potentially influence test results or interact with medications 1.

Some key points to consider:

  • Nattokinase's primary effect is on blood clotting pathways, not directly on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system 1.
  • High doses of nattokinase may increase the risk of interactions with other medications or regulatory systems in the body 1.
  • Monitoring of serum creatinine and potassium levels is important when initiating or changing doses of ACE inhibitors or ARBs, but this is not directly related to nattokinase use 1.
  • The use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs in patients with heart failure or hypertension can have beneficial effects on morbidity and mortality, but the relationship between these medications and nattokinase is not well established 1.

Overall, while there is no direct evidence that high doses of nattokinase cause elevated ACE test results, it's essential to be aware of the potential interactions and effects of nattokinase on the body, especially when taking other medications or being tested for cardiovascular conditions.

From the Research

Nattokinase and ACE Test

  • There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that links high doses of nattokinase to high ACE test results.
  • The studies primarily focus on the effects of nattokinase on blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and its potential as an antithrombotic and antihypertensive agent 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • Nattokinase has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, including reducing blood pressure and preventing atherosclerosis progression 2, 3, 6.
  • However, none of the studies mention the relationship between nattokinase and ACE test results, making it difficult to draw a conclusion on this specific topic.
  • The safety profile of nattokinase has been evaluated, and it has been found to be safe and well-tolerated at high doses, with no noticeable adverse effects recorded 4, 6.

Key Findings

  • Nattokinase supplementation has been shown to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in subjects with pre-hypertension or stage 1 hypertension 2.
  • Nattokinase has potent fibrinolytic activity, antihypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, and lipid-lowering effects, making it a promising alternative in the management of cardiovascular diseases 3.
  • A clinical study with 1,062 participants found that nattokinase effectively managed the progression of atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia at a dose of 10,800 FU/day 6.

Limitations

  • The provided studies do not investigate the relationship between nattokinase and ACE test results, limiting the ability to draw conclusions on this topic.
  • Further research is needed to explore the potential effects of nattokinase on ACE test results and its mechanisms of action 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

References

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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