From the Guidelines
Nattokinase has been shown to offer several potential health benefits, primarily as a natural blood thinner, but its effects on cardiovascular health are not directly addressed in the provided studies. The studies provided focus on the effects of soy protein and isoflavones on cardiovascular health, rather than nattokinase specifically 1. However, as nattokinase is derived from fermented soybeans, it may share some similarities with soy protein in terms of its potential health benefits.
Potential Benefits of Nattokinase
- It may help reduce the risk of harmful blood clots, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular conditions like stroke and heart attack.
- Nattokinase may also help lower blood pressure by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and reducing blood viscosity.
- Additionally, it shows promise for reducing inflammation, supporting respiratory health by thinning mucus, and possibly helping with sinus conditions.
Important Considerations
- Typical supplement dosages range from 1000-2000 Fibrinolytic Units (FU) daily, often taken on an empty stomach.
- While generally considered safe, nattokinase should be avoided by people taking blood thinners, those with bleeding disorders, or before surgery due to its anticoagulant effects.
- It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting nattokinase, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.
Evidence Limitations
The provided studies do not directly address the benefits of nattokinase, but rather focus on soy protein and isoflavones. Therefore, the evidence for nattokinase is not as strong as it could be, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential health benefits 1.
From the Research
Benefits of Nattokinase
- Nattokinase has been shown to have potential benefits for cardiovascular health, including antithrombotic and antihypertensive effects 2, 3, 4.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that nattokinase supplementation significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and had a negative effect on blood total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 5.
- Nattokinase has also been found to have anti-atherosclerotic, lipid-lowering, antiplatelet, and neuroprotective effects, making it a promising alternative in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases 3, 4, 6.
- The enzyme has been shown to have fibrinolytic activity, degrading fibrin and dissolving blood clots, and has been recognized by Western medicine for its potential in preventing cardiovascular disease 4, 6.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors
- Nattokinase supplementation has been found to have a significant effect on reducing blood pressure, with a mean difference of -3.45 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and -2.32 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure 5.
- The supplementation has also been found to have a negative effect on blood lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 5.
- However, the effect of nattokinase on cardiovascular risk factors may be dose-dependent, and more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage for cardiovascular health benefits 5, 6.
Comparison with Other Anticoagulants
- Nattokinase has been compared to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in terms of cardioprotective effectiveness, with both showing potential benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease 6.
- While NOACs are synthetic drugs with fixed dosing and lack of laboratory monitoring, nattokinase is a natural enzyme derived from food with potential health benefits, including antihypertensive and anti-atherosclerotic effects 6.