From the Guidelines
There is no direct equivalence between nattokinase and baby aspirin for blood thinning effects, and nattokinase should not be used as a substitute for aspirin without consulting a healthcare provider. While a baby aspirin (81mg) works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, nattokinase (typically dosed at 2000-4000 FU daily) works through different mechanisms, primarily by dissolving fibrin. These supplements cannot be directly compared or substituted for one another.
Key Considerations
- Nattokinase lacks the extensive clinical research that supports aspirin use, and its effects can vary significantly between individuals and product formulations 1.
- Self-substituting nattokinase for prescribed medications like aspirin could potentially lead to dangerous bleeding risks or inadequate cardiovascular protection.
- The optimal dose of aspirin for blood thinning effects is well established, with a daily dose of 81mg being a common recommendation for adults 2.
- In contrast, the optimal dose of nattokinase is not well established, and its effects on blood thinning are not as well understood.
Clinical Implications
- Always discuss any supplement use with your doctor, especially if you have existing cardiovascular conditions or are already taking blood-thinning medications.
- Nattokinase may have potential benefits for cardiovascular health, but its use should be carefully considered and monitored by a healthcare provider.
- Aspirin remains a well-established and widely recommended medication for blood thinning and cardiovascular protection, and its use should not be substituted with nattokinase without proper medical guidance 3, 4.
From the Research
Blood Thinning Comparison
- The amount of nattokinase equivalent to one baby aspirin is not directly stated in the provided studies 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
- However, study 8 mentions that nattokinase at a dose of 10,800 FU/day effectively managed the progression of atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia, and co-administration of vitamin K2 and aspirin with nattokinase produced a synergetic effect.
- Study 9 compares the effects of warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel in patients with chronic heart failure, but does not provide a direct comparison with nattokinase.
- The fibrinolytic activity of nattokinase is mentioned in studies 5, 6, 7, 8, but a direct comparison to the blood thinning effect of one baby aspirin is not provided.
Nattokinase Dosage
- Study 8 found that a dose of 10,800 FU/day of nattokinase was effective in managing atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia, while a lower dose of 3,600 FU/day was ineffective.
- The study suggests that the effective dose of nattokinase may be higher than previously recommended, but does not provide a direct comparison to the effect of one baby aspirin.
Conclusion Not Available
There are no research papers that directly compare the blood thinning effect of nattokinase to one baby aspirin, therefore it is not possible to provide a definitive answer to this question based on the available evidence 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.