Heart disease continues to be a major concern, affecting more people than ever before. While traditional advice like diet and exercise is important, many are looking for additional ways to support their cardiovascular system. One natural enzyme, nattokinase, is gaining attention for its potential benefits in promoting a healthy heart and circulation.
Understanding Heart Health Challenges
Heart health is a big topic these days. We often hear about eating well, exercising, managing weight, and avoiding smoking. These are all good steps, of course. But sometimes, even people who follow these rules closely still face heart issues. It makes you wonder if there’s something more we can do, especially when we hear about people, even young ones, having heart problems.
Many folks already use natural supplements like vitamin K, fish oil, vitamin D, and magnesium to help their hearts. But there’s another powerful helper that’s been around for ages: nattokinase. This enzyme comes from a probiotic, and it’s known for its “blood cleansing” effects. You can find it pretty easily where supplements are sold.
What Exactly Is Nattokinase?

So, what is this nattokinase? It’s an enzyme from natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. People in Japan have been eating natto for centuries, and it’s thought to be one reason for their good health. In supplement form, nattokinase has been available since the 1990s. It’s known for helping keep blood flowing smoothly.
Recently, a big study caught attention because it looked at much higher doses of nattokinase than what’s usually suggested. Most products recommend around 2,000 FU (fibrinolytic units) per day, but this study used over 10,000 FU daily. What’s more, the people in this study were already considered unhealthy, which gives us a clear picture of how effective this enzyme might be for those who need it most.
A Closer Look at the Research: The High-Dose Study
The study I’m talking about is called “Effective Management of Atherosclerosis Progress and Hyperlipidemia with Nattokinase.” It involved 1,062 participants and focused on things like plaque buildup in the carotid arteries and high blood fats like cholesterol and triglycerides.
It’s good to know this wasn’t a “double-blind placebo-controlled” study, though many other nattokinase studies are. What made this one stand out was its size, its focus on people with existing health issues, and that it lasted a whole year, using a pretty high dose of nattokinase.
Key Takeaways from the Study
- Cholesterol and Triglycerides: After 12 months of taking 10,800 FU of nattokinase daily, 95% of participants saw their total cholesterol levels get better. Also, 85% improved their triglyceride and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. This is a big deal, especially since all participants started with high blood fats.
- Arterial Plaque: About two-thirds (66%) of participants with carotid plaque showed a decrease in its size. Some even saw a reduction of up to 36%, which is a huge improvement!
- Artery Wall Thickness: A significant 77% of participants showed improvement in intima media thickness, a measurement of artery wall thickness used to gauge atherosclerosis risk.
- Lifestyle Matters: Exercisers had better results than non-exercisers, showing supplements work best with a healthy lifestyle.
- Weight and Vitamin K: Obese patients seemed to get more noticeable benefits. Also, effects were a bit stronger for those who took vitamin K with nattokinase.
- Dose Makes a Difference: A control group taking a lower dose (3,600 FU per day) saw positive but less significant outcomes. This suggests the amount you take might really matter.
Is Nattokinase Safe for You?

After hearing about these potential benefits, you might wonder, “Is nattokinase safe?” The short answer is yes, it’s considered very safe. It’s been tested in many human studies, and no serious bad effects have been reported. Studies also show it’s not toxic, even at very high doses for long periods, like the year-long study we discussed.
People in Japan have eaten natto, the food source of nattokinase, for hundreds of years without issues. As a supplement, it’s been on the market for decades. I’ve personally used nattokinase on and off for over 15 years for recovery and heart health, and many others have too.
Important Considerations
- Talk to Your Doctor: If you’re taking blood thinners or have any diagnosed heart condition, it’s really important to talk to your doctor before starting nattokinase or any new supplement. While there isn’t much literature about negative interactions, combining nattokinase with a blood thinner could increase bleeding risk.
- How Nattokinase Works: Nattokinase supports your body’s own natural blood cleansing system. It doesn’t completely mess with your blood clotting process like prescription blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin do. It helps your body maintain healthy blood flow. Have an open conversation with your doctor about it.
Choosing the Right Nattokinase Supplement
Based on research, if you’re generally healthy and want to support your heart, look for a strong nattokinase product. The study suggests products with more than 2,000 FU per capsule might be more effective, especially if you’re aiming for a higher daily dose. Many standard products are around 2,000 FU or less, meaning you’d need several capsules to reach higher amounts.
When picking a supplement, try to find one without a lot of extra “fillers” or unnecessary ingredients. Things like silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, or titanium dioxide are often added, but ideally, you want a product that’s as pure as possible. Besides the capsule itself (usually cellulose), you shouldn’t see much else listed in the ingredients.
There are a couple of types of products. Some are pure nattokinase, while others are blends of multiple enzymes. For example, one blend product includes a high amount of nattokinase (15,000 FU per capsule) along with other systemic enzymes. This kind of product can support not just your heart, but also recovery, blood sugar, and digestion. If you prefer a pure nattokinase product, there’s an option that offers 4,000 FU per capsule and is very clean.
Adding nattokinase to your daily routine could be a smart move for keeping your cardiovascular system working well. It’s a simple step that could make a big difference in supporting your heart health naturally.
Source: Danny Curtin CDSP