Nattokinase for blood clots and high blood pressure?
Nattokinase is not a new supplement, but it's recently come back into the spotlight. It's been a part of our daily for years now. Let's take a look at what it is and what it can do for us.
Nattokinase is a fascinating enzyme that's gained attention for its potential role in supporting heart and circulatory health. Derived from a traditional Japanese food, it offers a natural approach to promoting healthy blood flow.
This educational piece explores what nattokinase is, its origins, how it interacts with key proteins in the blood, and its potential benefits for blood clots and blood pressure. We'll also touch on common dosing considerations based on available research.
What Is Nattokinase and Where Does It Come From?
Nattokinase is a potent enzyme (specifically a serine protease) produced during the fermentation of soybeans. It comes from natto, a traditional Japanese dish made by fermenting boiled soybeans with the bacterium Bacillus subtilis (also known as Bacillus subtilis natto).
Natto has a distinctive sticky texture, strong aroma, and has been consumed in Japan for over a thousand years as a nutritious food rich in protein, vitamins, and bioactive compounds.
The enzyme was first isolated and named in the 1980s by Japanese researcher Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi, who discovered its ability to break down fibrin (a protein involved in blood clotting) far more effectively than other known enzymes. While natto provides nattokinase naturally (a typical 50g serving contains around 1,500 FU, or fibrinolytic units), most people today access it through supplements for standardized dosing and convenience, as eating large amounts of natto daily isn't common outside Japan.
I won’t lie…it takes a minute to get used to the texture, flavor and smell of fresh natto, but I've grown to love it! Fortunately though, you can get the benefits of Natto from readily available Nattokinase supplements.
How Nattokinase Works: Fibrinolytic Activity and Breaking Down Fibrin
Blood clotting is a vital process that prevents excessive bleeding, but excessive or unwanted clots can lead to serious issues like deep vein thrombosis, heart attacks, or strokes. Central to clotting is fibrin, an insoluble protein formed from fibrinogen (a soluble plasma protein) during the coagulation cascade.
Nattokinase exhibits strong fibrinolytic (clot-dissolving) activity through several mechanisms:
Direct breakdown of fibrin: It directly hydrolyzes (breaks down) cross-linked fibrin in blood clots, dissolving them more efficiently than the body's natural enzyme plasmin in some studies.
Degradation of fibrinogen: By cleaving fibrinogen, nattokinase reduces the raw material available for new clot formation and lowers circulating fibrinogen levels.
Enhancing the body's fibrinolytic system: It activates prourokinase to urokinase and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), which convert plasminogen to plasmin (the body's main clot-dissolver). It also inactivates plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), reducing inhibition of fibrinolysis.
These actions promote healthier blood flow by preventing excessive clotting and helping dissolve existing small clots or fibrin buildup. Research, including in vitro, animal, and human studies, supports its ability to increase fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products and enhance overall thrombolytic (clot-busting) effects.
Benefits for Blood Clots and Lowering Blood Pressure
By breaking down fibrin and fibrinogen, nattokinase may help reduce the risk of thrombotic events (clot-related issues) and support cardiovascular health. Studies suggest it can:
Aid in breaking down blood clots: It shows promise in preventing or managing clots, such as in deep vein thrombosis or post-travel clotting risks. Animal models demonstrate effective thrombus dissolution, and human trials indicate increased fibrinolytic markers after supplementation.
Lower blood pressure: Multiple studies link nattokinase to reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Mechanisms may include fibrinogen cleavage (reducing blood viscosity) and possibly indirect effects on angiotensin II or ACE-like inhibition. For example, clinical trials have reported decreases in systolic blood pressure by around 5-9 mmHg and diastolic by 2-6 mmHg over weeks of use in people with hypertension or pre-hypertension.
Dosing Considerations:
Nattokinase activity is measured in fibrinolytic units (FU), reflecting its clot-dissolving potency. Common studied doses include:
2,000 FU per day:Frequently used in early trials for blood pressure reduction (e.g., 8-week studies showing modest decreases) and general fibrinolytic effects.
Higher ranges (6,000–12,000 FU per day): Emerging research, including a large 2022 clinical study with over 1,000 participants, suggests doses around 10,800 FU/day (e.g., for 12 months) may more effectively manage atherosclerosis progression, improve lipid profiles, and support clot-related benefits.
Lower doses like 3,600 FU showed limited effects in comparison. Some reviews propose 6,000–12,000 FU as potentially more impactful for cardiovascular support, including clot prevention and blood pressure.
Important note: Nattokinase has blood-thinning properties, so consult a healthcare professional before use if you take anticoagulants, blood pressure medications, or have bleeding disorders.
It's generally well-tolerated in studies, with no major adverse effects reported at studied doses, but personalized advice is essential.In summary, nattokinase from the humble natto offers intriguing natural support for healthy circulation through its targeted action on fibrin and fibrinogen.
While research is ongoing, it represents an exciting area in nutritional science for heart health. If you're considering it, prioritize quality supplements and professional guidance for safe, effective use!
RESOURCES:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5372539/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6043915/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6043915/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0271531709000220