Nattokinase: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Nattokinase is an enzyme that comes from a Japanese food called natto. Natto is made from boiled soybeans that have been fermented with a type of bacteria.

Nattokinase may thin the blood and help break up blood clots. This might protect against heart disease and conditions caused by blood clots such as stroke, heart attack, and others.

People take nattokinase for cardiovascular diseases including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stroke, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Nattokinase overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Nattokinase is commonly consumed in foods. It has been eaten in Japan for hundreds of years. Nattokinase is possibly safe when taken as medicine. Taking nattokinase supplements for up to 3 years seems to be safe.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if nattokinase if safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Bleeding disorders: Nattokinase seems to act like a blood thinner and might make bleeding disorders worse. Use with caution.

Surgery: Nattokinase might increase the chance of bleeding during or after surgery. It might also make blood pressure difficult to control during surgery. Stop taking it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Nattokinase
Nattokinase might slow blood clotting. Taking nattokinase along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with Nattokinase
Nattokinase might lower blood pressure. Taking nattokinase along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Dosing

Nattokinase is a natural part of a Japanese soy food called natto. As medicine, nattokinase has most often been used by adults in doses of 2000-7000 fibrinolytic units by mouth daily for up to 3 years. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Suzuki Y, Kondo K, Ichise, H, et al. Dietary supplementation with fermented soybeans suppresses intimal thickening. Nutrition 2003;19:261–4.

Sumi H, Hamada H, Tsushima H, et al. A novel fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase) in the vegetable cheese Natto; a typical and popular soybean food in the Japanese diet. Experientia 1987;43:1110-1.

Sumi H, Hamada H, Nakanishi K, Hiratani H. Enchancement of fibrinolytic activity in plasma by oral administration of nattokinase. Acta Haematol 1990;84:139-43.

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Kim, J. Y., Gum, S. N., Paik, J. K., Lim, H. H., Kim, K. C., Ogasawara, K., Inoue, K., Park, S., Jang, Y., and Lee, J. H. Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial. Hypertens.Res 2008;31(8):1583-1588.

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Kurosawa Y, Nirengi S, Homma T, et al. A single-dose of oral nattokinase potentiates thrombolysis and anti-coagulation profiles. Sci Rep 2015;5:11601.

Yang NC, Chou CW, Chen CY, Hwang KL, Yang YC. Combined nattokinase with red yeast rice but not nattokinase alone has potent effects on blood lipids in human subjects with hyperlipidemia. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2009;18(3):310-7.

Hodis HN, Mack WJ, Meiselman HJ, et al. Nattokinase atherothrombotic prevention study: A randomized controlled trial. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2021 Apr 2. doi: 10.3233/CH-211147.

Park S, Kim CJ, Ha KC, et al. Efficacy and safety of aronia, red ginseng, shiitake mushroom, and nattokinase mixture on insulin resistance in prediabetic adults: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Foods 2021;10(7):1558.

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Chen H, Chen J, Zhang F, et al. Effective management of atherosclerosis progress and hyperlipidemia with nattokinase: A clinical study with 1,062 participants. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022;9:964977.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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