Nattokinase Effect: What you need to know about Nattokinase

What is nattokinase?

Nattokinase is a protein that was first isolated as an enzyme from the Japanese dish natto (fermented soybeans). Nattokinase is an enzyme that is said to consist of 362 amino acids.[1] In 1987, the first descriptions appeared from the researcher Hiroyuki Sumi, who claimed that the enzyme nattokinase is not a kinase, but a serine protease of the subtilisin group.[2] Natto is made from fermented soybeans and is part of the traditional Japanese diet.

Japan is one of the countries with the lowest death rates from cardiovascular problems. We cannot and do not want to confirm 100% whether this has anything to do with the Japanese dish Natto. However, we must not forget that “nattokinase” – according to a number of studies – is able to protect and cleanse the cardiovascular system and thus prevent cardiovascular diseases**.**

Nattokinase is not exactly known as a dietary supplement. Its mode of action is small, but quite powerful. Through the scientifically proven blood-thinning effect It can lower blood pressure and also reduce thrombosis in the veins. [3]

How does Nattokinase work in the body and why is it such a valuable dietary supplement?

As a protease enzyme, the Nattokinase Effect in two main characteristics:

• fibrinolytic properties

• blood-thinning properties

How does nattokinase have a fibrinolytic effect?

The term "fibrinolytic" sounds more complicated than it is. It basically only defines an activity related to the formation and dissolution of so-called thrombi or blood clots. To produce thrombi, the enzyme thrombin forms so-called fibrins, which settle in wounds or damaged arteries, for example, to close the open wounds.

However, it becomes problematic when too many blood clots build up, particularly in the arteries, and the body can no longer break them down. The first serious consequence of this is increased blood pressure, because the arterial channel becomes smaller and smaller. The second serious consequence can be a heart attack or stroke. In this case, important arteries are so blocked that the oxygen supply in the blood vessels, which is essential for survival, can no longer be ensured. The fibrinolytic effect of nattokinase helps prevent cardiovascular diseases by regulating the formation and dissolution of blood clots.

What does FU mean?

FU is a specific unit of measurement that refers to fibrinolytic units. This indicates the strength of the product or the enzymes it contains in dissolving blood clots. The higher the FU value, the stronger the "attack" on the thrombi in the arteries.

But how does nattokinase work in this context?

Nattokinase has a similar effect to the body's own enzyme plasminThis has the essential task of dissolving the blood clots formed by thrombin. As long as there is a good balance between thrombin and plasmin in the body, it is almost impossible to suffer a stroke or worse because the arteries are always "cleaned out". Due to our modern lifestyle full of stimulants, it is unfortunately becoming more and more common for the body to suffer from a lack of plasmin. One specific cause of this is the poison arsenic, which we ingest through cigarette smoke, for example.

Nattokinase and plasmin play an important role in supporting the cardiovascular system by helping to dissolve blood clots and maintain arterial health.

If the body can no longer keep up with cleaning the arteries on its own, the effect of nattokinase can provide direct help in breaking down blood clots in the veins. However - and in this case the second important property of nattokinase comes into play - there is a risk that the blood clots in the arteries will calcify and then can hardly or not at all be broken down.

At this point, your doctor should have already instructed you to adjust your diet and lifestyle as quickly as possible. But to reduce the symptoms and dangers of calcified arteries and simply to feel better, the blood-thinning effect of nattokinase can be incredibly helpful.

In short:

Nattokinase helps dissolve blood clots and keep arteries clear, and combats the symptoms of an unhealthy lifestyle.

How does nattokinase have a blood-thinning effect?

The blood-thinning effect is rather indirect in nature and has positive effects on the Cardiovascular systemIt is not nattokinase itself that is responsible for the effect, but its metabolic waste products. As soon as nattokinase (and also plasmin) are converted by the body, two peptides are created, which in turn activate so-called tissue-specific plasminogen activators (also fibrinolytically effective).

Much more importantly, however, these two peptides also regulate blood pressure by reducing the activity of the enzyme renin and the hormone angiotensin II. If both substances are too active, the blood thickens and blood pressure increases. However, if they are regulated downwards, the blood is enriched with more fluid and blood pressure can drop within a very short time.

In short:

Nattokinase thins the blood indirectly because during metabolism peptides are produced which have a regulating effect on blood pressure.

Can you use nattokinase instead of blood thinning medicine?

Blood thinning effect? ​​We all know that, right? That's right! Aspirin is probably the best-known, freely available drug that reduces headaches or circulatory problems by thinning the blood. So couldn't you just take nattokinase instead of aspirin or other blood thinners?

In principle yes, but in practice you have to take a few things into account. If you have never come into contact with any blood-thinning medication, there is no problem taking Nattokinase. Even if you take aspirin or something similar, taking Nattokinase is in principle allowed, but you should do so with great care (more on this in the next section). It can only be tricky if your plan is to replace your usual medication with Nattokinase. An example will show you this:

In order to achieve a blood-thinning effect in a study with rats in December 2013, a dose of 500 mg of nattokinase per kilogram of body weight was necessary. With aspirin, however, this effect begins with just 30 mg. There is currently no medical information on how many milligrams of nattokinase a person needs to safely replace an alternative medication.

However, you should know that this precaution only applies to people who are treating serious medical conditions with blood thinners and are dependent on the medication. It is strongly recommended not to use Nattokinase without consulting a doctor, as it could lead to cardiovascular problems.

On the other hand, it has been clearly demonstrated that thrombosis at a dose of 2000 FU, or 100 mg of nattokinase, leads to significantly lower clotting factors in the blood. Since aspirin is suspected of causing stomach ulcers or internal bleeding, it would be desirable to use nattokinase as the sole means of preventing or treating cardiovascular diseases. The list of side effects of other pharmaceutical products is also quite long, while nattokinase alone is absolutely free of side effects.

In short:

Despite the blood-thinning effect of nattokinase, a very high dose must be chosen to achieve an aspirin-like effect. In case of serious illnesses, a doctor should be consulted.

Nattokinase side effects – usually only dangerous in combination with blood thinners

Nattokinase has no known side effects. Only the blood thinning itself can cause problems if it is too intense or forced at the wrong time and place. Some people consider Nattokinase to be an enzymatic miracle cure for health, but one should be aware of the potential risks.

Once the blood is too thin – which can happen with an extreme overdose of nattokinase or when taken in combination with blood-thinning foods – it can lead to internal bleeding.

Furthermore, taking it before a medical operation is not recommended. Open wounds can cause significantly more bleeding, which could lead to complications.

The bottom line is that two rules apply:

1. Never combine Nattokinase with blood-thinning foods blindly and without consulting your doctor. There is a known case in which a stroke patient suffered cerebral hemorrhage after taking a weekly dose of 400 mg of Nattokinase with aspirin. However, it is possible to slowly introduce Nattokinase into drug therapy in order to gradually replace the drug.

2. If you are unsure and are taking any medication, you should discuss taking Nattokinase with your doctor.

Research on Nattokinase Side Effects: Current Findings at a Glance

 

Research into the potential side effects of nattokinase is still in its early stages, and there is limited scientific evidence on the subject. Here are some aspects that emerge from current studies and research:

1. Blood coagulation and nattokinase:

Much of the research on nattokinase focuses on its potential positive effects on blood circulation. Nattokinase is thought to act as a fibrinolytic agent by dissolving excess fibrin in the blood. Studies have shown that nattokinase can promote fibrinolysis, which could help dissolve blood clots and improve blood circulation.

However, there are also concerns that this fibrinolytic effect could lead to an increased tendency to bleed. However, these concerns are often discussed in the literature and it is important to emphasize that blood coagulation is a complex process that is influenced by many factors.

2. Gastrointestinal tolerance:

Some small studies suggest that nattokinase is generally well tolerated. However, there are reports of occasional gastrointestinal discomfort that may occur after ingestion. These discomforts are usually mild and temporary. The exact reasons for such reactions are not yet fully understood and may depend on individual differences.

3. Drug Interactions:

One challenge in researching nattokinase side effects is the potential interaction with medications, particularly anticoagulants. Some studies suggest that taking nattokinase and blood thinning medications at the same time could lead to increased anticoagulant effects. This underscores the need to only take nattokinase under medical supervision, especially for people who are already taking medications.

4. General safety and long-term effects:

There are limited long-term studies of nattokinase to date, and therefore little is known about its long-term safety. Long-term observations are important to better understand potential risks or side effects.

Blood Coagulation and Nattokinase: An In-Depth Analysis

The interaction between nattokinase and blood clotting is a key aspect to consider when evaluating the safety and potential side effects of this enzyme nattokinse. Here we take a closer look at the connection between nattokinase and blood clotting:

1. Fibrinolysis and blood coagulation:

Nattokinase is valued for its fibrinolytic properties, meaning it is able to dissolve fibrin. Fibrin is a protein involved in the formation of blood clots. By promoting fibrinolysis, nattokinase can help support the dissolution of blood clots that have already formed.

2. Potential blood thinning effect:

Some research suggests that nattokinase may have a blood-thinning effect. It does this by affecting clotting factors such as fibrinogen and thrombin. The idea behind this blood-thinning effect is that it may reduce the viscosity of the blood, which in turn may improve blood circulation.

3. Risk of bleeding and precautions:

Despite the potentially positive effects on blood circulation, many experts are concerned about the associated bleeding risk. In people who are already taking anticoagulant medication or are prone to bleeding, taking nattokinase may cause unwanted effects.

It is important to stress that individual response to nattokinase may vary. While some people tolerate it well, others may be more sensitive to it. This is why it is essential to seek professional medical advice before taking nattokinase.

4. Interactions with medications:

Special care should be taken when taking nattokinase together with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin. The combination may result in an enhanced anticoagulant effect and increase the risk of bleeding. In such cases, close monitoring of blood clotting values ​​is necessary to ensure that they remain within the safe range.

And finally ...

The link between nattokinase and blood clotting is complex and requires careful consideration. Although nattokinase may offer potential benefits for blood circulation, potential risks, particularly in relation to the risk of bleeding, must be carefully weighed. Individuals considering nattokinase should do so under medical supervision to conduct an individual risk assessment and consider potential drug interactions.

Medical Nattokinase Effect – What Effects Does It Have and What Doesn’t It Have?

There are always rumors and promises of healing about Nattokinase that mislead consumers. Therefore, in this section we want to clarify which Nattokinase abilities (apart from the blood-thinning and fibrinolytic effects) are a myth and which are true.

Can nattokinase regulate blood lipid levels?

Every now and then you read that nattokinase regulates cholesterol levels by stimulating the production of LDL cholesterol and thus limiting the bad HDL cholesterol. Of course, this ability would be desirable, but no study has been able to confirm this assumption. Even daily intake over six months had no effect on cholesterol levels - and that was at a dose of 7.000 FU daily. Only the combination with red yeast rice leads to a reduction in cholesterol levels. (Study: Yang NC et al, Combined nattokinase with red yeast rice but not nattokinase alone has potent effects on blood lipids in human subjects with hyperlipidemia, Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2009;18(3):310-7

In short:

Nattokinase cannot reliably regulate blood lipid levels.

Does Nattokinase help with Alzheimer's disease?

In theory, this seems possible, as the fibrinolytic effect of nattokinase could promote the breakdown of dementia-promoting deposits in the brain. However, no clinical studies have yet been conducted on humans that can confirm a clear effect on dementia.

Nattokinase tablets or capsules?

The question of whether you should take a tablet or a capsule to take Nattokinase really only depends on your preference. If you find a product with a good price-performance ratio, you can go for it, regardless of whether it is a tablet or a capsule.

Nevertheless, we would like to go into the respective manufacturing processes and related important information below.

Nattokinase in tablet form

Tablets are pressed under high pressure and therefore retain their shape. Often, however, tabletting agents have to be used because the product itself does not stick. In this respect, not every tablet is 100% pure, which is of course an exclusion criterion for many.

Tablets are also somewhat more limited in terms of use than capsules. You can either dissolve them in water (if they are water-soluble) or swallow them whole with enough water. Adding them to smoothies, muesli or other foods is more difficult, however, because the tablet has to be crushed first.

One advantage of the tablet, however, is that it is absorbed extremely quickly by the body because no shell material (as is the case with a capsule) needs to be pre-digested.

Benefits of Nattokinase Tablets:

• Fast recording

• Tasteless

Disadvantages of Nattokinase tablets:

• Not ideal for muesli, smoothies or drinks

• Use of tableting agents often required

• Uncomfortable to swallow for many

Nattokinase in capsule form

Most people find it more convenient to take the capsule. Firstly, the smooth cellulose or gelatin coating makes it easier to swallow and secondly, no chemicals have to be used to make the preparation stick together.

Although gelatin or cellulose are used for the capsule, both substances are completely harmless to the body and do not pose any problems for the digestive tract.

Another advantage of a capsule is that it is tasteless. Thanks to the shell, you can take whatever dietary supplement you want and you won't notice the sometimes unpleasant taste.

On the other hand, it takes a little longer for the active ingredient to be absorbed by the body. After all, it has to be able to break open the shell first.

If you want to mix Nattokinase with a meal or in a smoothie or drink, the capsule is definitely the better solution because you can open the capsule quite easily. All that is left inside is the loose powder.

Benefits of Nattokinase capsules:

• Tasteless

• Better for adding to cereals, smoothies and drinks

• Easier to swallow

Disadvantages of Nattokinase capsules:

• Capsule must be pre-digested

• Capsules often consist of gelatin (not suitable for vegans)

In short:

We recommend taking Nattokinase in capsule form primarily because of the good dosing options and the tolerable taste.

Buy Nattokinase – what you need to pay attention to

The market is now flooded with nattokinase preparations. As a layperson, you are quickly overwhelmed by the question of which product is the best and whether you really always have to pay the highest price.

To make it easier for you to choose your product and avoid investing your money in inferior quality, pay attention to the following quality marks.

1. nattokinase concentration

As a rule, capsules have a concentration of 2.000 FU with a quantity of 100 mg of nattokinase. If the FU value drops but the quantity of nattokinase remains the same, you should be skeptical. Other fillers may have been used to increase the profit margin. So if you want to buy nattokinase, pay close attention.

2. Free from additives

You want pure nattokinase! So read the ingredients on the packaging and keep looking if any other substances are listed on the packaging (apart from cellulose or gelatin for the capsules). Some cheap products, for example, contain magnesium stearate. If you are interested in the Nattokinase Effect interested, you should buy a pure product.

3. capsule material

You can choose between gelatine or cellulose. Neither is harmful to the body. However, if you are vegan or at least value vegan food supplements, we recommend a product with cellulose.

4. Without soy residues and vitamin K1 and vitamin K2

Ideally, your preferred product should not contain any soy residues or vitamin K1 or vitamin K2. Reputable manufacturers usually state both on the packaging or at least in the product description. Nattokinase should be purchased in its pure form.

5. Enteric Coated

Nattokinase is very acid-resistant and can largely pass through the stomach. However, when choosing a product, you should make sure that the manufacturer states the gastric acid resistance. In this case, the product has been tested.

6. GMO free

Nattokinase is extracted from natto. Natto, in turn, is made from soybeans. Therefore, the quality depends heavily on the soybeans. Look for the "GMO-free" label. This means that the soybeans were cultivated without the use of genetic engineering.

In short:

When purchasing, pay attention to the following factors:

• The concentration

• Possible additives

• The capsule material

• No soy residues

• A high gastric acid resistance

• Free from genetic engineering

Who should take Nattokinase?

The effect of nattokinase is interesting for two reasons. Firstly, it can prevent any cardiovascular disease and also alleviate its effects if the health condition has already become critical. Its blood-thinning effects can reduce the risk of strokes and other cardiovascular diseases, have a positive effect on blood pressure and prevent atherosclerosis. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking nattokinase as a dietary supplement, especially if you are using other blood-thinning medications.

In this respect, people who have a certain cardiovascular risk should incorporate Nattokinase as a supplement into their daily routine. You belong to this group in general and only possibly if you...:

• … you don’t move much.

• … are a smoker.

• … eat a lot of fast food, sugar and trans fats.

• … feel a lot of stress.

• … drink a lot of alcohol.

• … are overweight.

• … have a chronic illness.

Secondly, taking Nattokinase is useful if certain symptoms creep in over a long period of time. These include chronic fatigue, muscle cramps or headaches. In this case, there is often too little fluid in the blood or poor circulation - for whatever reason.

In short: Nattokinase is good for anyone who suffers from the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Nattokinase – interesting for frequent flyers?

Long flights or car journeys require long periods of sitting still. This is why thrombosis often occurs in both situations. This problem can be solved by taking Nattokinase about 2 hours before and 6 hours after. The blood-thinning effect of Nattokinase ensures that the vessels are supplied with enough blood and that all arteries are "properly pumped" even when sitting still.

This effect was even proven in a study from 2003, in which 186 test subjects took part. For a flight lasting 7-8 hours, half of the participants received a mixture of Pycnogenol and Nattokinase, while the other half received a placebo. After the flight, a total of 7 people from the placebo group developed deep or superficial leg vein thrombosis, while the "Nattokinase group" remained symptom-free. It should be noted that all 186 participants were patients at risk of thrombosis. (Study: Cesarone MR et al, Prevention of venous thrombosis in long-haul flights with Flite Tabs: the LONFLIT-FLITE randomized, controlled trial., Angiology, 2003 Sep-Oct;54(5):531-9)

In short:

If you sit a lot, Nattokinase is a useful product for you.

Meaningful Nattokinase Studies and Their Results

In the course of the text, we have already shown you one or two studies on the effects of nattokinase. However, there are now several meaningful studies that prove that nattokinase has blood-thinning and fibrinolytic properties.

In this section we will show you the most important scientific works.

Thrombosis in dogs resolved within 5 hours

For example, a study was carried out in 1990 on dogs that had a thrombosis in the large leg vein. The result is remarkable, because the thrombosis was resolved within just five hours by administering 5 FU nattokinase capsules five times. (Study: Sumi H., Hamada H., Nakanishi K., Hiratani H. Enhancement of the fibrinolytic activity in plasma by oral administration of nattokinase. Acta Haematol. 2.000;1990:84-139. doi: 143/10.1159.)

study conducted directly on humans

One of the most significant studies, which clearly confirms the enormous power it has on people, was carried out in 2009. The test subjects were divided into three groups: healthy people, people with cardiovascular disease and dialysis patients. All groups were given a capsule containing 2 FU of Nattokinase every day for two months - and here too the results are astonishing. Without any strange side effects, the level of clotting factors in the blood of all participants decreased drastically. (Study: Hsia CH et al, Nattokinase decreases plasma levels of fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII in human subjects, Nutrition Research, 2.000 Mar;2009(29):3-190)

study conducted on rats

An improvement in blood flow of a whopping 62% was found in rats. The rodents were given a dose of 500 mg of nattokinase per kilogram of body weight. Measurements of blood pressure and blood degradation products confirm that nattokinase has a much higher fibrinolytic effect than other blood-thinning drugs or enzymes. (Study: Fujita M., Hong K., Ito Y., Misawa S., Takeuchi N., Kariya K., Nishimuro S. Transport of nattokinase across the rat intestinal tract. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 1995;18:1194-1196. doi: 10.1248/bpb.18.1194.)

Another Nattokinase Human Study

In 2015, another study was conducted on humans. 12 healthy men were given either a placebo or 2.000 FU of nattokinase. After one round (duration unknown), the groups were swapped and the blood of all test participants was examined after 2, 4, 6 and 6 hours.

In all men, the clotting factors in the blood decreased while taking nattokinase, which means that breakdown products of thrombosis were detected in the blood. It is also important to note that this study is not a mixed preparation and that no participant took blood-thinning medication. The effect can therefore clearly be attributed to nattokinase. (Study: Kurosawa Y et al., A single-dose of oral nattokinase potentiates thrombolysis and anti-coagulation profiles, Sci Rep. 2015 Jun 25;5:11601)

In short:

There are numerous positive studies that have examined the effects of nattokinase.

Where can I buy the best Nattokinase?

We have already described in our buying guide what is important if you are looking for a high-quality Nattokina preparation.

To remind you: Nattokinase should always be free of residues, contain no vitamin K1 and vitamin K2, be produced without GMOs and – very importantly – be adulterated without cheap fillers.

At our Redfood Shop, we guarantee that our Nattokinase product meets all criteria. Our quality standards require that all products comply with German health and safety regulations. This means that our Nattokinase also comes from a German manufacturer who has to comply with all guidelines.

We also offer you the following benefits at a fair price-performance ratio:

• Fast delivery

• Goods come directly from the manufacturer

• Eco-friendly packaging

What Nattokinase alternatives are there?

As an alternative to Nattokinase, there are natural dietary supplements and specific medications that act as blood thinners and thus alleviate cardiovascular problems. Below we will look at both categories separately and give an assessment of how effective Nattokinase is compared to the other products.

Natural Nattokinase Alternatives

Some superfoods have particularly stood out in this regard, as they have a similar effect. Many also have the advantage of being packed full of vitamins and other vital substances. Not all of the alternatives are blood-thinning; some are only anticoagulant and artery-cleansing.

At this point, we would like to point out that none of the following foods has such a strong and well-researched blood-thinning and anticoagulant effect as nattokinase. They are therefore more suitable as an addition to the diet or for other purposes.

1. Gojibeeren

It is not known why, but goji berries apparently have an incredible effect on blood fluidity and therefore also on blood pressure. Therefore, you should not blindly take goji berries with other blood-thinning foods. Unfortunately, there are no meaningful studies on the dosage, recommended consumption and the actual benefit for humans.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the healthiest spices and is obtained from the orange turmeric root (turmeric root). In addition to an apparent blood-thinning effect, a number of other positive properties have also been discovered. It is said to support liver cleansing and also kill cancer cells. It can even help with dental care by making tooth enamel whiter.

The University of Maryland Medical Center also confirmed in April 2014 that “studies show that turmeric helps prevent atherosclerosis and prevents blood platelets from clumping together, thus preventing blood clots.” (Quote: University of Maryland Medical Center, Turmeric, April 2014, (Curcuma))

Therefore, the intake and targeted consumption of turmeric must be discussed with a doctor if you consume blood-thinning foods.

3. Bromelain

Bromelain is the protein-splitting enzyme from pineapple. Since it works in a similar way to nattokinase, it helps dissolve blood clots in the arteries. So you can eat pineapple or take bromelain in the form of a supplement to cleanse your cardiovascular system.

4. ginger

Ginger is one of the foods that has been best studied for its health benefits. Isolated substances from the ginger root are even more effective than aspirin when it comes to blood-thinning effects. In its pure form, this effect is of course not quite as strong. But it is definitely there and for many people it can even be felt. Lots of people report an immediate mental freshness after consuming ginger, for example in the form of a tea.

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon in its pure form has only a very weak anticoagulant effect. Cinnamon oil or cinnamon distillate, on the other hand, can slightly lower blood pressure, but both products are quite expensive.

6. Garlic

Although it is assumed that garlic has an effect on blood pressure, this has not yet been proven. Rather, garlic is routinely mentioned in the same breath as all healthy foods for a healthy cardiovascular system.

7. Dark chocolate and cocoa

Cocoa is an extremely potent superfood. For example, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition cited a study in which people were given a cocoa extract (corresponding active ingredients) for 28 days. Using a control group, it was found that the extract was able to reduce blood clotting significantly. (Study: Murphy KJ et al., Dietary flavanols and procyanidin oligomers from cocoa (Theobroma cacao) inhibit platelet function. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2003)

In short:

As an alternative to nattokinase, the following foods can help:

• Gojibeeren

• Turmeric

• Bromelain

• ginger

• Cinnamon

• Garlic

• Dark chocolate and cocoa

Drugs with a similar effect to nattokinase

Medications are usually many times more effective than Nattokinase. That is why it is so important that you discuss the additional intake of Nattokinase with your doctor. This is especially true for the following medications:

1. Aspirin

2. ASS

3. Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)

4. dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa)

5. Hearine

6. Clopidogrel

7. All vitamin K antagonists (coumarins such as phenprocoumon or warfarin)

Nattokinase intake

The rules for taking it are actually quite simple. You can take Nattokinase either as a course of treatment or on a long-term basis. So it doesn't make much difference if you forget to take it for 1-2 days.

However, the recommended daily intake is 2.000 FU or about 100 mg of nattokinase in powder form. Regardless of whether you prefer capsules or powder, you can take both variants with water or other liquids.

In short: The ideal daily dose is 100 mg / 2.000 FU.

Nattokinase dosage

The official dosage recommendation for nattokinase is 2.000 FU or 100 mg of pure nattokinase per day. However, some studies have used a higher dose in the range of 5.000 FU or 250 mg to achieve a significant effect.

Please note that you must keep the dose as low as possible if you are already consuming blood-thinning foods. The possible potentiated effect can have fatal consequences such as internal bleeding. In this case, you should always consult your doctor.

But even if you take it without any blood-thinning foods, you should start with the official maximum dose to avoid taking any risks. Then you can try taking a little more FU per day in small steps.

Is it better to take Nattokinase pure or mix it with other active ingredients?

Some products come with a mixture of OPC and L-arginine. The two additives also have a slight blood-thinning property and can also make the vein tissue more flexible. However, other mixed preparations are not particularly recommended. Many vitamins such as K1 and vitamin K2 actually limit the effect of nattokinase because they act as antagonists and thicken the blood.

Ultimately, a pure preparation is definitely the best way to specifically measure the nattokinase influence and adjust it if necessary.

How does the body absorb nattokinase?

The main receptor for nattokinase is definitely the intestinal mucosa. If you take the powder (from a tablet or capsule) in the form of a drink, you can also partially absorb the enzyme through the oral mucosa.

A frequently asked question in this context is whether nattokinase can survive the aggressive stomach acid at all. In fact, the enzyme is extremely heat and acid resistant. It can survive temperatures of up to 50°C. By taking it in capsule form, the enzymes are additionally protected from the acid attack in the stomach and thus make it to the intestine in a "healthier state".

In short:

Nattokinase is mainly absorbed in the intestine and has a high resistance to stomach acid.

Final words on Nattokinase

At first glance, nattokinase seems to be a pretty boring dietary supplement. Apart from its blood-thinning and fibrinolytic effects, the enzyme from the fermented soy dish has little to offer...

Nevertheless, the effect on the body and its health is breathtaking and has also been scientifically proven with qualitative studies. By dissolving thrombosis and improving blood flow, the supply of oxygen to all vessels is massively increased. Symptoms such as headaches, circulatory problems and chronic fatigue can be reduced as a result. In addition, the risk of serious cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks or strokes can be minimized. The fact that Nattokinase has no side effects makes the dietary supplement all the more interesting.

Important: People who take blood-thinning foods must discuss taking them with a doctor beforehand.

We hope that our guide article has provided you with all the important information about Nattokinase.

Can you make natto yourself?

In order for the soybeans to ferment, you need a natto starter culture, a heat box and about 24 hours.

1. Heat the heat box to 40°C.

2. Wash the soybeans (organic quality) thoroughly and let them soak for a maximum of 12 hours.

3. First, boil the beans briefly in hot water, then simmer at a low temperature for 6-7 hours. Skim off any foam and loose skins.

4. The soybeans are cooked when they can be crushed.

5. Drain the water and place the soybeans in the warming box so that the filling level is approximately 5 cm.

6. Check the temperature of the beans with a thermometer. As soon as the beans reach about 40°C, it is time for the starter culture.

7. Sprinkle the natto starter culture evenly over the beans and mix.

8. Place cling film over the box and pierce it with a needle. Place a dry towel over the film.

9. Now ferment the beans for 15-24 hours (or more if you prefer). The longer the beans ferment, the stronger the taste will be, but the number of healthy enzymes will also increase.

10. Remove the foil after the fermentation period. Caution: the smell is strongly reminiscent of ammonia or spicy cheese.

11. Natto can be kept in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. You can also freeze Natto, but many of the healthy ingredients will die in the process.

Sources

[1] NCBI

[2] ClinicalTrials

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=nattokinase