Nattokinase Supplement Uses & Benefits
Updated Apr. 03rd, 2025 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Key Health Advantages of Nattokinase
- Shopping For A Quality Nattokinase Supplement
- Important Information & Considerations
- Nutritional Information
- Reader Comments (4)
Nattokinase is an enzyme extracted from natto, a boiled soybean fermented with a bacterium called bacillus natto. Medicinally, nattokinase is both an effective blood thinner, as well as an anticoagulant agent. Let's explore the effects a nattokinase supplement can have on your health.
Key Health Advantages of Nattokinase
A nattokinase supplement is especially useful for the treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis, as well ashelping lower the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) and stroke. Both PE and stroke are caused by a thrombus or clot dislodging from the vessel wall, usually in the legs or thighs, and getting trapped in the smaller vessels going to the lungs and brain. Several factors make an individual more susceptible to thrombi formation. Diabetes interferes with your body's ability to break down clots, therefore increasing the risk of clot formation. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and stress all increase the likelihood of developing clots.
Nattokinase has been shown to have pro-fibrinolytic properties. Fibrinogen plays a key role in the blood clotting cascade (I like the analogy of fibrinogen being the glue that holds the clot together). Anything that breaks down fibrinogen is then also helping to break down the clot itself. Nattokinase has also been shown to increase the body's own TPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activity), thereby increasing the efficiency of the body's clot-destroying superpower, plasmin.
Shopping For A Quality Nattokinase Supplement
Nattokinase is available in capsule form. Dosage recommendations vary greatly depending on the patient and intended action. Talk to your Naturopath or MD if you are taking nattokinase as a replacement for coumadin, as you may need higher doses.
Important Information & Considerations
If you are currently taking an anticoagulant such as warfarin, do not start using nattokinase without first speaking to your doctor. Dosage adjustments may be needed and blood tests measuring clotting time (INR, PT) should be closely monitored at the onset of treatment.
I was looking to incorporate this supplement as I don't appreciate Natto as a whole food. :) My husband does. I was looking to use it for the benefits of artery health and vitamin K7. I found this on another page and was not aware to look for this if I am wanting the Vitamin K.
"In nattokinase supplements, the enzyme nattokinase has been isolated from natto. Therefore, the product may not contain vitamin K, however, it’s recommended that you check the label or ascertain from the manufacturer whether the product contains the vitamin if you are using vitamin K antagonist drugs. (Note: natto extract is not the same as nattokinase.) "
Hello Shawn,
Thank you for your comment and for sharing. We're glad you enjoyed this article. It is informative, indeed, especially because Natto hasn't been available in Canada for very long. The whole food itself is an acquired taste.
Have a healthy day!
Oh nooooooooo! I had heard of nattokinase before and had also heard that this enzyme was from nato but I did not know about its anti-coagulent efferts: I actually have a genetic issue which causes me increased bleeding (the omega 3 that I take to combat depression does this too). I enjoy nato but given the anticoagulent effect of this nato-derived enzyme, I will certainly be more careful with when I have it. Thank you so much for teaching me this useful (and relevant!!!!) information and please keep these great and informative articles coming, National Nutrion!! :)
Hello Rachel,
It's great to hear that our article could bring new information to light for you about Nattokinase. Thank you for sharing and learning with us!