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.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using nattokinase for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
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 & 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.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
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.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Nattokinase might slow blood clotting. Taking nattokinase along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Nattokinase might lower blood pressure. Taking it with other supplements that have the same effect might cause blood pressure to drop too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include andrographis, casein peptides, L-arginine, niacin, and stinging nettle.
Herbs and supplements that slow blood clotting: Nattokinase might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
There are no known interactions with foods.
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.
BSP, Extrait de Natto, Fermented Soybeans, Haricots de Soja Fermentés, Natto de Soja, Natto Extract, Nattokinasa, NK, Soy Natto, Subtilisin NAT.
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