When to take
Nattokinase

What is nattokinase good for?

Nattokinase is an enzyme that is found in natto, a type of fermented soybean that is popular in traditional Japanese cuisine. It is also widely sold in the form of a dietary supplement, and is often promoted for its benefits towards cardiovascular health.

Benefits for cardiovascular health

Specifically, nattokinase is able to lower blood pressure, "bad" LDL cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels, and can also directly break down fibrin, which is a structural component of blood clots, thus facilitating the dissolution of clots.

These combined effects are thought to help clean arteries and reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the arteries caused by a buildup of fibrin, calcium and other debris that accumulates in the artery walls in the form of atheromatous plaque.

Benefits for brain health

These artery-cleaning mechanisms are also thought to show potential for treating neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Animal studies have shown that nattokinase can break down the amyloid plaques in the brain that are a main driver of these diseases, and can also reduce levels of inflammation that are associated with these diseases.

It is also thought that nattokinase can improve cognitive function in people who have suffered from strokes, as studies have shown promising results in using nattokinase to treat cognitive impairment in stroke patients.

When should I take nattokinase?

Nattokinase is best taken on an empty stomach, either at least 30 minutes before a meal, or otherwise at least two hours since the last meal.

This allows the enzyme to be absorbed without interference from food. It is often suggested to take Nattokinase in the evening just before bedtime, some hours after your last meal, thus allowing the enzymes to get to work undisturbed for the full duration of your sleep.

What does nattokinase combine well with?

Nattokinase with red yeast rice extract, for blood sugar regulation

It has been found that a combined supplementation of nattokinase with red yeast rice extract had significant effects on people that suffered from hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by a high level of blood lipids, while nattokinase supplementation alone did not show improvement in this regard.

Also, one animal study found that combined nattokinase and red yeast rice supplementation resulted in lower fasting blood glucose concentrations in mice.

Nattokinase with ginseng extract, for diabetes prevention

Another animal study that involved the interesting combination of red ginseng, chokeberries, shiitake mushrooms and nattokinase observed a significant reduction in insulin resistance, improved glucose metabolism and also improved gut microbiome in diabetic rats.

What should I avoid taking nattokinase with?

Avoid with blood-thinning medication

Nattokinase is known to have anticoagulant properties, and can therefore slow blood clotting and have a blood-thinning effect, which means that it should not be taken at the same time as blood-thinning medications.

What are natural sources of nattokinase?

If you are interested in achieving your daily nattokinase intake through your diet, rich sources of nattokinase include:

• Natto

Nattokinase is extracted from natto, which essentially consists of fermented soybeans, and is a traditional Japanese food.

Nattokinase data sources & further reading

• https://worldnutrition.net/blogs/learn-more-about-vitalzym/how-to-take-nattokinase
• https://j-nattokinase.org/en/jnka_nattou_01.html
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/natto
• https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-nattokinase-89831
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043915/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30041479/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19786378/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9961320/