Nattokinase is an enzyme produced during the fermentation of soybeans to make natto, a traditional Japanese food. It has attracted attention because laboratory research suggests it may have fibrinolytic and antithrombotic properties, meaning it can influence processes involved in blood clotting. A 2022 clinical study involving 1,062 participants examined daily nattokinase at 10,800 fibrinolytic units (FU) for 12 months. Among the 683 participants who had carotid ultrasound measurements available, researchers reported that average common carotid artery intima-media thickness decreased from 1.33 mm to 1.04 mm, while measured carotid plaque size decreased from 24.9 mm² to 15.94 mm². (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) These findings are certainly interesting, particularly because carotid plaque and arterial-wall thickness are markers associated with atherosclerosis. However, the study was retrospective rather than a large randomized placebo-controlled trial, so the results cannot establish that high-dose nattokinase itself caused the improvements.
The broader evidence is considerably more mixed. An earlier clinical study involving only 82 participants compared nattokinase at 6,000 FU daily with simvastatin for 26 weeks and reported reductions in carotid plaque size and arterial-wall thickness in both groups. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) However, a much more rigorous randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 265 adults found that 2,000 FU of nattokinase taken for a median of three years did not significantly slow subclinical atherosclerosis progression compared with placebo. Researchers found no significant difference in carotid intima-media thickness or carotid arterial stiffness. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) This contrast is important: promising results from observational or smaller studies do not automatically translate into proven cardiovascular protection. The dose may matter, the characteristics of participants may matter, and differences in study design can substantially affect results.
For that reason, people should not start taking high-dose nattokinase to dissolve arterial plaque without medical guidance. Nattokinase may affect blood clotting, creating potential concerns for people taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, those with bleeding disorders, or people preparing for surgery. Most importantly, supplements should not replace established treatments for high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Statins, blood-pressure management, smoking cessation, physical activity, and a heart-healthy dietary pattern have much stronger evidence for reducing cardiovascular risk. The 12-month study provides an interesting research signal, but it does not prove that nattokinase can safely reverse blocked arteries or prevent heart attacks and strokes. Disclaimer: This article is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The reported plaque reductions come from a study with important methodological limitations, while randomized evidence has produced different results. Always verify supplement claims through reliable scientific and medical sources and consult a qualified healthcare professional before using high-dose nattokinase, particularly if you take medications that affect blood clotting.
Leave a Reply