Natto, a traditional Japanese fermented soybean food, has been eaten for centuries. It is also the natural source of an interesting enzyme called nattokinase, which has attracted increasing attention for its potential role in cardiovascular and circulatory well-being.

But what exactly is nattokinase, what does "FU" mean on a supplement label, and why are people taking it?

What is nattokinase?

Nattokinase is an enzyme originally isolated from natto, which is made by fermenting soybeans with the bacterium Bacillus subtilis var. natto.

During fermentation, the bacteria produce nattokinase, a proteolytic enzyme capable of breaking down certain proteins.

Nattokinase is particularly interesting because of its fibrinolytic activity and has consequently been studied in relation to cardiovascular health and healthy circulation.

How does nattokinase work?

One of the main areas of research surrounding nattokinase involves fibrin.

Fibrin is a protein involved in the body's normal blood-clotting process. It helps form the structural network of a blood clot when one is needed. The body also has natural mechanisms for breaking down fibrin when it is no longer required, a process known as fibrinolysis.

Research suggests that nattokinase can influence fibrinolytic processes. This is one of the main reasons it has attracted interest in relation to healthy circulation and cardiovascular wellbeing.

This does not mean that nattokinase is a treatment for blood clots or cardiovascular disease. Its effects on coagulation and fibrinolysis are also why people taking certain medications should speak to a healthcare professional before using it.

What are the potential benefits of nattokinase?

Research into nattokinase is continuing, with three areas attracting particular interest.

1. Cardiovascular wellbeing

Cardiovascular health involves the heart, blood vessels and circulation.

Nattokinase has become an ingredient of interest within this area because of its fibrinolytic activity. It can be considered as part of a broader approach to cardiovascular wellness alongside a balanced diet, regular physical activity and other healthy lifestyle choices.

2. Healthy circulation

Good circulation allows oxygen and nutrients to travel throughout the body while helping transport metabolic waste products away from tissues.

Because of its interaction with fibrin and the body's fibrinolytic processes, nattokinase has attracted interest as a supplement for people looking to support healthy circulation.

3. Healthy blood pressure

Nattokinase has also been investigated in human studies examining blood pressure, with some studies reporting changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure following supplementation.

However, nattokinase should not be regarded as a treatment for high blood pressure. Anyone taking blood-pressure medication should speak with their healthcare professional before using nattokinase.

What is natto?

Natto is a traditional Japanese food made by fermenting cooked soybeans with Bacillus subtilis var. natto.

The fermentation process gives natto its distinctive sticky texture, aroma and flavour while also producing nattokinase.

Natto is additionally known as a source of vitamin K2, but vitamin K2 and nattokinase are different substances. Nattokinase is an enzyme, and supplements may contain little or no vitamin K2.

What does "FU" mean on a nattokinase supplement?

When comparing nattokinase supplements, you may see amounts such as 2,000 FU displayed on the label.

FU stands for Fibrinolytic Units and measures nattokinase's enzyme activity.

This is important because nattokinase isn't just about how many milligrams are in a capsule. Two ingredients could potentially have the same physical weight while providing different levels of enzyme activity.

Looking at the FU value as well as the milligram amount therefore provides a better indication of the activity being supplied.

Nutrilife Nattokinase provides 100 mg of nattokinase, supplying 2,000 FU per capsule.

How much nattokinase should you take?

Nattokinase supplements are available in different concentrations. 2,000 FU per daily serving is a commonly encountered amount in nattokinase supplements and has also been used in human research.

Nutrilife Nattokinase provides:

Nattokinase – 100 mg
Providing 2,000 FU per capsule

Always follow the recommended serving instructions on the product label.

When should nattokinase be taken?

Nattokinase is commonly taken away from meals or on an empty stomach, as it is generally used for its systemic rather than digestive enzyme activity.

Individual product directions may differ, so always follow the recommended directions for use.

Who should be cautious about taking nattokinase?

Because nattokinase can influence fibrinolytic and blood-coagulation processes, it isn't appropriate for everyone.

Speak to your doctor, pharmacist or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional before taking nattokinase if you:

• Take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication

• Have a bleeding or clotting disorder

• Take medication that affects blood clotting or blood pressure

• Are scheduled for surgery or a medical procedure

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have an existing cardiovascular or other medical condition

Nattokinase should never be used as a replacement for prescribed anticoagulant, antiplatelet, blood-pressure or cardiovascular medication.

Nattokinase and the bigger picture

Nattokinase is an interesting example of how a traditional food can lead to modern nutritional research.

Its origins in Japanese natto and its distinctive fibrinolytic activity have made it an increasingly recognised supplement for people interested in cardiovascular and circulatory wellbeing.

However, no supplement replaces the fundamentals of cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and monitoring important health markers such as blood pressure and cholesterol remain important.

Nattokinase can instead be viewed as one potential component of a broader approach to supporting long-term cardiovascular wellbeing.

Discover Nutrilife Nattokinase 2,000 FU

Nutrilife Nattokinase provides 100 mg of nattokinase, supplying 2,000 FU per capsule, providing a convenient and standardised source of nattokinase enzyme activity.

Nutrilife Nattokinase 2,000 FU – Cardiovascular & Circulatory Support.

Learn more about Nutrilife Nattokinase 2,000 FU