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Nattokinase for Atherosclerosis

B Good Evidence At least one randomized trial supports this, with mostly consistent results.

12-month RCT showed reduced carotid intima-media thickness progression. Fibrinolytic activity well-documented. Blood pressure reduction also demonstrated.

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            B

        

        

            
The Bottom Line

            
            
12-month RCT showed reduced carotid intima-media thickness progression. Fibrinolytic activity well-documented. Blood pressure reduction also demonstrated.

            
            
        

    










    

  
Key Study Findings





    

        
        

            

                
                    Review
                
                
                
                
            

            
                Navigating the Effects of Anti-Atherosclerotic Supplements and Acknowledging Associated Bleeding Risks.
            
            

                
                Dose: None
                
                
                vs: None
                
                
                Outcome: None
                
                
                Effect: None
                
                
                None
                
            

            
            
Population: Review of anti-atherosclerotic supplements and bleeding

            
        

        
    







    
    

        
        

            

  
Key Statistics





            


    

        
4

        
Studies

    

    

        
300

        
Participants

    

    

        
            
            ↑
            
        
        
Positive

    

    

        B

        
Grade

    




        


        
        
        

            

  
Referenced Papers





            

                
                

                    

                        
                            Navigating the Effects of Anti-Atherosclerotic Supplements and Acknowledging Associated Bleeding Risks.
                        
                        
                            
                                Review
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    

                    

                        International journal of …
                        2025
                        
                        1 citations
                        
                    

                

                
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Dosage & Usage





            
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units


            
            

                
Commonly Used Dosages

                

                    
                    

                        
general:

                        
2,000 FU (fibrinolytic units)/day

                    

                    
                    

                        
cardiovascularsupport:

                        
2,000-4,000 FU/day

                    

                    
                

                
                

                    Upper limit: Not formally established; up to 10,800 FU/day used in clinical trials
                

                
            

            

            
            

                
Dosages Studied in Research

                

                    

                        
                            

                                Dosage
                                Duration
                                Effect
                                N
                            

                        
                        
                            
                            

                                None
                                --
                                
                                    
                                    Mixed
                                    
                                
                                --
                            

                            
                        
                    

                

            

            

            
            

                Best taken: On empty stomach (between meals) for optimal fibrinolytic activity
            

            
        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Safety & Side Effects





            

                
                

                    
Reported Side Effects

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Generally well-tolerated
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Increased bleeding risk (fibrinolytic activity)
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Mild gastrointestinal discomfort
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Bruising (rare)
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    
Known Interactions

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Anticoagulants — warfarin, DOACs (additive anticoagulant effects — contraindicated)
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Antiplatelet drugs (additive bleeding risk)
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            NSAIDs (increased bleeding risk)
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Fish oil at high doses (additive anticoagulant effect)
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    

                        Tolerable upper intake: Not formally established; up to 10,800 FU/day used in clinical trials
                    

                

                
            

            

                Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Frequently Asked Questions





            




    
    

        
            Does Nattokinase help with Atherosclerosis?
            
        
        

            Based on 4 studies with 300 participants, there is moderate evidence from clinical studies that Nattokinase may support Atherosclerosis management. Our evidence grade is B (Good Evidence).
        

    

    
    

        
            How much Nattokinase should I take for Atherosclerosis?
            
        
        

            Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 2,000 FU (fibrinolytic units)/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
        

    

    
    

        
            Are there side effects of Nattokinase?
            
        
        

            Reported side effects may include Generally well-tolerated, Increased bleeding risk (fibrinolytic activity), Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, Bruising (rare). Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
        

    

    
    

        
            How strong is the evidence for Nattokinase and Atherosclerosis?
            
        
        

            We rate the evidence as Grade B (Good Evidence). This rating is based on 4 peer-reviewed studies with 300 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
        

    

    




        

        

        
        
        

            

  




            

                
                
                

                
                

                    
Nattokinase for other conditions

                    

                        
                        
                            High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
                            C

                        
                        
                    

                

                
            

        

        

    


    
    






  
References

  
    
    
    
  1. 
      [1]
      Maria-Zinaida Dobre et al..
      Int J Mol Sci.
      2025.
      Navigating the Effects of Anti-Atherosclerotic Supplements and Acknowledging Associated Bleeding Risks.
      doi:10.3390/ijms262010183
      PubMed
    
    2. 
    
  















    

        FDA Disclaimer:
        These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.