Following a review of my most recent lab work, my doctor recommended nattokinase as part of cardiovascular health protocol. 

Most of my markers for heart disease risk looked excellent, including my triglycerides, c-Reactive Protein, blood pressure, and Hemoglobin A1c.

However, my Apo B, PLAC, oxidized LDL, and Lp(a) told a different story. Even though my diet and lifestyle support my heart health, my genetics do not. So, my doctor had me start taking nattokinase, bergamot, and a specific mix of vitamin E.

I had heard of nattokinase but wasn’t very familiar with it. So, for my own benefit, as well as yours, I delved into the research.

I wanted to understand better where nattokinase comes from, its health benefits, and how to use NK. The following is what I discovered.

What is nattokinase?

Nattokinase (NK) comes from a popular cheese-like Asian food made by fermenting soybeans with Bacillus subtilis. Asians have eaten natto for more than 2000 years. 

Researchers observed that those who eat natto regularly have lower rates of cardiovascular disease. The correlation led them to identify the active compound, a fibrinolytic enzyme called nattokinase, in 1987. The first clinical trial was conducted in 1990.

Nattokinase is a nutritional supplement. It's not a patentable pharmaceutical drug. Without a patent, it's almost impossible to make enough money on it to justify multiple, expensive, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. As a result, there aren’t as many clinical studies as there would be with a drug.

But the studies that have been done show nattokinase can play a crucial role in cardiovascular and cognitive health.

With cardiovascular disease being the number one cause of death in the western world (no, it's not COVID-19), and growing concerns about aging people's cognitive health, nattokinase shows promise as a natural, safe, and effective solution for supporting heart and brain health. 

Nattokinase is also unique because it affects multiple aspects of vascular health.

Health Benefits of Nattokinase

Unlike many drug therapies for cardiovascular health, nattokinase does not cause significant side effects. It has a strong safety record and is not toxic, even at high doses.

Protects against excessive blood clotting

Fibrin is a blood protein that causes coagulation. If you cut yourself, the clotting keeps you from losing too much blood. That's a good thing under those circumstances. But when you get a blood clot inside your blood vessels, it can lead to big problems. 

Over time, clotting causes plaque formation. If a clot is large enough, and it breaks loose from your vessel walls, the clot can lead to a heart attack or stroke. 

Based on animal studies, “NK was found to be a potent antithrombotic agent, and, by reducing thrombus formation, was able to slow the progression of plaque formation.”

According to one human study, a single 100mg dose breaks down fibrin and thins the blood within four hours of consumption, reducing the risk of a clot.

In a two-month study, those taking NK experienced lower fibrinogen levels, factor VII, and factor III, which all suggest better cardiovascular health.

Doctors also recommend the daily use of low-dose aspirin as an anticoagulant, but long-term use comes with significant gastrointestinal (GI) side effects and excessive bleeding.

Nattokinase improves blood flow by supporting better blood viscosity and might be a safer alternative than pharmaceuticals that do the same thing.

Slows the progression of atherosclerosis and supports healthy blood cholesterol levels

Atherosclerosis is the ultimate cause of stroke and heart disease.

Though cholesterol is essential for your health, the oxidation of excessive cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis. Research shows nattokinase slows the progression of atherosclerosis and supports healthy blood cholesterol levels.

As an antioxidant,