Nattokinase for Artery Health: Does It Really Work?

observational-study PMID: 28763875

Quick Summary: A study suggests that nattokinase, a natural enzyme, may help reduce plaque buildup in arteries and improve cholesterol levels. This means it could potentially support heart health, but more research is needed.

What The Research Found

This study looked at how nattokinase affects people with high cholesterol and early signs of artery hardening. The results showed that taking nattokinase seemed to:

Reduce artery plaque: The thickness of the artery walls (a sign of plaque buildup) decreased.

Improve cholesterol levels: Total cholesterol, "bad" LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (another type of fat in the blood) went down.

Study Details

Who was studied: 82 Chinese adults with high cholesterol and early signs of artery hardening (atherosclerosis).

How long: The study lasted for 12 weeks (about 3 months).

What they took: Participants took 6,000 fibrinolytic units (FU) of nattokinase daily, which is a common dose found in supplements.

What This Means For You

If you have high cholesterol or are concerned about your heart health, this research suggests nattokinase might be helpful. It could potentially support healthy arteries and improve cholesterol levels. However:

Talk to your doctor: Always discuss any new supplements with your doctor, especially if you're already taking medication.

Don't stop your meds: Nattokinase should not replace prescribed medications for high cholesterol or heart disease.

Consider it an addition: Think of nattokinase as a possible addition to a healthy lifestyle, not a cure-all.

Study Limitations

It's important to know that this study has some limitations:

No comparison group: The study didn't compare nattokinase to a placebo (a sugar pill) or another treatment. This makes it harder to know if the results were directly caused by nattokinase.

Small study: The study only included 82 people, so the results might not apply to everyone.

Short duration: The study only lasted 3 months, so we don't know the long-term effects.

More research needed: More studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand the full benefits and risks of nattokinase.

Key Findings

This observational study reported that nattokinase supplementation was associated with a statistically significant reduction in carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), a marker of atherosclerosis, and improvements in lipid profiles among hyperlipidemic patients. The intervention group showed decreased total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides compared to baseline measurements. Researchers concluded nattokinase may have beneficial effects on arterial health and dyslipidemia.

Study Design

The study employed a prospective observational design with no control group. It enrolled 82 Chinese patients diagnosed with hyperlipidemia and carotid atherosclerosis (mean age approximately 60 years; 42 males, 40 females). Participants received nattokinase supplementation for 12 weeks while maintaining their usual diet and medications. Measurements of carotid IMT via ultrasound and standard lipid panels were taken at baseline and post-intervention.

Dosage & Administration

Participants consumed 6,000 fibrinolytic units (FU) of nattokinase daily, administered as two 100 mg capsules (each containing 3,000 FU) taken orally once per day. The supplement was derived from fermented Bacillus subtilis natto.

Results & Efficacy

Carotid IMT decreased by a mean of 0.03 mm (from 1.15 ± 0.12 mm to 1.12 ± 0.11 mm; p=0.02) after 12 weeks. Significant lipid improvements included: total cholesterol reduction of 0.48 mmol/L (p<0.01), LDL cholesterol decrease of 0.39 mmol/L (p<0.01), and triglycerides reduction of 0.31 mmol/L (p=0.03). HDL cholesterol showed no significant change. All efficacy metrics demonstrated statistical significance with p-values <0.05.

Limitations

Major limitations include the absence of a randomized control group, making causal inferences impossible. The small sample size (n=82) limits statistical power and generalizability. Lack of blinding introduced potential measurement bias. Confounding factors like concurrent medications, diet, and lifestyle changes were not fully controlled. The 12-week duration was insufficient to assess long-term clinical outcomes like cardiovascular events. Future research requires randomized controlled trials with larger cohorts.

Clinical Relevance

Supplement users with hyperlipidemia or early atherosclerosis may consider nattokinase as a potential adjunct for arterial health support, based on this observational data. The 6,000 FU/day dose used aligns with common commercial formulations. However, the lack of a control group means observed benefits could stem from other factors. Users should not replace prescribed lipid-lowering medications with nattokinase. These findings suggest potential value but require confirmation through higher-evidence studies before definitive clinical recommendations can be made. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before use.