Nattokinase for Blood Pressure: What the Research Says
Quick Summary: Research suggests nattokinase, an enzyme from fermented soybeans, may help lower blood pressure. However, the study also found that low doses might not improve cholesterol levels and could even raise them.
Does Nattokinase Lower Blood Pressure?
Yes, this research review found that nattokinase can be a helpful addition to managing high blood pressure (hypertension). It showed a positive effect on blood pressure, suggesting it could be beneficial for people with this condition.
Study Details
- Who was studied: The research looked at data from six different studies, including a total of 546 people.
- How long: The duration of the studies wasn't specified in the provided abstract.
- What they took: Participants took nattokinase supplements. The exact dosage varied across the studies, but the research found that "relatively low" doses were used.
What This Means For You
- Blood Pressure: If you have high blood pressure, nattokinase might help, but it's not a replacement for your doctor's advice or prescribed medications.
- Cholesterol: Be aware that low doses of nattokinase in this study did not improve cholesterol levels and, in fact, seemed to raise them slightly.
- Talk to Your Doctor: Always talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements, especially if you have heart problems or are taking blood-thinning medications. They can help you decide if nattokinase is right for you and what dosage might be appropriate.
Study Limitations
- Dosage Matters: The study didn't specify the exact "low" doses that led to the cholesterol increase.
- More Research Needed: The researchers noted that more studies are needed to understand the best dose of nattokinase and its effects on cholesterol.
- Short-Term Studies: The research only looked at short-term effects, so we don't know the long-term benefits or risks.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
This meta-analysis concluded that nattokinase supplementation demonstrates significant efficacy as an adjunctive therapy for hypertension. However, relatively low total dosages showed no beneficial lipid-lowering effect and were associated with an unfavorable increase in total cholesterol. The primary cardiovascular benefit identified was blood pressure reduction, while effects on lipid profiles were neutral or negative at the dosages studied. The authors note the potential for dose-dependent efficacy requires further investigation.
Study Design
This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized data from six randomized controlled trials (RCTs), totaling 546 participants. Studies were identified through systematic searches of four electronic databases. Methodological quality assessment indicated high overall study quality. Risk of bias was evaluated using Review Manager 5.4 software (Cochrane Library). The analysis focused specifically on nattokinase's impact on established cardiovascular risk factors, primarily blood pressure and lipid parameters.
Dosage & Administration
The meta-analysis specifically identified that "relatively low total dosage" of nattokinase was associated with the observed negative effect on total cholesterol. However, the abstract does not specify the exact dosage ranges (e.g., mg/day) or total cumulative doses used across the included trials that constituted this "low" dosage category. Administration details (e.g., frequency, duration per study) beyond the aggregate "total dosage" metric were not quantified in the provided summary.
Results & Efficacy
The key quantitative result reported was for total cholesterol: low total nattokinase dosage correlated with a statistically significant increase in total cholesterol (Mean Difference [MD] = 5.27 mg/dL, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 3.74 to 6.81; CI excludes zero, indicating statistical significance, p<0.05). Conversely, the analysis found nattokinase significantly reduced blood pressure, supporting its role as an adjunctive therapy for hypertension. Specific effect sizes and CIs for blood pressure parameters were not provided in the given study summary. No significant positive effects on lipid profiles were observed at the dosages studied.
Limitations
Major limitations include the lack of specified dosage ranges defining "low total dosage," preventing clear clinical translation. Participant demographics (age, sex, baseline health status, cardiovascular risk) were not detailed in the summary. The meta-analysis could not determine if higher doses might yield beneficial lipid effects due to insufficient data across the included trials. The focus on short-term RCTs limits understanding of long-term efficacy and safety. The observed cholesterol increase at low doses warrants investigation into potential mechanisms.
Clinical Relevance
For supplement users, this analysis suggests nattokinase may offer a measurable blood pressure-lowering benefit when used alongside conventional hypertension management, but it should not replace prescribed medications. Crucially, the findings indicate that common lower-dose nattokinase supplements are unlikely to improve cholesterol levels and might potentially worsen them. Consumers seeking cardiovascular benefits should be aware that efficacy appears dose-dependent, though optimal dosing remains undefined. Consulting a healthcare provider before use, especially for those with cardiovascular conditions or on anticoagulants, is essential given the complex effects observed.
Original Study Reference
Nattokinase Supplementation and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Source: PubMed
Published: 2023
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 39076715)
