Beyond the Soybean - Understanding Nattokinase

Introduction

Nattokinase is an enzyme that's derived from nattō, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans.

This document provides a factual overview of nattokinase, including its origin, production, and current research. We'll also discuss Fibrinolytic Units (FU), which are used to measure the enzyme's activity. This information is intended to be a resource for understanding nattokinase.

What is Nattokinase?

Nattokinase is a specific type of enzyme that is extracted and purified from a traditional Japanese food called nattō. It is classified as a serine protease, which means it is an enzyme that breaks down proteins. The name "nattokinase" is derived from nattō and the Japanese word for bacteria, kin.

The enzyme itself is not present in soybeans but is produced during the fermentation process of making nattō. It is a protein composed of 275 amino acid residues.

Origin and Production

Nattokinase comes from nattō, a food that has been consumed in Japan for hundreds of years. Nattō is made by boiling soybeans and then fermenting them with the bacterium, Bacillus subtilis var. natto. This bacterium produces the nattokinase enzyme. During fermentation, the bacteria create a sticky, stringy substance that covers the soybeans. Nattokinase is found in this sticky material.

Sources

The primary and most common natural source of nattokinase is nattō. While other fermented soy products may contain similar enzymes, nattokinase is uniquely associated with the specific fermentation process used to create nattō. The enzyme can also be isolated and sold as a dietary supplement.

Fibrinolytic Units (FU)

Fibrinolytic Units (FU) are a standard measure of the activity, or potency, of an enzyme like nattokinase. The term "fibrinolytic" refers to the breakdown of fibrin, which is a protein involved in clot formation.

The FU measurement quantifies how effectively a specific amount of the enzyme can break down a given amount of fibrin under laboratory conditions. This measurement is used to standardize the strength of nattokinase in commercial products, ensuring a consistent level of enzyme activity. A higher FU value indicates a greater capacity for fibrin breakdown per unit of mass.

Common Reasons People Take Nattokinase Supplements:

• Cardiovascular Health: This is the most common reason people use nattokinase. It is known for its ability to break down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clot formation. This "fibrinolytic" activity is thought to support healthy blood flow and circulation.

• Blood Pressure Management: Some studies suggest that nattokinase may help lower blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is believed to work by inhibiting an enzyme that narrows blood vessels.

• Prevention of Blood Clots: Due to its fibrinolytic properties, nattokinase is often taken to help prevent the formation of blood clots, including those associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

• Atherosclerosis Support: Nattokinase is also studied for its potential to help manage atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, which can lead to a hardening and narrowing of the arteries.

• Neurological Health: Emerging research, particularly in animal studies, suggests that nattokinase may have neuroprotective effects and could potentially help with conditions like Alzheimer's disease by breaking down amyloid plaques in the brain.

Nattokinase Supplement Usage

Nattokinase is commonly available as a dietary supplement. It is most often sold in capsule form, but it can also be found as a powder. The product labels typically list the amount of the enzyme in Fibrinolytic Units (FU) rather than a weight measurement like milligrams. 

At Complete Natural Products, 1 gram of our Nattokinase provides 6000 FU (Fibrinolytic Units). Each serving of 2 capsules contains 6000 FU.

Potential Health Benefits and Risks

Nattokinase is currently the subject of ongoing research. 

It is important to note that because of its properties, there are certain considerations for its use. Individuals who are taking blood-thinning medications should use caution and consult a healthcare professional. It is also advised that you stop taking nattokinase before any scheduled surgery.

Summary

Nattokinase is a protein-breaking enzyme that comes from fermented soybeans, a key part of the traditional Japanese food, nattō. You can also find it in dietary supplements. Its activity is measured in Fibrinolytic Units (FU), which indicate its ability to break down fibrin in a laboratory setting. Because it affects how blood clots, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional about nattokinase, especially if you take other medications that affect blood clotting or have surgery scheduled.