Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from Natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans using the bacterium Bacillus subtilis natto. Nattokinase is primarily utilized to support cardiovascular and circulatory health. It acts as a fibrinolytic agent, meaning it helps break down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clot formation. Understanding when and how to consume this supplement is crucial to maximizing its effectiveness.
Understanding Nattokinase Activity
The effectiveness of Nattokinase relies on its ability to transition from the digestive tract into the bloodstream intact, where it can exert its systemic effects. Nattokinase is a type of serine protease, an enzyme that breaks down proteins. If the enzyme encounters a significant amount of food protein in the stomach and small intestine, it may be diverted to function as a simple digestive enzyme, reducing its overall systemic availability.
Despite being a protein, Nattokinase is relatively acid-resistant, allowing it to survive the stomach environment and reach the small intestine for absorption. Once absorbed, the enzyme reaches its peak concentration in the blood within approximately two to four hours after ingestion. Nattokinase has a relatively short half-life of about eight hours, making strategic timing important for maintaining consistent biological activity.
Optimizing Intake for Maximum Absorption
The most important factor for optimizing Nattokinase intake is ensuring the stomach is empty at the time of consumption. Taking the enzyme without food prevents it from binding to dietary proteins, maximizing the amount available to be absorbed into the systemic circulation. This non-food environment allows the Nattokinase to pass quickly through the stomach and be absorbed in the intestine.
To achieve an empty stomach state, take Nattokinase at least 30 minutes before eating a meal or wait a minimum of two hours after a meal. This timing ensures the digestive process is not actively underway, allowing the enzyme to focus on its systemic role. Consistency is beneficial because the enzyme’s effects are built up over time, and regular absorption is necessary to maintain its presence in the blood.
For those who prefer a two-dose regimen, splitting the daily dosage can help maintain a more consistent level of the enzyme throughout a 24-hour cycle. The morning dose should be taken upon waking, before breakfast, to capitalize on the empty stomach. The second dose should follow the two-hour rule after the last meal of the day, or just before bedtime.
Adjusting Timing Based on Health Objectives
While the empty stomach rule applies universally for maximum absorption, the time of day can be adjusted based on specific health goals. For general, sustained circulatory support throughout the day, a single morning dose on an empty stomach is preferred. This timing provides the peak enzymatic activity during the most active hours.
If the primary objective is to reduce the risk of clot formation during periods of rest, a nighttime dose before bed may be advantageous. Blood flow naturally slows down while sleeping, and the body exhibits a tendency toward increased clot formation during the late night and early morning hours. Taking Nattokinase on an empty stomach before sleep allows the enzyme to be active during this vulnerable period.
A typical daily dose is standardized to 2,000 Fibrinolytic Units (FU). Some individuals may opt for a higher dose of 4,000 FU, and in these cases, splitting the dose into two separate 2,000 FU administrations—one in the morning and one at night—is an effective strategy. This split-dose approach, always adhering to the empty stomach rule, ensures peak activity is attained twice daily, offering more continuous support.
Safety and Contraindications
Before starting any Nattokinase regimen, it is important to understand the associated safety guidelines and potential interactions. The enzyme is often taken in doses ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 FU per day. The fibrinolytic activity of Nattokinase means it acts to reduce the blood’s ability to clot, which is the basis of its therapeutic benefit.
Because of this physiological action, Nattokinase should not be taken without medical supervision if the individual is currently taking blood-thinning medications. This includes anticoagulant drugs like Warfarin or antiplatelet drugs, as combining them significantly increases the risk of excessive bleeding and bruising. Individuals scheduled for any type of surgery, including dental procedures, should discontinue Nattokinase use at least one to two weeks prior to the operation.
Nattokinase may also have a blood pressure-lowering effect, meaning it could interact with antihypertensive medications, potentially causing blood pressure to drop too low. Individuals with existing bleeding disorders or those with a history of hemorrhagic stroke should avoid this supplement. Consulting a healthcare provider is necessary to ensure the supplement is appropriate for individual health status and does not interfere with existing treatments.