Nattokinase is a protein-based enzyme derived from natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. The bacterium Bacillus subtilis produces this unique compound during fermentation. Consumption is recommended on an empty stomach to maximize its effectiveness. This approach ensures the enzyme survives the highly acidic environment of the stomach and is delivered intact to the small intestine for absorption.
Understanding Nattokinase as a Systemic Enzyme
Nattokinase is classified as a systemic enzyme, meaning its primary function is not to assist in the digestion of food within the stomach or small intestine. Instead, it is a serine protease designed to be absorbed into the bloodstream to exert its effects throughout the entire body. Once absorbed, the enzyme helps break down fibrin, a protein component of blood clots. This action supports healthy blood flow and circulation, requiring it to be active within the circulatory system.
The enzyme’s status as a systemic agent means it must bypass the normal digestive processes that are usually reserved for the protein content of a meal. If consumed with food, the enzyme is likely to be utilized as a digestive aid to break down those proteins. The goal is for the enzyme to pass through the digestive system relatively untouched so it can be absorbed into the blood where its systemic action can begin.
Protecting the Enzyme from Stomach Acid
The main challenge for orally consumed protein compounds like Nattokinase is the stomach’s digestive environment. When food enters the stomach, it triggers the production of hydrochloric acid and digestive proteases designed to dismantle proteins. Since Nattokinase is a protein, exposure to this high acidity and enzymatic activity can denature its structure, destroying its systemic function before absorption.
Taking the supplement on an empty stomach is the primary strategy to minimize exposure to gastric acid. When the stomach is empty, acid levels are significantly lower than during active digestion. This lower acidity allows the capsule to pass through the stomach quickly without being fully subjected to the harsh, protein-degrading environment. Many Nattokinase supplements are manufactured with an enteric coating, which acts as a protective shield that only dissolves in the less acidic small intestine. This coating provides a second layer of defense, but the empty stomach still facilitates the rapid transit desired for maximum efficacy.
Optimizing Absorption and Efficacy
The speed at which Nattokinase reaches the small intestine is a direct factor in its systemic efficacy. An empty stomach allows for rapid gastric emptying, where the supplement quickly passes into the small intestine. This is the site where the enzyme is absorbed across the intestinal lining and into the bloodstream.
Taking the enzyme with a substantial meal causes the supplement to be held in the stomach for an extended period, often between 90 minutes and three hours. This prolonged retention increases the risk of the enzyme being degraded. Any remaining intact Nattokinase may also have to compete with digested food components for absorption sites. Ensuring rapid transit via an empty stomach allows a higher concentration of the active enzyme to enter the bloodstream, optimizing its systemic benefits.
Guidelines for Taking Nattokinase
To achieve an empty stomach state, Nattokinase should be taken either before or after meals. It is advisable to consume the capsule with a full glass of water to ensure quick passage through the esophagus and stomach.
Timing Recommendations
- Take the supplement 30 minutes to one hour before eating a meal.
- Take the supplement at least two hours after a meal.
- Taking it first thing in the morning upon waking is common, as the stomach is empty overnight.
- Taking it right before bed allows the enzyme to work overnight when blood flow naturally slows down.
Important Safety Considerations
Because Nattokinase exhibits fibrinolytic activity (it helps break down blood clots), individuals taking blood-thinning or antiplatelet medications must consult a healthcare provider before use. It is recommended to discontinue Nattokinase at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding complications.