Nattokinase FAQ
Nattokinase FAQ
- Q.What is thrombosis?
- A.Thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in the blood that clog blood vessels. Commonly known examples are cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction.
- Q.Can anyone suffer from thrombosis?
- A.It is a disease that can affect anyone. Large differences in cold and warm temperatures increase its incidence, and metabolic syndrome, which has become a social problem due to recent changes in living environment and disordered eating habits, is also a factor in thrombosis. Stress and lack of water also have a significant impact, so it is necessary to be aware of these factors from a young age.
- Q.What is the difference between natto and nattokinase?
- A.Natto is a food produced by sprinkling the bacillus subtilis natto over boiled soybeans and fermenting them. Nattokinase is an enzyme produced by the bacillus subtilis natto during the fermentation process.
- Q.Please give a simple explanation about the effects and benefits of nattokinase.
- A.In addition to its ability to directly dissolve blood clots, nattokinase has also been shown to activate the body's own fibrinolytic enzymes, plasmin and urokinase. It has also been shown to reduce a substance called PAI-1 (Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1) in the body.
- Q.What is the difference between nattokinase and other proteolytic enzymes?
- A.While some proteolytic enzymes physically break down blood clots and other proteins in the body due to their strong proteolytic activity. On the other hand, the main feature of Nattokinase is that it specifically breaks down (dissolves) blood clots.
- Q.What is the effect of nattokinase except for thrombolysis?
- A.It has been confirmed to improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and inhibit platelet aggregation.
- Q.When is effective to take nattokinase?
- A.Blood clots are more likely to form when the body's water content is insufficient or when blood flow is under pressure for an extended period of time, therefore it is told to be most effective to take between after dinner and before sleep. It is also recommended before a long flight.
- Q.What is the recommended effective dosage?
- A.The unit that indicates the activity of nattokinase to dissolve blood clots is called “FU”, and the recommended daily intake is 2000 FU.
- Q.Is it enough to take only nattokinase to prevent thrombus?
- A.Taking nattokinase is one way to prevent blood clots, but it is also important to take care of your health on a regular basis (daily activities, food habits, and moderate exercises).
- Q.How much natto should I eat to get the same effect as nattokinase?
- A.We recommend a daily intake of 2000 FU of nattokinase. Natto has an average of 1500 FU of nattokinase activity in a 50g serving of natto. Therefore, a simple calculation indicates that we need to consume about 1 to 2 packs of natto. However, some natto has less nattokinase activity, some have less content in one pack, and some have less activity when they are close to their expiration date. In addition, nattokinase is often taken as a supplement in soft capsule form, in which case it is less vulnerable to the effects of stomach acid. Natto, on the other hand, is easily affected by stomach acid.
- Q.It seems that nattokinase is sensitive to heat, but specifically at what temperature does it break down?
- A.It varies depending on moisture conditions. If the temperature is above 50℃ with high moisture, the activity drops sharply. However, in a low-moisture state, even 100℃ may be fine. Humans cannot stay in 50℃ boiling water for a long time, but they can be in a 100°C sauna. It is as similar to humans.
- Q.Why can't warfarin users consume natto?
- A.This is because the vitamin K2 in natto weakens the effect of warfarin. Natto is one of the foods that contains the highest amount of vitamin K2.
- Q. I am currently prescribed warfarin, but can I take nattokinase?
- A.Yes, you can. Nattokinase only has the power to dissolve blood clots and does not cause them to keep bleeding. Clinical trials have also confirmed the safety of the combination of nattokinase and warfarin.
- Q.Are there any foods that cannot or should not be taken together with nattokinase?
- A.Nothing in particular.
However, to prevent thrombosis, it is better to limit the intake of foods containing ingredients that promote blood clotting, such as vitamin K2. Unlike commercially available natto, Nattokinase that the safety has been confirmed by JNKA is removing vitamin K2, so we hope you can rest assured that it is safe. - Q.Are there any other foods that have a similar function to nattokinase?
- A.There are a variety of foods that can improve the blood flow. However, most of them inhibit blood clotting beforehand, and none of them specifically dissolve clots that have formed, as Nattokinase does.
- Q.Any examples of side effects of nattokinase?
- A.Nattokinase has been on the market for more than 25 years, and there are no reports of side effects. Natto (fermented soybeans) has been consumed for a long time, and nattokinase is a component of it, so we believe it is a safe material.
- Q.Are there any cases of side effects or poisoning resulting from overdose?
- A.Safety tests have confirmed that it is safe even in excessive amounts. However, we recommend that you take an appropriate amount every day, as a large amount does not necessarily increase the effectiveness of the product.
- Q.Please let us know if there are any initiatives with the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
- A.Japan Bio Science Laboratory Co., Ltd, and J-Oil Mills, Inc., two of our association members, participated in a working group to establish a standard for the fermented soybean extracts (JHFA Mark). The working group is held by Japan Health and Nutrition Food Association (JHNFA), which is under the jurisdiction of the Food Safety Division of the Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. This standard also uses the FU-based activity measurement method recommended by Japan NattoKinase Association.
- Q.I would like to purchase a product.
- A.We are sorry, but we do not sell any products directly. However, we would be happy to introduce you to a company that sells Nattokinase products among our association members.
