TruNatto™ Nattokinase is all natural, and contains nattokinase, a potent enzyme that is extracted from natto, a fermented soybean food that has been consumed in Japan for over 1000 years. TruNatto™ Nattokinase is highly purified and our product is a unique formulation designed to escape the action of digestive enzymes so that it is optimally absorbed from the small intestine.
Nattokinase has been used as supplement for cardiovascular conditions in Japan for many years due to its atherosclerotic and antithrombotic properties. It is made through the fermentation of boiled soybeans by the bacterium Bacillus subtilisin. Nattokinase has been the subject of many studies over decades.
In 1980, during a series of in vitro experiments at the University of Chicago Medical School, Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi discovered that natto could affect fibrin levels. Fibrin is a whitish, filamentous protein that is formed in blood after a trauma or injury to protect the body from excessive blood loss. Strands of fibrin can accumulate along the walls of blood vessels and affect blood flow. After Dr. Sumi discovered the effect of natto on fibrin, he proceeded to look for natto’s active component. He then isolated and named this component “nattokinase,” which means “enzyme in natto.”
Although Dr. Sumi named this active ingredient in natto as a “kinase,” it is not actually in the kinase family of enzymes! The active ingredient in natto is in the protease family of enzymes. The B. subtilisin bacteria used to ferment soybeans to produce natto produce the enzyme called subtilisin protease, which along with the enzyme bacillopeptidase F., acts directly on fibrin and also causes the release of substances that trigger the body’s production of other important enzymes that help regulate fibrin formation.
While other soy foods contain enzymes, it is only the natto preparation that is fermented soybeans that contains the nattokinase enzyme. Unfermented, boiled soybeans, which is the source of most soy in the American diet, do not contain natto.
Nattokinase works to support healthy levels of fibrin and healthy blood flow through the blood vessels of our body via protease enzyme action (e.g., subtilisin in protease, bacillopeptidase F) and causes the release of substances that trigger the body’s production of other important enzymes that help regulate fibrin formation. Studies have also found that nattokinase helps to break down fibrin in blood clots, which means it has a complementary action to the anti-platelet aggregation effects of aspirin – but using them together should be done with your doctor’s supervise to avoid risk of excessive bleeding with too much anti-clotting activity.
Nattokinase also inhibits a key enzyme that affects extracellular and arterial vasoconstriction, decrease red blood cell aggregation and low-shear viscosity, which is another way that nattokinase may be helpful in preventing blood clots. Dr. Sumi’s research also showed a positive effect to help maintain blood pressure in the healthy range in both rats and in humans.
More current research has shown that nattokinase has a protective effect against hepatic (liver) and neuro toxicity derived from environmental toxins and ionizing radiation. Nattokinase is also being studied to treat symptoms of COPD and bronchitis.
WebMD summarizes the health benefits of nattokinase, “High natto consumption has been linked to the Japanese population’s longer average lifespans and lower chronic disease rates. In particular, studies show that people with diets rich in natto have lower rates of death from heart diseases.” Other benefits listed include:
- dissolves blood clots
- maintains healthy blood vessel structure
- improved sinus health
- shrink nasal polyps and thin mucus
- promote good gut bacterial balance
- strengthen immune system
- may boost metabolism
Our caution: Even though nattokinase’s blood clot-fighting abilities may prevent micro-blood clots and deep vein thrombosis, it shouldn’t be used as a treatment without a doctor’s supervision. If your D-Dimer is normal and you are also taking other medications or supplements that have fibrinolytic, anti-platlet or anti-coagulant actions, you may risk excessive bleeding or hemorrhage adding Nattokinase on your own. Adding Nattokinase could also theoretically dislodge a clot too rapidly leading to serious complications. Consult your health care practitioner before taking this product if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking any blood-pressure lowering or anticoagulant prescription medicines (such as heparin, warfarin/Coumadin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, etc. or diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or beta blockers), OR you are taking one of more than two dozen common over-the-counter supplements that have anti-coagulant, anti-platelet or fibrinolytic properties.TruNatto™ Nattokinase is derived from soybeans, so those with allergies to soy should avoid this product.
TruNatto™ Nattokinase provides 1000 Fibrin units (FU) per capsule. Your health practitioner can tailor the dose to your needs. Typical dose is one to two capsules twice daily at least 30 minutes before or two hours after a meal.
To your improving health!
Elizabeth Lee Vliet, MD
All Truth for Health Foundation Formulas are Meet or Exceed Quality Standards set by FDA Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). For more information, references from studies are listed in the Product Data Sheets.
Under medical practice regulations, we are unable to answer individual medical questions or make specific individual supplement recommendations for people who are not established patients of Dr. Vliet’s independent medical practice.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
For more information, you can review some of the studies listed in the References in our Product Data Sheet
