Benefits of Nattokinase Supplement and why Vitamin K2 is Removed

Introduction

Nattokinase, is a powerful enzyme derived from natto, a traditional Japanese fermented soybean dish, renowned for its cardiovascular benefits. It has been extensively studied in clinical trials for its positive impact on blood coagulation, cholesterol, and blood pressure among other markers of heart health. A frequent question involves why Vitamin K2, naturally present in natto, is removed from Nattokinase supplements. This article explores nattokinase’s benefits, the rationale for removing Vitamin K2, and the safety implications of this modification.

Understanding Nattokinase and Its Cardiovascular Benefits

Nattokinase is well-regarded for its fibrinolytic activity, meaning it helps dissolve blood clots. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have supported its therapeutic potential:

1. Blood Pressure Reduction:

   • Study Findings: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that nattokinase supplementation significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in participants with pre-hypertension or stage 1 hypertension. The study showed a net change in systolic blood pressure of -5.55 mmHg and in diastolic blood pressure of -2.84 mmHg compared to the control group (Kim et al., 2008).

2. Cholesterol Level Improvement:

   • Study Findings: Nattokinase supplementation has been associated with improvements in cholesterol levels. A study on nondiabetic and hypercholesterolemic subjects showed that nattokinase supplementation significantly increased collagen-epinephrine closure time (C-EPI CT), prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), indicating beneficial effects on blood coagulation factors (Yoo et al., 2019).

3. Blood Coagulation:

   • Study Findings: Nattokinase has been shown to affect blood coagulation processes. A clinical study cited in the correspondence demonstrated that a single dose of NSK-SD 2000 FU (a patented version of Nattokinase) influenced blood coagulation in healthy subjects, although the levels remained within the normal range (Tsukamoto et al., 2009).

Why Vitamin K2 is Removed from Nattokinase Supplements

While Vitamin K2 offers various health benefits like promoting bone health and regulating calcium metabolism, it plays a key role in activating clotting factors, thus promoting blood coagulation. Its presence in nattokinase supplements could counteract nattokinase’s clot-dissolving effect and pose safety risks, especially for people on Vitamin K antagonists such as warfarin.

1. Blood Coagulation Considerations:

   • Interaction with Vitamin K antagonists: Taking supplemental Vitamin K2 directly counteracts the effect of Vitamin K antagonists such as Warfarin, rendering the medication ineffective and placing the patient at a high risk of stroke or thrombosis. By purifying the nattokinase enzyme and removing the Vitamin K2, manufacturers ensure the supplement is safe for this large patient population.

2. The Opposing Mechanisms of Nattokinase and Vitamin K2

   • Nattokinase acts as a fibrinolytic enzyme by breaking down fibrin, the structural protein in blood clots, and by activating the body's plasmin system to promote clot dissolution (Chen et al., 2018; Sumi et al., 1990). Conversely, Vitamin K2 supports coagulation by enabling activation of clotting factors through carboxylation processes necessary for clot formation. This opposition underscores why combining them can neutralize nattokinase's intended cardiovascular benefits and complicate anticoagulant therapy.

Conclusion

Nattokinase supplements offer significant cardiovascular benefits, including blood pressure reduction and improved blood coagulation profiles. The removal of Vitamin K2 from these supplements is primarily to ensure safety, particularly for individuals on anticoagulant medications. This adjustment allows users to benefit from Nattokinase's therapeutic effects without the risk of adverse interactions related to blood coagulation.

References

1. Kim, J., Gum, S. N., Paik, J., Lim, H. H., Kim, K. C., Ogasawara, K., Inoue, K., Park, S., Jang, Y., & Lee, J. H. (2008). Effects of Nattokinase on Blood Pressure: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Hypertension Research, 31, 1583-1588.

2. Yoo, H., Kim, M., Kim, M., Lee, A., Jin, C., Lee, S. P., Kim, T. S., Lee, S. H., & Lee, J. H. (2019). The effects of nattokinase supplementation on collagen-epinephrine closure time, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time in nondiabetic and hypercholesterolemic subjects. Food & Function, 10(5), 2888-2893.

3. Tsukamoto, O., Fujita, M., Kato, M., Yamazaki, S., Asano, Y., Ogai, A., Okazaki, H., Asai, M., Nagamachi, Y., Maeda, N., Shintani, Y., Minamino, T., Asakura, M., Kishimoto, I., Funahashi, T., Tomoike, H., & Kitakaze, M. (2009). Natriuretic peptides enhance the production of adiponectin in human adipocytes and in patients with chronic heart failure. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 53(22), 2070-2077.
   

4. Chen, H., McGowan, E. M., Ren, N., et al. (2018). Nattokinase: A Promising Alternative in Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases. Biomarker Insights, 13, 1177271918785130.

5. Sumi, H., Hamada, H., Nakanishi, K., & Hiratani, H. (1990). Enhancement of the fibrinolytic activity in plasma by oral administration of nattokinase. Acta Haematologica, 84(3), 139-143.