New Study Reveals: High-Dose Supplement Shrinks Arterial Plaque by 36%

Highlights

• 10,800 but not 3,600 FU per day of nattokinase is associated with a 36% reduction in artery plaque size. 
• Nattokinase supplementation is also associated with reducing triglyceride and cholesterol levels. 
• The plaque-reducing effects of nattokinase were more pronounced in non-sedentary, obese, cigarette-smoking, and alcohol-drinking participants. 

Eating too many cheeseburgers and sitting on the couch all day can contribute to the formation of plaques in the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis triggers heart attacks and strokes, making it the leading cause of death worldwide. However, a recent study suggests that taking a high dose of a compound called nattokinase can counter atherosclerosis by reducing plaque buildup by a whopping 36%. 

What Is Nattokinase? 

Nattokinase is an enzyme produced by B. subtilis var. natto, a strain of bacteria used to ferment soybeans and make the popular Japanese food natto. Nattokinase is classified as a fibrinolytic enzyme because it dissolves blood clots by breaking down fibrin, a protein essential for blood clot formation.

Natto is believed to contribute to the health and longevity of the Japanese population, as a 16-year study of nearly 30,000 Japanese individuals showed that natto consumption lowers the risk of death from heart disease by an astonishing 43%. The same study found no differences in heart disease-related death from the consumption of unfermented soybean foods, suggesting the benefits of natto are from nattokinase. 

Nattokinase Linked to Reducing Artery Plaque Size by 36% 

The study was conducted in China and included 1,062 participants (average age: 67.5, range: 63-85 years) with evidence of mild atherosclerosis. That is, the participants were observed to have high levels of lipids (e.g., triglycerides and cholesterol), a condition called hyperlipidemia. 

After 12 months of supplementing with 10,800 FU/day of nattokinase, the participants’ triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels significantly decreased, effectively mitigating their hyperlipidemia. Moreover, after nattokinase supplementation, their artery plaque size was reduced by 36%, as measured by ultrasound. This reduction could lower the risk of strokes and heart attacks, potentially leading to a longer life.

Importantly, 3,600 FU/day of nattokinase did not lower lipid levels or reduce plaque size. These findings suggest that a relatively higher dose of nattokinase (10,800 FU/day) may be necessary to protect against heart disease. The authors of the study’s publication say,

“Given the finding of this study, previous studies and animal studies, we believe that the effective dose of nattokinase for effective treatment of atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia is in the range of 6,000 to 12,000 FU daily, which is much higher than 2,000 FU, a recommended dose in Europe.”

Some Participants Saw Greater Effects 

Further analysis revealed that the effects of high-dose nattokinase were more pronounced in certain participants. The statistical significance of these comparisons was not reported and should be taken with caution. 

Exercise

Exercise was assessed by steps taken per day: Participants who took more than 5,000 steps were considered exercisers, while those who took less than 5,000 steps were considered sedentary. While plaque size was reduced by 31% in sedentary participants, it was reduced by 37.5% in participants who exercised. This may not be surprising considering that exercise, particularly cardiovascular exercise, is known to combat atherosclerosis and lower the risk of death from atherosclerosis. The findings suggest that walking more steps can potentially combat heart disease, especially when combined with nattokinase. 

Obesity 

Obesity was assessed using body mass index (BMI), which is a weight-to-height ratio that can be easily calculated. While not a perfect measurement, BMI provides an estimate of one’s body fat levels and is used to clinically diagnose obesity. The researchers found that, in participants with a BMI lower than 27.5, which is considered normal or overweight, plaque size was reduced by 35.4%. However, in participants with a BMI higher than 27.5, considered overweight or obese, plaque size was reduced by 39.1%. The more pronounced effect in participants with higher BMI may be due to them having larger plaques to begin with.

Smoking and Drinking 

High-dose nattokinase also had a more pronounced effect on cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking participants. While the plaque size of non-smokers was reduced by 34%, it was reduced by 37.5% in smokers. Additionally, participants who drank more than 3 ounces per week of alcohol saw a 39.1% reduction in plaque size, while participants who drank less than 3 ounces showed a 35% reduction. The authors of the study speculate that, in general, the effects of nattokinase may be more pronounced in less healthy participants, including smokers, drinkers, and people who are overweight or obese.   

The Study’s Limitations 

The study’s results are based on previously unanalyzed data from individuals who took a nattokinase supplement for 12 months. As such, there was no control group (a group that did not take nattokinase for 12 months) to determine how lipid levels and plaque size change without nattokinase supplementation. For this reason, other factors contributing to reduced lipids and plaque size cannot be discounted. For example, a major contributor to artery plaque size is diet, whereby the consumption of saturated fats and other compounds can lead to higher lipid levels and plaque buildup. The diets of the participants of this study were not measured, leaving a major variable unexamined. 

Can Anyone Benefit from Nattokinase?

Despite the limitations of the study, other studies support the idea that nattokinase supplementation can counteract heart disease. For example, one study showed that nattokinase reduces lipid levels more than the statin drug simvastatin in people with hyperlipidemia. Another study showed that nattokinase supplementation reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients. 

However, there are currently no studies testing the effect of nattokinase on artery plaque size in healthy individuals. Furthermore, the most pronounced effects observed appear to occur in individuals with preexisting conditions, such as hyperlipidemia and high blood pressure. Still, an early study showed that nattokinase enhanced fibrinolytic activity in healthy individuals, suggesting natto consumption or nattokinase supplementation can mitigate cardiovascular aging. 

Of course, diet and exercise are proven methods for reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. For example, limiting saturated fat and trans-fat, found in animal-based (meat and dairy) and processed foods, respectively, can be beneficial. Moreover, exercising regularly can reduce the risk of heart disease.