Frequently Asked Questions About Nattokinase
Q: How does a nattokinase supplement work?
A nattokinase supplement works by providing nattokinase, a natural enzyme that has various effects on the blood and the cardiovascular system. Nattokinase is extracted from natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. It has the ability to break down fibrin, which is a protein that forms blood clots and plaque in the arteries. This powerful enzyme can help improve overall cardiovascular health, including blood flow and blood pressure.
When buying a nattokinase supplement, you should look for products that indicate the potency or biological activity of the enzyme, not the quantity or weight. The potency of a nattokinase supplement is measured in FU (fibrinolytic units) or IU (international units). These units indicate the potency or biological activity of the enzyme, not the quantity or weight. The higher the FU or IU, the stronger the effect of the enzyme on the blood and the cardiovascular system. The optimal dosage is often between 2,000 to 4,000 FU so we recommend finding a supplement that provides 2,000 FU per pill, as this will allow for flexibility with your dosages. Consult with a qualified medical professional for guidance on what FU to look for as well as for monitoring the effects of this supplement on your health.
Q: Do all nattokinase supplements work?
Unfortunately, they do not. There are many shady companies that just go along with the latest health supplement trends, formulating supplements that contain unnecessary or inactive ingredients and the wrong potency or amounts. Often, they even add cheap fillers, binders, hormones, artificial colorings, and preservatives that can hinder the effects of the active ingredients. Do your homework and check the labels to make sure you are taking a quality product and not just some powder in a pill.
Q: What should I look for when buying a nattokinase supplement?
- It should provide 4,000 FU per daily serving, split into 2 capsules to provide flexibility.
- It should not contain vitamin K2 which can interfere with its efficacy.
- It should contain a bioavailability enhancer to optimize results.
- It should not contain any harmful additives or preservatives.
- It should be formulated in a certified lab and in accordance with the GMP guidelines.
Q: Are there any known side effects to look out for?
Nattokinase often acts as a blood thinner, which may potentially lower blood pressure and increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Additionally, it may cause allergic reactions in individuals who are allergic to soy. As with any supplement, we recommend consulting with a doctor, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an existing medical condition, or are taking regular medication.
Q: What are the dosage instructions for nattokinase supplements?
Again, this differs between products. Always read the label thoroughly and carefully follow the manufacturer’s recommendation or your doctor’s directions. If you exceed the suggested dosage you could pose health risks to yourself. Generally, we found that most products suggest taking 4,000 FU daily, split between 2 capsules daily and taken on an empty stomach.
Q: How long before I start to see results?
The time it takes to see results will vary depending on why you are taking nattokinase. Some consumers experience positive effects within the first month, while for others it can take 2 months or more. Results will also be impacted by other factors such as your diet, lifestyle, and genetic disposition.
There are many manufacturers that offer refunds should you not get the results that you are looking for. Such a guarantee shows the manufacturer’s confidence in its products and the results they predict you will achieve. Look for a guarantee that is at least 60-days long, since it can take up to 2 months to see results.
Q: What should I expect to pay for a good nattokinase supplement?
The cost of nattokinase products varies based on quality and potency. Unfortunately, many are cheap, useless supplements that have been formulated without any science-based evidence behind them. On average, the best supplements we found are in the $40-$50 price range. Often, when products appear cheaper, this is indicative of low quality or a low daily serving, which will not bring the results you are looking for. Be aware. Read the labels.
Q: Which nattokinase supplement is the best one to buy?
As each person’s experience of a product is different, it is difficult to say specifically which one is the best. That said, based on several factors, we did like Approved Science Nattokinase the most. From the 50+ products that we analyzed, we found that Approved Science Nattokinase had the best quality of ingredients, potency and strength, consumer feedback, and customer service.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. We hope that our research has gone some way in helping you make your choice. If you are looking for a well-researched product that brings effective results, we think that you can’t go wrong with Approved Science Nattokinase. It is an excellent-quality, well-priced product with great reviews.