A summary of recent research on nattokinase, arterial plaque, and cardiovascular health — with sources linked so you can read the primary literature yourself. This page will be updated as additional studies are published.
What Is Nattokinase?
Nattokinase is an enzyme produced by Bacillus subtilis var. natto, the bacterial strain used to ferment soybeans into the traditional Japanese food natto. It is classified as a fibrinolytic enzyme — meaning it breaks down fibrin, the protein that forms the structural mesh of blood clots. Because of that mechanism, researchers have studied nattokinase for its effects on blood flow, blood pressure, and arterial plaque.
The 2022 Chinese Study: 36% Plaque Reduction at 10,800 FU/day
A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition (2022) analyzed data from 1,062 participants (average age 67.5, range 63–85) who had mild atherosclerosis and elevated blood lipids (triglycerides and cholesterol). Participants supplemented with nattokinase daily for 12 months, and their carotid artery plaque was measured by ultrasound before and after.
The researchers reported:
- At 10,800 FU/day (fibrinolytic units), participants showed a 36% reduction in arterial plaque size, along with significant decreases in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
- At 3,600 FU/day, the study reported no measurable change in plaque size or lipid levels.
- The authors concluded that the effective range for impacting atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia appears to be 6,000–12,000 FU per day — higher than the 2,000 FU dose commonly recommended in Europe.
Direct quote from the study authors: “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.”
Subgroup Findings
Further analysis of the same dataset suggested the plaque-reducing effect was more pronounced in certain participants. (The study authors noted that statistical significance for these subgroup comparisons was not reported, so these numbers should be interpreted cautiously.)
- Exercisers (>5,000 steps/day): 37.5% plaque reduction, vs. 31% in sedentary participants.
- BMI > 27.5 (overweight/obese): 39.1% reduction, vs. 35.4% in those with BMI under 27.5.
- Smokers: 37.5% reduction, vs. 34% in non-smokers.
- Drinkers (>3 oz alcohol/week): 39.1% reduction, vs. 35% in lighter drinkers.
The authors hypothesized that nattokinase’s effects may be more visible in people with larger baseline plaques or more cardiovascular risk factors — i.e., there is simply more to reverse.
Other Nattokinase Research
The 2022 plaque study does not stand alone. A handful of other peer-reviewed studies have examined nattokinase in humans:
- 16-year Japanese cohort (≈30,000 participants): Regular natto consumption was associated with a 43% lower risk of death from heart disease. The same study found no equivalent benefit from unfermented soybean foods — suggesting the effect tracks with nattokinase specifically rather than with soy itself.
- Nattokinase vs. simvastatin for hyperlipidemia: One clinical study reported greater reductions in lipid markers with nattokinase than with the statin drug simvastatin.
- Blood pressure: A separate trial reported that nattokinase supplementation reduced blood pressure in participants with hypertension.
- Fibrinolytic activity in healthy adults: An earlier study found that nattokinase enhanced fibrinolytic (clot-breakdown) activity even in otherwise healthy participants.
Study Limitations
The 2022 plaque study had meaningful limitations worth understanding before drawing conclusions:
- No control group: The analysis used previously collected data from people who took nattokinase. There was no matched group of non-users to compare against, so some of the observed change could reflect other variables.
- Diet was not measured: Saturated fat intake, processed food consumption, and overall diet quality are known to drive plaque formation. These weren’t recorded, so diet is an uncontrolled variable.
- Subgroup significance not reported: The differences between exercisers vs. sedentary, high vs. low BMI, etc., were descriptive rather than statistically tested.
- Population: Participants were older adults with pre-existing mild atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia. Effects in younger or healthier individuals have not been established in this trial.
Sources
- Primary study (open access): PMC9441630 — Frontiers in Nutrition, 2022
- NAD+ Aging Science summary: New Study Reveals: High-Dose Supplement Shrinks Arterial Plaque by 36%
- News aggregator coverage: NeedToKnow.News — March 2026
Additional studies and updates will be added to this page over time.
Where to Buy Nattokinase
We carry Health Ranger Store’s Groovy Bee® Organic Nattokinase 5,000 FU on our affiliate product page. It is third-party lab-tested, non-GMO, and vegan.
Dose context: The 2022 study used 10,800 FU per day. Each capsule of the Groovy Bee product contains 5,000 FU. We are not recommending a specific dose — please talk to your healthcare provider about what is right for you.
→ View Groovy Bee® Organic Nattokinase 5,000 FU
Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It summarizes findings from published scientific studies; it is not a claim by SaltyFuelShop about any product. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Read our full Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure.