Solaray Nattokinase 100 mg (1,250 FU): Enteric-Coated Systemic Enzyme Support
Your circulatory system is a 60,000-mile highway network responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to every organ and tissue. Solaray Nattokinase delivers a potent, traditional fibrin-clearing enzyme derived from authentic Japanese fermented natto. Designed with an advanced enteric coating, each vegetarian capsule bypasses harsh stomach acids to release active enzymes directly into the small intestine where optimal systemic absorption takes place.
✓1,250 FU Potency: Clinically measured fibrinolytic units.
What Is Nattokinase and How Does It Work in Layman's Terms?
To understand how nattokinase works, picture your blood vessels as smooth garden hoses. When tissue is injured or irritated, your body produces a tough, fibrous protein called fibrin. Think of fibrin as microscopic spiderwebs or sticky mesh netting designed to seal leaks and form protective clots.
Under normal circumstances, your body produces its own natural "cleanup crew" enzyme called plasmin to break down and wash away excess fibrin once the job is done. However, as we age, during periods of physical stress, or with poor circulation, fibrin production can outpace our natural cleanup capacity. Left unchecked, excessive fibrin can cause blood to become sluggish, thicker, and harder for the heart to pump.
This is where Nattokinase steps in. Discovered in 1987 by Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi at Miyazaki Medical College, nattokinase is a natural protease enzyme extracted from natto—a traditional Japanese food made by fermenting non-GMO soybeans with beneficial Bacillus subtilis var. natto bacteria. Nattokinase works through a unique dual action:
Direct Action: It directly snips and breaks down excess cross-linked fibrin webs.
Indirect Amplification: It helps trigger the body's natural conversion of inactive plasminogen into active plasmin, effectively boosting your internal circulatory maintenance crew.
Viscosity Support: By keeping fibrin in check, it encourages natural blood thinning without irritating the stomach lining.
Why Enteric Coating Is Crucial for Systemic Enzymes
Many ordinary nattokinase supplements use plain vegetable or gelatin capsules that dissolve within minutes of entering the stomach. Because nattokinase is an active, delicate protein, harsh stomach hydrochloric acid (pH 1.5 to 2.0) can denature (destroy) the enzyme, turning an expensive circulatory supplement into an ordinary digested protein before it ever reaches your bloodstream.
The Solaray Enteric Advantage: Solaray utilizes a specialized pH-sensitive enteric coating on every VegCap. This shield remains completely intact against harsh stomach acid and only opens once it arrives in the alkaline environment of the small intestine (pH 6.0 to 7.4). This ensures the enzyme is absorbed into intestinal capillaries intact, allowing the full 1,250 Fibrinolytic Units (FU) to enter circulation and do its job.
Clinical Research & Scientific Evidence
Unlike generic health trends, oral nattokinase has undergone extensive clinical and pharmacological evaluation across multiple peer-reviewed trials:
1. Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Circulation
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Hypertension Research, 86 human subjects aged 20 to 80 with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension received oral nattokinase daily for 8 weeks. Researchers observed statistically significant reductions in both systolic blood pressure (-5.55 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (-2.84 mmHg) compared to the control group.
Reference: Kim JY, Gum SN, Paik JK, et al. Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial. Hypertens Res. 2008;31(8):1583-1588. (PMID: 18971533)
2. Acute Fibrinolysis & Clot Clearance Support
A clinical crossover study published in Scientific Reports evaluated the systemic effects of a single oral dose of nattokinase in healthy human volunteers. Blood analysis demonstrated enhanced fibrin and blood clot breakdown products (such as D-dimer concentrations) and an elevation in tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity within 2 to 4 hours post-ingestion.
Reference: Kurosawa Y, Nirengi S, Homma T, et al. A single-dose of oral nattokinase potentiates thrombolysis and anti-coagulation profiles. Sci Rep. 2015;5:11601. (PMID: 26109079)
3. Arterial Plaque & Vascular Health
A comprehensive review published in Biomarker Insights highlighted nattokinase's multifaceted pharmacological benefits, including its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, support normal endothelial elasticity, and reduce markers associated with arterial wall thickening.
Reference: Chen H, McGowan EM, Ren N, et al. Nattokinase: A Promising Alternative in Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases. Biomark Insights. 2018;13:1177271918785130. (PMID: 30013308)
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 VegCap | Servings Per Container: 30
Amount Per Serving% Daily ValueNattokinase (Soybean Fibrinase) (Supplying 1,250 FU [Fibrinolytic Units])100 mg *
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Important Safety, Contraindications & Usage Directions
Because Nattokinase possesses genuine fibrin-dissolving properties, it is essential to observe the following medical cautions:
Prescription Blood Thinners: Do NOT use this product if you are taking prescription anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (such as Warfarin/Coumadin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, or daily high-dose aspirin) without explicit physician supervision. Combining these may increase bleeding risk.
Bleeding Disorders: Avoid use if you have hemophilia or any active internal bleeding condition.
Upcoming Surgery: Discontinue use at least 14 days prior to any planned surgical or dental procedure.
Pregnancy & Nursing: Consult your licensed healthcare practitioner prior to use if pregnant or lactating.
Recommended Directions: Use only as directed. Adults take 1 VegCap daily with an 8 oz glass of water on an empty stomach (at least 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after). Taking systemic enzymes away from food ensures the enzymes target blood circulation rather than assisting in the digestion of dietary proteins. Store in a cool, dry place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does "1,250 FU" mean on the Solaray Nattokinase label?
"FU" stands for Fibrinolytic Units. When evaluating enzyme supplements, milligrams (mg) only tell you how much the powder weighs, whereas FU measures its biological potency—its actual ability to break down fibrin protein. Solaray guarantees an active strength of 1,250 FU per 100 mg VegCap.
Why must Solaray Nattokinase be taken on an empty stomach?
Nattokinase is a systemic proteolytic enzyme. If taken with a meal, the enzyme expends its activity digesting proteins from your food in the digestive tract. When taken on an empty stomach (at least 30 minutes before eating or 2 hours after), the intact enzyme passes into the bloodstream to support cardiovascular circulation and vascular health.
Does Solaray Nattokinase contain Vitamin K2?
Traditional whole fermented natto contains high natural levels of Vitamin K2, which aids regular blood coagulation. Most dedicated, purified nattokinase extracts, including Solaray's enteric-coated formula, are processed to remove or isolate Vitamin K2 so the enzyme's natural fibrinolytic action remains focused and uninhibited.
Can I take Solaray Nattokinase together with prescription blood thinners?
No. You should not combine nattokinase with prescription anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs (such as Warfarin, Eliquis, Plavix, or regular aspirin) without explicit supervision from your prescribing physician. Doing so could lead to an additive thinning effect and an increased risk of bruising or bleeding.
How long does it take for Nattokinase to work in the body?
Clinical pharmacokinetics show that systemic fibrinolytic activity begins within 2 to 4 hours following oral ingestion and remains active in the body for approximately 8 to 12 hours. For blood pressure and arterial benefits, clinical trials observe measurable results after 8 consecutive weeks of consistent daily supplementation.
FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice from a qualified healthcare practitioner.
