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Nattokinase: what is it and how is it made?

Nattokinase is an enzyme named after natto, a traditional Japanese dish of soybeans fermented with Bacillus subtilis natto. As a supplement, the enzyme is offered in concentrated form, without the taste and smell of natto itself.

In this article you can read what nattokinase is, how it is formed, how the amount is stated on the label (FU), how it is offered and what to keep in mind if you take medication. No health claims are authorised in the EU for nattokinase.

Nattokinase: wat is het en hoe wordt het gemaakt?

De oorsprong: natto en fermentatie

Natto wordt gemaakt door gekookte sojabonen te fermenteren met de bacterie Bacillus subtilis natto. Tijdens dat fermentatieproces ontstaat het enzym nattokinase. In Japan wordt natto al eeuwenlang gegeten, vaak als onderdeel van het ontbijt. Omdat de smaak en de plakkerige textuur van natto niet voor iedereen weggelegd zijn, isoleren fabrikanten het enzym en bieden ze het aan in capsulevorm met een gestandaardiseerde activiteit. 

Nattokinase behoort tot de proteolytische enzymen. Voor nattokinase zijn binnen de EU geen gezondheidsclaims goedgekeurd. De informatie hieronder is daarom beschrijvend en bevat geen gezondheids- of medische claims. 

Hoe wordt de sterkte aangegeven?

FU: the unit on the label

The amount of nattokinase is expressed on the label in FU (Fibrinolytic Units), a standardised laboratory measure of enzyme activity. Labels show, for example, 2,000 FU per capsule. That figure says more about the amount of enzyme than the number of milligrams.

  • Compare products on FU per recommended daily dose, not on milligrams.
  • Natto naturally contains vitamin K2; some nattokinase supplements are purified so that they contain no K2. The label will say so.
  • Nattokinase comes from soy. Soy is an allergen; check the allergen information on the label.

How nattokinase is offered

Nattokinase is offered as a single-ingredient formula and in combination with other enzymes, usually in capsules. You will find all options in our enzymes collection. Examples from our range, with the dosage according to the label:

Veelgestelde vragen over nattokinase

Het etiket lezen en waar je op let

Praktische aandachtspunten

If you want to compare nattokinase products, look at these points:

  • Amount: expressed in FU per capsule and per recommended daily dose.
  • K2: does the product contain K2, or has it been purified of it?
  • Allergens: soy; check the allergen information.
  • Capsule: plant-based or not, if you follow a vegan diet.
  • Medication, pregnancy, breastfeeding or planned surgery: consult your doctor first and read the warnings on the label.

Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Keep out of the reach of young children.

A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

No health claims are authorised in the EU for nattokinase. This article contains general product information and is not medical advice.

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