Nattokinase: The Natural Enzyme for Heart, Circulatory, and Long COVID Health

If you're searching for a natural way to support your heart health, improve blood circulation, and potentially assist with long COVID symptoms, nattokinase may be worth your attention. This powerful enzyme, derived from a traditional Japanese food, is gaining recognition for its unique ability to break down blood clots and promote cardiovascular and immune wellness.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what nattokinase is, its health benefits, recommended dosages, clinical trial findings—and its potential role in supporting recovery from COVID-19 and long COVID.

Nattokinase is extracted from fermented soy beans.

🧬 What Is Nattokinase?

Nattokinase is an enzyme extracted from natto, a fermented soybean dish popular in Japan. Natto is made using the bacterium Bacillus subtilis natto, which produces nattokinase during fermentation. While natto has been consumed for centuries, nattokinase as a supplement has only recently gained popularity in the West due to its heart-healthy and clot-dissolving properties.

What makes nattokinase unique is its fibrinolytic activity—the ability to break down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clot formation. This function plays a critical role in preventing thrombosis, maintaining blood flow, and supporting post-viral recovery.

💖 Health Benefits of Nattokinase

1. Supports Healthy Blood Clotting

Nattokinase helps dissolve existing clots and prevent new ones by degrading fibrin. This may reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and stroke.

2. Reduces High Blood Pressure

Multiple studies show nattokinase may lower blood pressure by improving vascular function and reducing blood viscosity.

3. Improves Circulation

By naturally thinning the blood and enhancing flow, nattokinase supports vascular health and oxygen delivery throughout the body.

4. May Support Brain Health

Emerging research suggests nattokinase may reduce amyloid plaque buildup, which is associated with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions.

5. 🦠 Potential Use in COVID-19 and Long COVID

Recent studies and case reports have explored the use of nattokinase in helping patients with long COVID symptoms, particularly due to its ability to break down fibrin amyloid microclots—abnormal, persistent clots found in long COVID patients.

📚 What the Research Says: Nattokinase and COVID-19

🔬 Long COVID and Microclots

A 2022 study published in Bioscience Reports found that nattokinase can degrade spike protein and dissolve microclots formed in the blood of patients with long COVID. These persistent microclots are believed to contribute to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and poor circulation.

Quote from the study:“Nattokinase degraded spike protein S1 and reduced clot burden in vitro.”(Pretorius et al., Biosci Rep, 2022)

🧪 In Vitro Evidence

• Nattokinase showed the ability to break down SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, potentially helping to eliminate viral debris that may trigger ongoing immune responses.

• It may help relieve blood flow restrictions caused by persistent clotting—a hallmark of long COVID.

⚠️ Important Note:

These findings are preliminary and based mostly on in vitro (lab-based) studies and small-scale reports. Larger human clinical trials are still needed to confirm effectiveness in COVID-19 or long COVID patients. However, many functional medicine doctors are now exploring nattokinase as part of integrative post-COVID protocols.

📌 Recommended Dosage

• Typical dose: 100 to 200 mg per day

• Fibrinolytic Units (FU): Look for supplements standardized to 2,000–4,000 FU per day

• Take on an empty stomach to improve absorption

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you're dealing with cardiovascular conditions or post-viral complications.

⚠️ Side Effects and Precautions

While generally safe for most people, nattokinase can increase bleeding risk, particularly if combined with:

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, aspirin)

• Omega-3 supplements

• Before surgery

Also avoid:

• During pregnancy or breastfeeding

• If you have a bleeding disorder

Mild effects like nausea or dizziness have been reported rarely.

📝 Final Thoughts

Nattokinase is a remarkable natural enzyme with clinically supported cardiovascular benefits—and growing evidence suggests it may play a valuable role in recovery from long COVID by helping the body clear lingering clots and spike proteins. Whether you're managing blood pressure, improving circulation, or exploring options for long COVID relief, nattokinase offers a unique and science-backed tool worth considering.

As always, speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you're on medication or managing a chronic condition.